Elevate was started because we feel that counselling and therapy are more than just about having a place to share their story. Life stress impacts more than your emotions and mental state. Stress affects the whole person. Elevate wants to provide skills and knowledge to heal the entire person.
ECT approaches the ecology of the human experience from an anti-oppressive lens. We identify that each person is unique, and the client is the expert in their problem and not the therapist. We approach the problem as separate from the individual; the problem does not define the person. We are open and empathetic to all lifestyles and backgrounds.
Practitioners
Hover over any of our staff members to read their bio, and select their photo to be taken to their booking page.
Kenny Bodvarson
BSW, RSW
Kenny Bodvarson BSW, RSW
I specialize in working with couples facing relationship challenges and individuals aged 16 and older dealing with issues related to anxiety, mental health, substance use, and identity. My goal is to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings openly.
In our sessions, I utilize a blend of evidence-based therapeutic modalities tailored to your unique needs. These include Narrative Therapy, which helps you reframe and reconstruct personal narratives, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for addressing thought patterns and behaviors, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to enhance communication and connection in relationships.
The approach that I take comes with years of life experience. I grew up in small-town Saskatchewan before moving to the big city where I met my wife of 20 years.
Over that time, I have worn many hats which have influenced my story in a unique way. From being a paramedic to running a group home for vulnerable youth. I enjoy being a Husband to a supportive partner and a father of two young adult children.
The areas that I specialize in are couple and relationship counselling.
Brittany Gervais
BSW, RSW
I grew up in small town Saskatchewan and moved to Saskatoon to complete my Bachelor of Social Work. I spent a decade working in the health sector and have been in private practice since 2018. I am currently completing the Master of Social Work program and am excited to incorporate the wisdom from this experience into my counselling practice.
As a therapist, I believe that you are the expert on you and my role is to guide and support you. Together, we will co-create what therapy looks like for you. I believe tools to help us cope and heal are everywhere- nature, laughter, intuition, moving our body, journaling, etc.- and so I pull from all of these during sessions. Since we naturally tend to focus on our challenges, I make it a priority to highlight your strengths, opportunities, and growth.
I am a proud member of the Gabriel Dumont Métis Local #11. Some things that bring me the greatest joy are my children, martial arts, writing, and a good belly laugh. I am grateful to walk alongside others as they tune into their own guidance and grow through life’s many transitions.
Currently accepting clients who are 16 years and older.
Jelena Mlinarevic
RSW
My name is Jelena Mlinarevic. I am originally from a little town named Cugir, which is located in Romania. I am Croatian on my father’s side, and Romanian on my mothers. My family and I relocated to Saskatoon SK in the early 2000’s. Growing up in Romania, as well as alongside my father’s Croatian traditions, has allowed me to have a broader understanding of various cultures, customs, and how they influence ways of life. I am fluent in Romanian and Croatian and love continuing to learn about various cultures, and beliefs as a way of promoting diversity.
I hold a Bachelors of Arts obtained from the University of Saskatchewan, a Bachelors of Social Work attained from the University of Regina, and am currently completing my Masters of Social Work. During my career, I have worked with children, adolescents, individuals, and families. My passion lies in helping persons overcome barriers and promoting self-empowerment while building on existing individualistic skills.
I approach therapy from a strengths-based, person-centred, and anti-oppressive lens. I believe that clients are the experts in their own lives and at times need some guidance in overcoming life’s challenges. I strive to provide an open, supportive, and confidential environment where healing may begin.
Celeste Fortier
BSW, RSW
I am originally from a small community in North East Saskatchewan and have been living in Saskatoon for the past five years. I enjoy travelling and dipping into new experiences with family and friends. I am passionate about helping children, teenagers, and young adults. I enjoy working with people from diverse backgrounds as I love learning and meeting new people. I approach counselling from an Anti-oppressive lens, understanding that the client's needs come first. My skills in CBT, Non-Violent Communication, and Narrative Therapy help me develop a therapy plan for each client.
Lisanne Hounjet
BSW, RSW
Greetings! I'm Lisanne Hounjet, and I'm dedicated to assisting you in identifying and achieving your goals. I'm committed to creating a safe and supportive space where we can explore and address your challenges. I approach my work from a client-centered, trauma-informed perspective within an anti-oppressive framework. I firmly believe that compassion and authenticity are essential for establishing a successful therapeutic connection.
My journey includes earning a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from the University of Regina in 2017. I've also invested many hours in obtaining various certificates to continually expand my knowledge and expertise.
Beyond my professional life, I'm a devoted mother to two wonderful children who keep me engaged every day. I'm fortunate to have an amazing fiancé who adds excitement to my life. When I'm not working or tending to my family, you'll likely find me engrossed in a good book because I have a deep love for reading.
I am thrilled to be part of the Elevate team and am enthusiastic about further enhancing my professional skills.
Bailey Knot
BSW, RSW
I was born and raised in a small-town North of Saskatoon and moved to the city 5 years ago. I received my Bachelor of Social work from the University of Regina and continue to build on my education every day. When I am not working, I love to travel and spend time with family and friends.
