Frequently Asked Questions
What We Do We connect community members to culture to support healing, offering: ● Culturally Sensitive Mental Health Services – Designed to respect and reflect Indigenous ways of knowing. ● Traditional Healing Practices – Incorporating ceremony, land-based teachings, and ancestral wisdom. ● Community-Centered Support – Strengthening identity through storytelling, and connection. ● Workshops with a Cultural Focus – Providing hands-on learning experiences in traditional knowledge, including medicine teachings, art, drumming, and land-based healing practices. At Braiding Connections, we honor the knowledge of our ancestors while creating pathways for future generations to heal. We believe that culture is not separate from healing, it is the foundation.
Braiding Connections Providers We currently have three counsellors providing services on our team. Indigenous Mental Health Therapist Kelly Hawreliak offers counselling services in addition to being the Vice President of Braiding Connections. Kelly has two decades of experience working within the Indigenous community, always approaching her practice with humility and dedication. Registered Provisional Psychologist Cheryl Cormack-Manning has been working in the mental health field specializing in culturally-informed Indigenous care for years and offers individual counselling sessions. Daniela Chavez-Vega is a Clinical Social Worker whose lived experience as an Indigenous person of South America offers an abundance of wisdom which serves her well in her practice. Daniela primarily runs groups for Braiding Connections As our foundation grows, so too will our team of incredible practitioners!
Parent Permissions Guardian consent for psychological services involving a minor client (under 18 years old) is governed by the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) guidelines and relevant legislation such as the Health Information Act (HIA) and Family Law Act. Informed Consent Requirement: Psychologists must obtain informed consent from the legal guardian(s) before beginning assessment or treatment with a minor, unless the minor is considered a mature minor (capable of understanding the nature and consequences of the service). Who is a Guardian? A guardian is typically a parent or person legally recognized as having decision-making authority under the Family Law Act. If there is more than one guardian (e.g., in joint custody situations), both guardians may need to consent unless a court order specifies otherwise. Documentation: Psychologists must verify and document the legal authority of the consenting guardian, often by reviewing custody agreements, court orders, or other legal documents. Best Interests of the Child: The psychologist must always prioritize the best interests of the child, especially when there are disagreements between guardians or between a guardian and the minor. Disagreements Between Guardians: In cases of conflict, services may be delayed until legal clarity is obtained to avoid ethical or legal breaches. For more detailed guidance, psychologists refer to CAP’s Standards of Practice and Practice Guidelines, which provide frameworks for managing consent, confidentiality, and decision-making involving minors.
How to Book Online To book with a provider click the link below and follow the instructions to create an account, select a practitioner, and find an available time in their schedule.