best Edmonton Psychologist - Solace Psychology & Wellness
Joshua Rans Edmonton

Meet Joshua (Josh) Rans

M.A., B.Com., Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC)

Hello! I’m Josh, a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) and Certified Counseling Therapist (CT) here at Solace Psychology & Wellness. I hold a Master of Arts in Counselling degree and a Bachelor of Commerce degree through the University of Calgary. 

I am dedicated to walking alongside teens and adults as they navigate life’s more challenging seasons. By building a genuine therapeutic partnership, I provide a grounded space where you can explore your experiences without judgment. My work focuses on helping you tap into your own resilience, develop practical tools for emotional regulation, and move toward a more empowered and authentic version of yourself. I am committed to a collaborative process that respects your unique story and fosters lasting, positive change.

Clinical Overview

Support for the Transition Years. Are you noticing your teen struggling to navigate the mounting pressures of school, social dynamics, or their own sense of identity? I have always felt most at home working with the “transition-age” population—youth and young adults who are navigating the often-turbulent bridge between childhood and adulthood. I provide a supportive, non-judgmental space for teens (ages 13-17) to explore their experiences and build a stronger sense of self.

My work with teens focuses on managing generalized and social anxiety, PTSD/traumaclinical depression, and the intersection of addictive behaviours. I am experienced in supporting youth through high-risk challenges, including suicidal ideation and self-harming behaviors, providing a stabilizing environment for those navigating deep emotional pain. I also support youth experiencing difficulties with emotional regulation, panic attacks, self-esteem, and the stress associated with major academic or life transitions.

My approach involves the use of Narrative Therapy to help teens “externalize” their problems, allowing them to see their challenges as separate from who they are as a person. To provide tangible, everyday tools, I integrate Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills, helping youth develop healthy coping strategies and emotional resilience. My goal is to empower teens to move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling capable and in control of their own stories.

Navigating Life’s Complexities. Adulthood brings a unique set of challenges, from professional burnout and academic stress to the shifting landscape of our personal relationships. I am particularly drawn to working with adults and young adults who feel stuck in cycles of anxiety or overwhelmed by the demands of their current life stage. I focus on creating a grounded, collaborative space where we can untangle these complexities and work toward a more authentic way of living.

My primary areas of expertise involve treating generalized anxiety, depression, PTSD/trauma, and addiction, among other concerns. I provide specialized support for those navigating suicidal ideation and self-harming behaviors, offering a stabilizing and compassionate environment for individuals in crisis. Additionally, I support adults facing executive dysfunction, panic attacks, burnout, and the emotional weight of significant life or career transitions.

I utilize an integrative approach that centers on your unique needs and strengths. I draw heavily on Motivational Interviewing (MI) to help you tap into your internal drive for change and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy to leverage your existing resilience. By combining these with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Narrative Therapy, I help you uncover unhelpful patterns and rewrite the stories that may be holding you back. My goal is to move beyond just managing symptoms to fostering deep, lasting growth and healing.

  • Addictions – (Behavioural); Relapse Prevention 
  • Addictions – (Substance Abuse); Relapse Prevention
  • Attachment Issues 
  • Anxiety and Stress 
  • Bipolar Disorder 
  • Body Image
  • Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
  • Boundaries & Communication
  • Bullying 
  • Burnout
  • Career Transitions/Planning 
  • Depression and Suicidal Ideation 
  • Emotional Regulation
  • Grief & Loss
  • Life Transitions
  • Religious Trauma & Recovery
  • Religious & Spiritual Deconstruction/Topics
  • Self-Esteem & Confidence
  • Sleep Concerns
  • Teen Counselling
  • Trauma, Abuse & PTSD
  • Work / School / Life Balance
  • Mental Health Documentation & Medical Necessity: Simple, Clear Guidelines that Maintain Quality of Care and Protect Your Practice, Beth Rontal, MSW, LICSW
  • Comprehensive DSM-5-TR Updates: New Diagnoses, Coding Changes & Cultural Considerations, George Haarman, PsyD, LMFT
  • Differential Diagnosis Challenges: Clients with Trauma, Self-Injury, Impulsivity and Other Complex Behaviors, Margaret Bloom, PhD
  • Mastering Differential Diagnosis with the DSM-5-TR: A System-Based Approach, Margaret Bloom, PhD
  • Suicide Prevention, Risk Assessment & Management (SPRAM), AHS
  • Access and Privacy Fundamentals for Alberta Public Bodies (FOIP)
  • HIPAA Compliance Training
  • Psychological First Aid, The National Child Traumatic Stress Network 
  • Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, AHS
  • Basic Life Support, AHS
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy Certification (C-DBT): Practical Clinical Applications for Trauma, Comorbidities, Addiction and More: Practical Clinical Applications for Trauma, Comorbidities, Addiction and More, PESI Canada 
  • Trauma Informed Care Training Course, AHS 
  • Brain Story Certification, Alberta Family Wellness
  • Master of Arts in Counselling, Briercrest University 
  • Bachelor of Commerce, University of Calgary
  • Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)
  • Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta (ACTA)

Outside of the clinic, I am a passionate explorer who has had the privilege of traveling to 40 countries. These global experiences have deeply shaped my worldview and given me a profound appreciation for the universal resilience of the human spirit. Closer to home, I stay grounded by spending time with my loved ones here in Edmonton and staying active through hiking and swimming. I am also a dedicated foodie and coffee shop enthusiast who loves discovering new culinary gems and local spots throughout the city.

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