Alexis Ruettnauer (Child and Youth Counsellor) provides therapy to children, youth, and families through the Community Counselling Program in Yellowknife. Alexis utilizes a blend of therapeutic approaches in her work including strengths-based, emotion-focused, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

Alexis loves incorporating play, art, and physical movement in sessions, allowing her clients’ individual personalities and interests to shine through and become an important component in therapy. Alexis believes it is essential as a counsellor to hold positive regard and hope for her clients, through trauma and attachment informed ways of understanding the challenges they bring to therapy.

One of Alexis’ favourite skills for coping with intense or overwhelming emotions is called ‘TIPP’ – an acronym used in DBT therapy.

T: Temperature (splash cold water on your face, squeeze ice cubes, etc.)

I: Intense Exercise (run around the block, hit a punching bag, etc.)

P: Paced breathing (any kind of intentional deep breathing technique)

P: Paired muscle relaxation (tightening and then releasing various muscle groups)