Home Robert Valela Adult and Couples Therapist

Adult and Couples Therapist

Robert Valela smiling while outdoors, excited to provide therapy.

Hi! I’m Robert Valela

I’m a Registered Provisional Psychologist specializing in therapy for adults and couples, and Canadian Military Veteran, Intelligence Officer (Navy Lieutenant, Honorably Discharged), in Edmonton, Alberta, blending years of expertise in psychology, military intelligence, business, and technology.

Moved by the mental health struggles of loved ones and fellow military members, I transitioned from business to the military and then into psychology. My personal experiences with trauma fuels my passion for helping others overcome challenges, strengthen relationships, and achieve meaningful, positive change.

I’m honest and direct—therapy isn’t a quick fix, but with commitment and effort, both in and out of sessions, it can lead to lasting change. My approach combines practical conversation with proven, skills-based techniques for straightforward, real results.

As a therapist and lifelong learner with advanced degrees, certifications, co-authored research, and recognized with honours, I stay up-to-date with the latest knowledge and techniques to support my clients’ well-being.

Empty chair near couch in comfortable office for personalized therapy that works.

Therapy That Works

It’s normal to question if therapy is necessary or if you can manage on your own. While handling things alone is admirable and possible, therapy provides valuable support, insight, and skills that can be hard to acquire on your own. Therapy is more than just talking or symptom management—it’s about gaining insight and building practical skills to reclaim your quality of life and develop lasting resilience.

As your therapist, I offer a private, judgement-free space where you can freely express challenging thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Together, we’ll make sense of what you’re going through and find concrete steps forward. In therapy, we’ll work through your challenges, so you feel less overwhelmed and more prepared for what’s ahead.

Whether you’re dealing with intrusive thoughts, overwhelming emotions like stress, anger, grief, guilt, or shame, communication issues, or trauma from combat, abuse, assault, accidents, affairs, or loss, I’m here to help. I’ll support you through challenges such as post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, panic, burnout, insomnia, relationship issues, ADHD, life transitions, and more. In therapy, you won’t face these struggles alone while juggling the demands of daily life.

My is approach collaborative and practical, it combines personalized guidance and strategies proven by research to be effective so you can identify and overcome obstacles and deepen your understanding of yourself and your relationships for long-term, meaningful change.

Post-traumatic Stress

If you are stuck after trauma:

I’ll help you process your trauma and its intense thoughts and emotions so you can get unstuck and feel better.

Relationship Challenges

If you and your partner struggle to connect:

I’ll help you reconnect through couples therapy by enhancing communication, understanding, and resolving issues.

Anxiety

If you cannot get out of your head:

I’ll help you calm racing thoughts so you can navigate uncertainty.

Panic

If you are overtaken by fear:

I’ll help you stop panic attacks, so you can reclaim your life.

Depression

If you are lost in despair:

I’ll help you lift your mood, regain motivation and energy, find joy, and rebuild social connections.

Burnout

If you are completely spent:

I’ll help you reduce pressure, stress and strain, and identify your values for a more fulfilling, balanced life.