Robert Valela, Psychologist & Veteran

Helping veterans, first responders, adults, and couples heal from trauma, anxiety, and operational stress—so they can move forward with confidence.

Offering online therapy Alberta-wide and in-person in Edmonton.

Book a Free 15-Minute Online Consultation

Robert Valela is a Registered Psychologist independently verified by Psychology Today.

I’m a psychologist and veteran who provides personalized, evidence-based therapy for individuals and couples. I support veterans, active CAF members, RCMP and police officers, correctional officers, firefighters, paramedics, healthcare professionals, and people working in demanding careers—including technology, finance, business, and the skilled trades—as well as anyone seeking support for trauma, anxiety, stress, or relationship challenges.

Whether you’re serving others, leading under pressure, or managing the demands of everyday life, I understand how high-stress work can affect your wellbeing, relationships, and sense of purpose. My goal is to help you build resilience, strengthen emotional wellbeing, and create a life that feels balanced, fulfilling, and true to your values.

You may feel overwhelmed, but you can restore balance.

How I Can Help

Personalized, reliable therapy that works.

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.

resolve trauma

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.

reignite connection

Anxiety

If you cannot get out of your head:

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

ease uncertainty

Panic

If you are overtaken by fear:

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

Regain control

Depression

If you are lost in despair:

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

lift despair

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.

restore balance

RV Therapist Robert Valela Therapy Room Psychologist 20260420

RV Therapist Robert Valela Seating Therapy Psychologist 20260420

RV Robert Valela Psychologist Therapist Seating Client View 20260420

RV Therapist Robert Valela Psychologist Client Waiting Area 20260420

RV Therapist Robert Valela Therapy Client Reception Psychologist 20260420

Settle into a warm, welcoming space designed with your comfort in mind—relaxing seating, complimentary water and snacks, a charging station, and calming sensory tools. From friendly reception to free parking and a warm waiting area, everything is here to help you feel at ease.

Let’s Chat!

Book a Free 15-Minute Online Consultation

Robert Valela smiling while outdoors, excited to provide therapy.

Hi! I’m Robert Valela

I’m a Registered Psychologist and Canadian Armed Forces Veteran—formerly a Navy Intelligence Officer—based in Edmonton, Alberta. I specialize in therapy for adults and couples, drawing on years of experience in psychology, military intelligence, business, and technology.

My path to psychology was shaped by witnessing the mental health struggles of loved ones and fellow service members. After careers in business and the military, I found my purpose in helping others overcome challenges, strengthen relationships, achieve positive growth, and live with greater balance and meaning.

I’m honest and direct—therapy isn’t a quick fix, it takes commitment and honest work both in and out of sessions. My approach is straightforward and practical, blending real conversation with proven, skills-based techniques (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy; CBT) that create real results and lasting change.

As a University of Alberta graduate and lifelong learner with advanced degrees, certifications, published research, and recognized with honours, I stay current with the latest evidence-based practices to ensure my clients receive the best therapy and care possible.

You wouldn’t head into the backcountry without knowing your route and trusting who’s guiding you. Therapy should work the same way—you should understand the path we’re taking and have confidence in the person leading it.

about Robert

Overwhelmed or unsure, you can steady.

Comfortable seating for individuals and couples, with a complimentary charging station to help you settle in. Convenient hangers located to your left.

You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Alone

It’s common to wonder whether therapy is the right step—or whether you should be able to handle things on your own. The reality is that seeking support isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s an investment in your mental health, your relationships, and your future.

Therapy is more than a conversation. It’s an opportunity to better understand yourself, develop practical skills, and build lasting resilience so you can navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence and clarity.

Our sessions provide a confidential, judgement-free space where you can slow down, make sense of what’s weighing on you, and work toward meaningful change. Together, we’ll identify practical strategies that fit your goals, helping you feel more grounded, regain balance, and move forward with purpose.

Whether you’re struggling with trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, panic, ADHD, insomnia, burnout, grief, guilt, anger, relationship challenges, or major life transitions, you don’t have to face it alone. I work with individuals and couples to address the challenges affecting their wellbeing, relationships, and quality of life.

