Business Details
Your Trusted Mental Health Partner in Yukon
Northern Focus is a community-based group of professionals dedicated to providing comprehensive counselling services and psychological assessments across the Yukon. Our team employs multidisciplinary approaches to address mental health challenges, trauma, and life transitions, helping clients achieve healthier, more productive lives. With expertise in areas such as complex trauma, addictions, neurodiversity, and family dynamics, we prioritize client-centered care tailored to individual needs. Our practitioners are certified by recognized regulatory bodies, including the College of Alberta Psychologists and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. We specialize in culturally sensitive, trauma-informed therapies, including EMDR, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and narrative approaches, while emphasizing resilience and self-discovery.Our commitment to northern communities extends to workplace wellness, family support, and outreach programs addressing unique regional challenges. We foster collaboration between clients and therapists to create personalized treatment plans grounded in evidence-based practices. With decades of combined experience, our team brings both professional rigor and deep local knowledge to every session. We maintain strict ethical standards and prioritize accessibility, ensuring mental health support is available to individuals, couples, families, and groups throughout the Yukon. Our mission is to empower clients to navigate life's complexities with confidence and clarity.
Services
Trauma Therapy
Addiction Recovery
Family Counselling
Anxiety Management
Grief Support
Neurodiversity Support
Couples Therapy
Youth Mental Health
EMDR Treatment
Crisis Intervention
Highlights and features
- Our team includes registered psychologists with doctoral-level training in clinical psychology
- Specialized trauma-informed care for Indigenous communities and northern populations
- Multidisciplinary approach combining EMDR, CBT, and somatic therapies
- 15+ years of combined experience addressing Yukon-specific mental health challenges
- Culturally sensitive practices developed through rural community engagement
Associations and certifications
- College of Alberta Psychologists
- Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association
- Alberta College of Psychologists
- Canadian Certified Counsellor (C.C.C)
- Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
What people say
Deep cultural understanding
Trauma-informed specialists
Effective EMDR treatment
Youth-friendly approach
Holistic healing methods
Services
Trauma Therapy
Specialized treatment for trauma survivors using evidence-based modalities like EMDR and somatic approaches. Our therapists address PTSD, historical trauma, and complex PTSD through personalized treatment plans. We help clients process traumatic memories while developing coping strategies for emotional regulation.
Addiction Recovery
Comprehensive support for substance abuse and behavioral addictions including gambling. Our approach combines motivational interviewing with cognitive-behavioral techniques to address underlying mental health issues. We offer relapse prevention strategies and support for families affected by addiction.
Family Counselling
Intervention for family conflicts and relationship challenges using systemic approaches. We address intergenerational trauma, parent-child dynamics, and communication breakdowns through structured therapy sessions. Our goal is to improve family cohesion and conflict resolution skills.
Anxiety Management
Targeted interventions for anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety and panic attacks. We employ mindfulness-based stress reduction and cognitive restructuring techniques. Treatment plans focus on developing practical coping mechanisms for daily anxiety management.
Grief Support
Specialized counseling for individuals experiencing complicated grief or loss. Our therapists use narrative therapy to help clients process mourning and develop adaptive coping strategies. We address both recent losses and unresolved historical grief patterns.
People
Sara Galbraith
Registered Psychologist
15+ years in mental health with expertise in trauma therapy and clinical supervision. Specializes in complex trauma, neurodiversity, and family systems. Doctoral candidate in clinical psychology with experience in Yukon communities.
Vishnu Kolothumkattil
Canadian Certified Counsellor
Master's in Counselling Psychology with decade of experience in Yukon's social services. Combines narrative therapy and strength-based approaches. Focuses on personal growth and community empowerment through client-centered care.
Tayo Adamek
Registered Provisional Psychologist
Specializes in trauma-informed therapy for all ages. Trained in EMDR and attachment-focused modalities. Provides culturally sensitive care in Whitehorse and northern rural communities with emphasis on client-counsellor relationships.
Joseph St.Paul Graham
Registered Art Therapist
20+ years experience using creative approaches for trauma and grief. Combines art therapy with traditional counselling. Specializes in cross-cultural communication and meaning-making through artistic expression for Indigenous and northern populations.
Hailey Birnie
Certified Counsellor
Master's in Counselling Psychology with focus on trauma and wilderness therapy. Experienced in treating addictions, domestic violence, and disordered eating. Integrates outdoor therapeutic activities with traditional counselling approaches for holistic healing.
Questions
What mental health services are available in Yukon communities?
We offer trauma therapy, addiction recovery, family counselling, and anxiety management across Yukon, including remote outreach programs tailored to northern living conditions.
Do you provide culturally sensitive care for Indigenous populations?
Yes, our team includes practitioners with specialized training in Indigenous cultural safety and trauma-informed approaches developed through rural community work.
What therapy modalities do your counsellors use?
We employ evidence-based methods including EMDR, CBT, narrative therapy, and somatic approaches, adapting techniques to each client's unique needs and background.
How do I access counselling services in Whitehorse?
Complete our secure online intake form to connect with a registered psychologist or counsellor. We'll match you with the most appropriate therapist for your needs.
Are your therapists registered with professional colleges?
All practitioners are certified by recognized regulatory bodies including the College of Alberta Psychologists and Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.
What mental health support exists for northern families?
We provide family therapy addressing intergenerational trauma, parent-child relationships, and rural living challenges through both in-person and outreach programs.
