Brinnae Erb

Meet Brinnae

“Growth feels uncomfortable—not because you’re failing, but because you’re stepping into places you’ve never been. Be intentional. Live on purpose.”

The type of clients that Brinnae works best with:

Individuals

I’m drawn to working with individuals because I believe in the transformative power of safe, supportive relationships. Having navigated my own experiences with grief, trauma, and personal growth, I understand how vital it is to feel seen, heard, and accepted in the healing process. I invite clients to show up vulnerably, explore the deeper layers of their stories, and reconnect with their inherent strength. In this space, healing begins with courage and self-compassion, where each step forward is a reclaiming of one’s true self. It’s a privilege to witness the resilience that emerges as individuals shed old patterns and move toward greater clarity, peace, and empowerment.

Parents (Including new moms)

I’m passionate about supporting parents as they navigate the complexities of raising children while tending to their own emotional well-being. Parenting can bring up old wounds, challenge identities, and stretch capacities in unexpected ways. I offer a space where parents can pause, reflect, and explore how their own stories and attachment patterns shape their relationships with their children. Together, we work to cultivate greater self-awareness, compassion, and intentionality—allowing for more connected, grounded, and responsive parenting. It’s an honour to walk alongside parents as they grow not only for their children, but for themselves.

Youth

I’m drawn to working with youth because I understand how overwhelming it can feel to face big questions about who you are and where you belong. Having navigated my own journey of grief, identity exploration, and recovery, I’m able to meet young people with empathy, understanding, and a supportive presence. Adolescence can feel like navigating uncharted territory, and my role is to be a steady, grounding force as you work through the challenges of growth, change, and self-discovery. In our time together, I hope to offer a safe space where you can explore who you are, uncover your strengths, and build the confidence to move forward with clarity and resilience.

Brinnae uses the following Therapeutic Modalities in her work with clients

Client’s that Appreciate Brinnae’s Therapeutic Approach tend to be:

•  Curious and open to self-exploration and sharing their stories, even if they feel hesitant or guarded at first.
• Interested in understanding how past experiences shape present thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
• Ready to explore their healing within a compassionate, supportive relationship where they can truly be themselves.
• Appreciative of a grounded, compassionate presence that offers both reflection and gentle challenge.
• Recognize that true healing emerges through connected relationships and deep self-reflection.
• Motivated to grow—not only for themselves, but to evolve as individuals, parents, and partners, fostering deeper, more meaningful connections throughout their lives.
• Mountain-oriented folks and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a therapist who understands their lifestyle.
• Youth and young adults who are open to exploring their inner world and navigating identity, emotions, and relationships with support.
• Deep thinkers wrestling with big existential questions and wanting space to explore meaning and identity.

What’s one thing you wish more people understood about mental health?

That slow is fast. In a world that promotes quick fixes and instant results, it’s easy to feel like we’re falling behind when change takes time. But real healing, growth, and self-understanding are gradual processes that can’t be rushed. The more gently and compassionately we meet ourselves, the more space we create for meaningful, lasting change.

After years of moving through wild landscapes—both personally and professionally—I’ve come to see how closely our inner worlds mirror the terrain of nature: vast, diverse, beautiful, and sometimes daunting. Embarking on the journey of self-discovery takes real courage. It means navigating uncertainty, facing what lies beneath the surface, and being willing to let go of patterns that no longer serve us. The path isn’t linear, and setbacks are inevitable, but each challenge offers a chance to grow, learn, and build something new. Just as we seek companionship in the wilderness, healing is supported by connection—with others who can walk beside us with compassion, encouragement, and care.

Professional Background

What first drew me to counselling was the power of being truly seen and accepted in moments of struggle. I’ve come to believe that healing often begins not with solutions, but with presence—with someone willing to sit with us in the dark. That kind of connection can be profoundly transformative, and it’s the foundation I aim to offer in my work with others. My journey began in 2013, when I moved from the rural Midwest in the U.S. to Alberta, Canada, to pursue a degree in Adventure-Based Counselling—a unique program blending traditional therapeutic approaches with outdoor leadership. This foundation shaped my early work in programs like Shunda Creek, a 90-day wilderness recovery program for young men, where I facilitated intentional, relationship-centered healing experiences. Over the years, both personally and professionally, I’ve seen how healing unfolds when stories are heard, honored, and held with care. These experiences led me to complete my Master’s in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University.

Since then, my work has expanded beyond wilderness settings into private practice, non-profits, and public health. While I continue to value the grounding influence of land-based healing, my approach is rooted in relational, trauma-informed, and holistic care. I’m passionate about supporting individuals from all walks of life as they explore their stories, reconnect with themselves and others, and move toward more empowered, authentic ways of being.