My approach is collaborative, evidence-based, and down-to-earth. By combining proven therapeutic techniques with genuine connection, I’ll help you develop the insight, skills, and confidence to create meaningful, lasting change.

how therapy works

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Feeling overwhelmed?

Find your footing with GROUND—a free, practical program rooted in CBT and Mindfulness that helps you understand anxiety, traumatic stress, panic, and common relationship challenges, so you can build tools for resilience and everyday calm. Why is GROUND free? Because everyone deserves access to evidence-based tools that support emotional well-being.

try GROUND

You may feel lost, but you can regain direction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Finding the right therapist is an important step toward feeling better. Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions people ask me before starting therapy.

What makes your approach different from other psychologists?

As a Veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces and former Business and Human Resources Professional with the Royal Bank of Canada and GMC Software Technology, I bring both professional training and lived experience to my practice. I understand the toll of high-stress environments, demanding workloads, anxiety and trauma, and how these can shape daily life and relationships.

My work is grounded in real-world insight—going beyond what can be taught in a classroom or found in a book. My approach combines evidence-based therapies—such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Cognitive Behavioural Conjoint Therapy (CBCT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ExRP) and mindfulness—with a strong focus on safety, trust, openness, and collaboration. My goal is to create a space where you feel understood and supported as you work toward healing.

Do I need to be a Veteran or first responder to work with you?

Not at all, I also work with the general public. While my background and expertise helps me specialize in therapy for Veterans and first responders, my practice is open to anyone experiencing PTSD, anxiety, depression, or relationship challenges. Whether your stress comes from service, work, business, trades, athletics, or personal experiences, I offer strategies and support tailored to your situation. You don’t need to have a military, law enforcement, or emergency response background to benefit from trauma-informed care.

What can I expect during our first session?

The first session is about getting to know you and understanding what brings you to therapy. We’ll talk about what’s been going on, what you’d like to change, and what you hope to get out of therapy. I’ll explain how the process works, answer any questions you have, and we’ll move at a pace that feels comfortable. It’s a safe, confidential space—there’s no judgment, no pressure, and no expectation that you share more than you’re ready to.

Do you offer therapy for couples affected by PTSD or anxiety?

Yes. When trauma or anxiety affects one person, it often impacts the entire relationship. I offer couples therapy that helps partners understand how stress and trauma show up between them—and how to rebuild communication, trust, connection, and closeness. Using Cognitive Behavioural Conjoint Therapy (CBCT), we work together to strengthen connection and create a sense of safety and teamwork within the relationship. Learn more on the Couples Therapy page.

How does billing work, and is therapy covered by insurance?

Session fees ($235 an hour) are billed at the end of each appointment and can be paid by e-transfer, credit card, or direct billing where available. Many extended health plans and insurances cover sessions with a Registered Psychologist, and I can provide detailed receipts for reimbursement. Learn more on the Therapy Rates page.

If you’re a CAF military member, Veteran, first responder (e.g., RCMP, fire-fighter, paramedic, corrections), or Government of Alberta (GOA) employee coverage may also be available through VAC, CAF, or RCMP with Medavie or Alberta Blue Cross, the Employee Workplace Wellness unit of the Public Service Commission (PSC; GOA), or another insurance provider (e.g., Canada Life or Sun Life). I’m happy to help you navigate your options so you can focus on getting better—not the paperwork.

Please note, your supervisor(s) and/or manager(s) will not be notified of our work together.

Is it possible for my employer, school, or another institution to obtain information from our therapy sessions?

Everything you share in our therapy sessions is private and confidential.

Unless required for coordination with your insurance provider or employer, or to pursue a claim on a delinquent account through a collection agency, no information will be shared. If needed, only essential details, like billing, receipts or contact information, will be provided.

Your privacy and confidentiality are my top priorities. No matter which service you use, your data will be handled securely in accordance with the Privacy Policy.

Curious to learn more? Read the full FAQ →

Let’s Chat!

Book a Free 15-Minute Online Consultation