I am passionate about helping young adults and youth from all walks of life. My practice is trauma-informed, client-centered, and anti-oppressive.
Adelle Teneycke
MSW, RSW
My name is Adelle and I grew up in small town Saskatchewan as part of a large extended family. In that big family I learned how to appreciate and interact with lots of different people. That love of people and a desire to help others lead me to becoming a foster parent in 1993. The work I did with foster children inspired me to become more involved. I then enrolled at the University of Regina graduating with a degree in Social Work in 1999. I worked with youth in a facility that had a farm program which lead me to taking EGALA training where I was first exposed to the basics of therapy. This model incorporates a mental health professional and a qualified equine specialist that work together with a horse and a client in a process that was fun, interesting and helped many of the youth we worked with to understand their lives better. As I developed my ability to ask questions and to understand and motivate others it increased my desire to become better at therapy. I enrolled in a Masters program at Dalhousie University in Halifax Nova Scotia. There I completed a field study at Windsor Hospital where I worked on a therapy team that included Psychiatrists, Mental Health Nurses and MSW therapists. I graduated with my Masters in Social Work in 2016. This level of education increased my ability as a therapist and has meant that I have had the opportunity to teach classes as a sessional at the University level along with being selected as lead member of a team that developed recommendations to improve a program that works directly with many youth in the province of Saskatchewan.
I have been involved in private practice since 2018 and continue to do this work because it teaches me how to be a better person and how to help others more effectively. Being part of peoples healing feels like and honor and a privilege. At its best, therapy converts suffering into wisdom. A great session requires both you and I to show up with a willingness to hear one another and commit to understanding what you need to be the best version of yourself. My client base has a broad range; though I began focusing on youth, many of my long-term clients tend to be adults coming for individual therapy. If you are interested in working together you are welcome to meet in in a free video consult to see if it feels like a good fit.
Charlene Robert
BSW, RSW
I am originally from Saskatoon and enjoy playing sports and watching my children play the sports they love.
I have worked with Families, youth and children for 20 years in various capacities. I am passionate about working with individuals, couples and families during difficult times in their lives. I use a client-focused approach by meeting clients where they are in the journey and helping them identify their needs and bring out their strengths.
I obtained my Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Regina and my BA in Sociology through the University of Saskatchewan, and I currently teach at Sask Polytechnic. Education is a lifelong journey for me, and I continue to take training in different types of therapy. I specialize in a Strength-based, anti-oppressive approach as well as Interpersonal Therapy, Narrative Therapy, CBT, DBT and other modalities.
Admin Team
Social Media and Marketing
Emma
Business Administrator
Kelly-Anne
Our Promise:
To identify each person as a unique individual with their own set of beliefs and ideologies
To remain open and respectful to all backgrounds and lifestyles
To provide a safe and trustful space to share their story to find their peace
To be a community led by empathy and understanding to meet the needs of the client
To serve the client in their journey as they are the author of their own story
Types of Therapy we use
Click on a type below to read more
+ Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is an evidenced-based, rapid-eye-movement therapy for the treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, self-esteem problems and other issues. Research shows that the course of treatment averages between three and four sessions. The gains made from ART therapy were still in effect 4 months after its conclusion. The key concepts of Accelerated Resolution Therapy include memory reconsolidating and smooth-pursuit eye movements. Together, these techniques help patients deal with issues like trauma, anxiety, depression, or sleep problems.
+ Narrative Therapy
is a method of therapy that separates a person from their problem. It encourages people to rely on their own skills to minimize problems that exist in their lives.
Throughout life, personal experiences become personal stories. People give these stories meaning, and the stories help shape a person’s identity. Narrative therapy uses the power of these stories to help people discover their life purpose. This is often done by assigning that person the role of “narrator” in their own story.
+ Compassionate Communication
Compassionate Communication gives us the tools and consciousness to understand what triggers us, to take responsibility for our reactions, and to deepen our connection with ourselves and others, thereby transforming our habitual responses to life. NVC is based on a fundamental principle:
Underlying all human actions are needs that people are seeking to meet, and understanding and acknowledging these needs can create a shared basis for connection, cooperation, and more globally – peace.
+ Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychological treatment that has been demonstrated to be effective for a range of problems including depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use problems, marital problems, eating disorders, and severe mental illness. Numerous research studies suggest that CBT leads to significant improvement in functioning and quality of life. In many studies, CBT has been demonstrated to be as effective as, or more effective than, other forms of psychological therapy or psychiatric medications
+ Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a modified type of Congnitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Its main goals are to teach people how to live in the moment, develop healthy ways to cope with stress, regulate their emotions, and improve their relationships with others.
“The problem is the problem; the person is not the problem.”
“Stories become transformative only in their performance.”
“Speaking isn’t neutral or passive. Every time we speak, we bring forth a reality. Each time we share words, we give legitimacy to the distinctions that those words bring forth.”