Therapy for Men in Alberta
A lot of men are carrying more than they let on. Pressure at work, keeping things together at home, a short fuse, trouble sleeping, or a heaviness you can't quite name. Many were taught to handle it alone, push through, and not make a fuss.
Talking to someone isn't weakness. It's a practical step toward feeling more like yourself. KP Psychological offers confidential online therapy for men across Alberta, including Edmonton and Calgary. Sessions are by secure video, for people who are physically in Alberta at the time of each session.
How stress and depression can show up in men
Depression and stress don't always look like sadness. HeadsUpGuys, a men's mental health program from the University of British Columbia, describes signs that are common in men:
- anger and irritability, rather than crying or talking about sadness
- escaping or numbing, through drinking, risk-taking or other "switching off"
- overworking, or spending every spare hour at the gym or on screens
- physical symptoms, such as aches and pains that don't respond to usual treatment
- changes in sex drive or performance
- pulling away from friends and family, out of shame or not wanting to be a burden
Because these signs don't fit the usual picture, they can be missed, by others and by men themselves.
Why it matters
Many men never reach out, and the stakes can be high. The Mental Health Commission of Canada reports that of the estimated 4,000 suicide deaths in Canada each year, close to 75% are men.
If you're having thoughts of suicide, please reach out now. Call or text 9-8-8 any time. You can also talk about these thoughts in therapy. Saying them out loud is often the first step toward safety.
What gets in the way
HeadsUpGuys names some common myths that stop men from getting help:
- that struggling means you're weak
- that "real men" don't talk about feelings
- that willpower alone should fix it
- that asking for help is letting people down
None of these are true. Depression, stress and trauma are health problems, and they respond to support and treatment. HeadsUpGuys puts it plainly: recovery is possible, even in the darkest times.
What men come to therapy for
Men come to therapy for all kinds of reasons, including:
- stress, pressure and burnout at work
- anger that's costing relationships
- low mood, emptiness or depression
- drinking or substance use that's become a way to cope
- trauma from work as a first responder or in the military, or from earlier in life
- relationship strain, separation or divorce
- fatherhood, family changes and identity
- grief and loss
All men are welcome here, including gay, bi, trans and queer men.
How we work
We start by understanding where you are now, what you have been carrying, and what you want to feel different. Then we plan together, with clear goals.
Kyle's style is calm, collaborative, and direct when needed. Therapy here is practical: skills you can use this week, alongside deeper work when you're ready. Depending on what fits, that may include CBT, DBT skills, Motivational Interviewing and trauma-focused therapy such as EMDR.
You set the pace. You don't have to open up about everything in the first session, and nothing happens without your agreement.
If stress is building up at work, this short video from Kyle covers three signs of burnout to watch for.
Things that can help day to day
- Move your body. Regular exercise helps with mood, stress and sleep.
- Keep one or two people in the loop. A friend, partner or colleague you trust.
- Watch the quick fixes. Alcohol and overworking can feel like relief, but they tend to make things worse over time.
- Use your breath. In this video, Kyle teaches box breathing, a simple way to take the edge off stress.
Who you'd see
You'd work with Kyle Poon, M.Ed., R.Psych (he/him). Men's issues are among the areas he works with, alongside trauma, anger, depression and the stress of front-line work. Kyle is a father and husband, and he believes good therapy is about feeling understood and respected, not just techniques. He currently has a waitlist, and the free consult is a good time to talk about timing.
What therapy looks like here
Sessions are 50 minutes, by secure video, so you can join from home or another private space. How often we meet is up to you. We work it out together, based on what fits you best, including your finances and your coverage.
A session with Kyle is $250. Alberta Health Care doesn't cover psychologists, but many extended health plans do, and we can bill most insurance companies directly. See fees and insurance for details.
Common questions
I'm not sure my problems are "bad enough" for therapy. Should I still reach out?
Yes. You don't need to be in crisis. Many men come in because something feels off, or because the people around them have noticed a change.
Will my employer find out?
Not from us, unless you consent or the law requires it. What you share is confidential, and we'll explain the legal limits of confidentiality at the start.
I'm not a big talker. Will therapy still work?
Many men feel that way at first. Sessions can be practical and focused on what you want to change. We'll find a way of working that suits you.
When are sessions available?
Kyle's hours are Tuesday to Friday, 10 am to 6:30 pm Alberta time. Because sessions are online, there's no travel time, which makes them easier to fit around work.
Do you bill insurance directly?
We can bill most insurance companies directly, so you only pay the part your plan doesn't cover. Tell us your plan at your free consult, and we'll confirm before your first session.
Book a free 15-minute consultation
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