Alma originates from the Latin word almus, which means ‘kind’, ‘fostering’ or ‘nourishing’. Alma is the Spanish word for ‘soul’.

Life presents many challenges. In our services, we assist our clients in nurturing their whole being (mind, body and soul), while working through tough challenges towards positive change and growth. Our services are respectful and responsive with regard to our clients’ religious and spiritual values, beliefs and needs.

We are located in Saskatoon and are now offering counselling in person, as well as via secure video or phone sessions.

 

Our Counsellors

  • Fred Farthing

    Fred Farthing

    M.Ed., Registered Psychologist (SCP license #412)

    Fred holds a masters degree in Educational Psychology with a focus on counselling for individuals, couples and families. He has been registered with the Saskatchewan College of Psychologists since 2002 and has been a member of the Canadian Register of Health Service Psychologists since 2011.

    Fred has more than 40 years of varied experience in the field of counselling service. This has included working in adolescent treatment programs and alternate education programs within Saskatchewan school divisions. He has worked collaboratively with school personnel, parents/caregivers, psychologists/psychiatrists, the Ministry of Social Services and other mental health support agencies to address the needs of the youth served. In the last 15 years, Fred has provided counselling services for individuals (youth, adults and seniors), couples and families for a counselling agency in the non-profit sector.

    Using cognitive therapy (CBT), family and interpersonal systems therapy and other helpful approaches, Fred strives to help clients in problem solving, addressing life challenges and achieving desired growth. He also relies on important contributions from behavioral models and neuropsychology.

    “I am committed to assisting my clients in discovering and building on personal strengths and gifts. In my experience, this leads to more effective problem solving and to more meaningful experiences of life and relationships.”

  • Ana Martinez-Risco

    Ana Martinez-Risco

    B.A., M.Sc., C.C.C. (#10004846), EMDR Certified Therapist

    Ana moved to Saskatoon with her husband and two daughters from Philadelphia, PA in 2018. Originally from Spain, she earned her Master’s degree in 2003 in Counselling Psychology in the U.S.

    Ana has over fifteen years of clinical experience working with children and families, in Spain, U.S and Canada. While in Philadelphia, she worked as a clinical supervisor at a psychiatric children’s clinic and delivered bilingual clinical services to children and families impacted by trauma. For the past three years in Saskatoon she worked in the non-profit sector overseeing the clinical department and supervising clinicians and Master level students completing their internships.

    Ana views the counselling relationship as the main factor in the therapeutic work where the client’s personal resources are embraced and incorporated. In her practice, she draws from various evidence based modalities such as CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy), Trauma Focused-CBT, Family systems, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Polyvagal Theory.

    Ana offers individual, family and couples counselling for anyone 16 years old and older. Therapy can be provided in English and Spanish.

  • Ivan Panyavin

    M.Sc., Ph.D., CCC-Q

    “The goal of psychotherapy is to insert spaces for reflection where they have not previously existed—and thereby create opportunities to know ourselves more fully, connect with others more deeply, and live life more congruently.” J. Shedler, PhD

    Dr. Ivan Panyavin is a clinician and researcher with a Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling Psychology and a Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. Specializing in cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, Dr. Panyavin offers compassionate and effective therapy services to adults and older adults, fostering positive outcomes and lasting change.

    Fluent in both English and Spanish, Dr. Panyavin ensures accessibility and cultural competence in therapy sessions. With over 20 years of clinical and research experience in health sciences, including neuroscience, neuropsychology, and rehabilitation medicine, Dr. Panyavin has demonstrated expertise in improving patient and caregiver outcomes.

    Throughout Dr. Panyavin’s career, he has significantly contributed to scientific knowledge through peer-reviewed publications, grant funding, and scientific knowledge dissemination. Dr. Panyavin’s impact extends globally, encompassing mentorship, patent applications, and peer review activities.

 Our Services

We are now offering in person counselling as well as via phone or video sessions.

Fees

  • Hourly rates are $150 for C.C.C. or $160 for Reg. Psych.

  • All sessions are 60 mins unless otherwise scheduled by your therapist.

  • Fees are due upon receipt of invoice for service.

  • Fees are payable via e-transfer to almacounsellingplace@sasktel.net OR by credit card (VISA or Mastercard).

  • We do not provide direct third party billing. We will provide you with a receipt to submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement.

If you are submitting a claim to an insurance provider, please ensure the therapist you are seeing meets the criteria of your policy prior to your appointment. Neither Alma Counselling Services or the therapist will be responsible for denied claims.

Cancellation Policy

If you need to cancel an appointment or reschedule, please let us know by email at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours notice and No shows will be charged the full fee.

Emergency Services

We do not provide emergency services. In case of an emergency call Saskatoon Mobile Crisis at (306) 933-6200, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.

Booking Appointments

New Clients

New clients please complete the Contact us form below. Once your submission has been reviewed, you’ll receive a follow-up email with details as to how to access the online booking portal.

Returning Clients

Returning clients book your appointment by clicking the Book an Appointment button below to access the online booking portal.

Contact us (or ask a question)