Meet the Co - Founders
How Our Story Began
Sonder is the understanding that every person carries a rich, complex inner world. At Sonder Counselling Co., this belief shapes everything we do.
We know life can feel messy, overwhelming, and lonely at times. Therapy shouldn’t add pressure—it should offer space to show up exactly as you are. Our practice is built to make healing feel human, warm, and approachable.
Co-founders Sydney and Kelsey met during their Masters practicums and shared a vision: a practice grounded in compassion and authenticity. They created Sonder with the belief that therapy works best when it honours the full complexity of each person’s story.
Here, therapy isn’t about being “fixed.” It’s about being seen, understood, and supported as you find new ways forward. We walk alongside you with care and respect, helping you grow and heal at your own pace.
At Sonder, you’re not just a client—you’re a person with a story. And we’re here to honour it.
Sydney Thackeray
Registered Psychologist (R. Psych)
Hello, and welcome.
I’m really glad you’re here.
Being a psychologist is more than a profession for me — it’s something I care deeply about. Since 2020, I’ve had the privilege of supporting people through many different seasons of their lives, always with a focus on compassionate, evidence-based, person-centred care.
In our sessions, I aim to create a space that feels safe, human, and supportive. Therapy can hold heavy emotions, but it can also bring understanding, relief, and moments of lightness. My hope is that you feel able to show up just as you are and begin to reconnect with your own voice and strengths.
Above all, I want you to know that I get it: life is unpredictable, sometimes overwhelming, and often beautifully complex. Wherever you find yourself in your story, I’m here — to listen, to support, and to help you shape the chapters ahead.
Post Secondary Education:
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Bachelor Degree in Psychology with a Minor in Sociology with Honours
- University of Alberta -
Master Degree in Counselling Psychology with Honours - Yorkville University
Certifications:
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Bilingual: English & French (DELF B2 Certificate)
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Certificate in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)
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Certificate in Internal Family Systems (IFS)
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ASSIT Certificate – Suicide First Aid
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Mental Health First Aid
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Indigenous Canada
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Counselling Adult Survivors of Sexual Assault Certification
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2SLGBTQ+ Inclusive Trauma Informed Care
""When you're healed, you tell the story differently.
The way you see the world, the way you reflect on your past, and the energy you carry all shift when you've reached a place of healing."
- Lisa V. Fields
Kelsey Kalinski
Certified Canadian Counsellor (C.C.C.)
Welcome
I am honoured you are here! Pursuing a career in counselling psychology was a lifelong dream, and having the opportunity to open a practice in the town that I grew up in is a dream come true. My mission is to meet clients where they are currently at and offer compassionate and collaborative therapy that is integrative and rooted in evidence-based practice.
Part of why the word ‘Sonder’ resonates with me so deeply is the understanding that everyone has their own unique story, and therefore deserves unique and individualized treatment in therapy. I believe this not only applies to the modalities that we use, but also the pace to which we move through the therapeutic process. I truly believe that healing is not linear, and am prepared to stick with my clients through the ups and downs, wins and losses, and triumphs and tribulations. I feel that at the heart of therapy is the desire to feel heard and understood, while growing towards becoming your most authentic and empowered self.
Post Secondary Education:
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Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education with a Minor in Educational Psychology
-University of Alberta -
Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology with Honours
- Yorkville University
Certifications:
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Certification Track : Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)
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Level 1 Clinical Training Gottman Method Couples Therapy
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Level 2 Clinical Training Gottman Method Couples Therapy
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Level 3 Clinical Training Gottman Method Couples Therapy
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Gottman Method - Treating Affairs and Trauma (in progress)
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Gottman Method - Couples and Addiction Recovery
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Gottman Method - Emotion Coaching - The Heart of Parenting
Care You Can Trust From
Qualified Professionals
Psychologist
A regulated health professional with a master’s or doctoral degree in psychology who has completed 1600 hours of supervision and the required licensing exams.
They can assess, diagnose, and treat mental health concerns using evidence-based therapy, testing, and interventions. They cannot prescribe medication.
Certified Counsellor
The Canadian Certified Counsellor (C.C.C.) designation from the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.
These professionals have completed a master’s or doctoral degree in psychology and a supervised practicum, ensuring a high standard of training and professional practice.
Psychiatrist
A medical doctor (MD) who specializes in mental health.
Psychiatrists can diagnose mental health conditions, provide therapy, and prescribe medication.
In Alberta, “counsellor” is not currently a regulated term, which means anyone can use the title regardless of education, experience, or training.
ALL THERAPISTS AT SONDER ARE MASTER’S LEVEL CLINICIANS
Sonder Counselling Co.
We believe every life is a story worth telling.