“I am inspired everyday by the people and animals I work with. They teach me about the power and beauty of vulnerability, special abilities, courage and hope”.

Alex is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and equine facilitated counsellor who helped STaRS develop and implement the equine facilitated wellness component. She continues to provide equine facilitated counselling and consultation to the program.

Alex grew up in the Eastern Townships of Quebec and spent most of her childhood outside. It is here where her journey with nature and horses began.

“Nature has always been my sanctuary. If I need grounding, I head to Grouse Mountain. If I am worried, I take a walk at Westham Island. If my spirit needs cleansing, I take a run where I can smell the sea air. And if I am deeply tired, I head home to the shores of Lake Memphremagog where I am rejuvenated. I truly believe that nature can heal and restore. I also believe that horses are nature in its finest form.”

In 2013, Alex decided to pursue a Masters in Counselling Psychology at Adler University. During this time, she completed a social justice practicum at Forest and the Femme, a non-profit organization that seeks to empower marginalized women through nature. Alex also completed a 16 month clinical internship as a counsellor and equine facilitated counsellor at Shamrock Wellness in Abbotsford. In 2019, Alex started her own equine facilitated counselling practice (www.lindsayroadcounselling.com).  She also joined the traditional therapeutic team at ARC counselling in Vancouver (https://arccounselling.ca/profile/alexandra-cope/).

Alex’s approach to counselling is person centred and is founded on connection and presence. “Each person has a unique journey. I want to help people discover and strengthen their own voice and find the path that is right for them. I believe that empathic understanding can help open up space within and allow room for new ways of being to emerge.”

Alex has experience working with trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, life adjustment and relationship challenges. Alex also has experience facilitating therapy groups for trauma, grief and loss, living with addiction and young parents. She is currently working on a program to support individuals living with dementia.

Alex has experience counselling children, youth and adults. Alex is an approved counsellor by First Nation Health Authority and by Crime Victim Assistance Program. She is also currently working towards national certification with the Professional Association for Equine Assisted Wellness and towards professional certification in Focusing Oriented Psychotherapy.

In her free time, Alex enjoys running, hiking, yoga and spending time with family, friends and creatures. She loves art and music and has recently taken up ‘playing’ violin and exploring poetry.