Gita Ward, BA, MSW, RSW
Registered Social Worker

About Gita Ward

I am the founder of True Living Counselling. I work with adults and teens who are presenting with a variety of issues and diagnoses such as addictions, depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), psychosis, schizophrenia, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), borderline personality disorder (BPD), relationships, anger management, life stress, self-harm,  and suicidal ideation.

I have a specialized interest in Anxiety Disorders including: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Social Anxiety, Panic Attacks and Generalized Anxiety. I also enjoy working in the area of general trauma including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).

I enjoy working in an empathetic and collaborative manner in order to provide you with individualistic service that best suits your needs. I am honoured to be a part of many peoples' journeys to personal growth and wellness. My work energizes me as I see the potential for achieving a life worth living and goals worth achieving. My clients tell me that I am very understanding and non-judgmental and surprised by how fast they feel better by attending therapy. I look forward to meeting you and developing goals together in a collaborative manner to achieve what you want in life. When you are ready for a change or to explore the possibility of change please contact Gita Ward.  

My Professional Experience

I have been working in a variety of mental health, addiction and social settings for over 10 years and have a passion for the field. I have extensive experience providing counselling services to various populations in mental health and addictions. I have worked in inpatient, outpatient and community settings.  I currently work with Alberta Health Services as a Registered Social Worker providing counselling/psychological services to the adult population. 

Education and Training

I graduated from the University of Prince Edward with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and I have a Master's degree in Clinical Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University. I strive for ongoing professional development and have completed the following training:

• Advanced Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
  
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Trauma Informed Relationships
• David Burns Advanced Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) Intensive for Anxiety, Depression and Trauma
• Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Training
• Beck Institute (founder of CBT) CBT and CBT for anxiety disorders
• CBT 30 hour Certificate through the University of Calgary
•  Gottman Training Level 1 and Level 2
•  Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD
•  Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
•  Mindfulness and Mindfulness Based CBT
• ​10 Ways to Manage Anxiety and Depression by Margaret Wehrenberg
• Cognitive Behaviroural Social Skills Training
• Suicide Risk Assessment
• Addiction Assessment Tools
• Mental Health First Aid
• ​Crisis Intervention
•  I am registered with the Alberta College of Social Workers and authorized to Perform Restricted Activities

Fun Facts

​ I love to travel the world to meet new people and learn about all of the amazing cultures the world has to offer. All of the pictures on this website are from different areas I have traveled to and surrounding areas of Okotoks. I love to spend time with my family and my pug, Walter. I strongly believe in giving back to the community and building stronger communities through education, so I started an ongoing bi-yearly scholarship for GED graduates to pursue higher education.  I am originally from the East Coast and do enjoy going home to Prince Edward Island once a year to visit the ocean, red sands, family, and eating delicious PEI potatoes, mussels and lobster.