Meet the Mental Health Team

ryan-cropped-2021.jpg

Mr Ryan Jacobson, M.Ed., R. Psychologist (he/him)

Since graduating from the U of A (M.Ed, Counselling Psychology) in 2014, Ryan has focused his clinical practice on formal assessment and treatment of various mental health, interpersonal, adjustment and learning-related challenges. He works primarily with adults in outpatient settings, and enjoys the process of connecting and collaborating (co-labouring) with patients to facilitate healing, improve functioning, and promote health and wholeness.

While diverse and integrative in his approach, Ryan primarily utilizes theories and techniques based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

 Christina S

Ms Christina Spinelli, R. Psychologist (she/her)

Christina is a Chinese-Italian psychologist who earned her PhD in Counselling Psychology in 2023. She is passionate about supporting emerging adults as they navigate life and career transitions, manage perfectionism, anxiety, or depression, process trauma and grief, and explore their identity and relationships.

Christina views therapy as a genuine collaboration rooted in humility, trust, curiosity, and humour. Her trauma-informed approach is depth-oriented and attuned to intersectionality. By integrating psychodynamic therapy and existential themes with mindfulness and compassion, she supports clients in understanding their core patterns and values as well as empowering their agency.

Issues for which you can access psychological support:

  • Mood disorders (Depression, bipolar disorder, etc.)
  • Anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, phobias
  • Trauma, sexual abuse/assault, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Eating disorders and disordered eating
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Sexual orientation, identity and gender expression
  • Stress management and burnout
  • Critical incidents and vicarious trauma
  • Self-harm and emotion regulation
  • Relationships and family concerns

Treatment Modalities

  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Exposure and Response Prevention (EXRP)
  • Prolonged Exposure (PE)
  • Humanistic
  • Mindfulness
  • Gottman method (couples therapy)