Hoda Samadi, Registered Provisional Psychologist

I joined Aspirations in 2020 trained as a mental health practitioner from mainly a clinical background. Aspirations Inc. and Training Centre, under the supervision of Dr. Lynne M. Kostiuk, has reminded me of the heart and importance of connecting with prospective clients on a personal and more profound level than strictly from the vantage point of symptom management. Dr. Kostiuk thrives to help individuals find their personal power. It is from this seed of empowerment that catalyzes a transformation toward becoming fully functioning, soulful beings beyond the extension of any of their psychological limits. Training within this perspective has allowed me to grow personally and professionally to become a better psychologist, as well as a better human being.

Jan Gilroy, Registered Psychologist

I had the wonderful opportunity of training under Dr. Lynne Kostiuk at Aspirations Inc. At first, I worked with Lynne as an external supervisor. After 3 months, I decided to join her team. This decision was one of the best decisions I have made as the growth and learning that followed was irreplaceable.

I felt that the services that Lynne provides to be most valuable. I greatly appreciated: individual supervision, training meetings, and treatment team meetings. The training meetings focused on increasing our skills as counsellors. This time allowed the registered provisional psychologists to meet and learn from Lynne and each other. Lynne would guide on topics she felt were important or allow us to present questions. Topics that stick out to me included: basic counselling skills, trance work, and working with grief and loss. Another focus in these meetings was on professional ethics. I found these sessions invaluable as we explored multiple ethically dilemmas, allowing us to learn from each other and Lynne. Another important aspect of the ethics meetings was practicing for our ORAL EXAM! This was a great context to develop and practice our answers. Team meetings allowed for case conceptualization and learning from peers and experienced colleagues. I always felt VALUED in these meetings; my ideas were taken seriously and questions were encouraged.

Lynne herself is a wonderful, warm practitioner who is dedicated to her practice and her students. Her style of teaching allows you to grow at your own pace and in the direction that you want. She is knowledgeable in many styles of therapy and encourages everyone to find the style that works best for them. She is also able to push her students to the edges of their comfort zone and towards success. Lynne always has lots of great feedback and presents in a way that makes you feel empowered. I have always found Lynne to be easy to talk to, whether I felt I had limited skills to help a client, because of conflict, or because of personal stress (like writing the EPPP). She was always supportive and helped to draw out my personal strength.

Aspirations Inc. is a warm, welcoming place that encourages experiential learning. Everyone is friendly and committed to both their own growth and the growth of their team members.

I know I would have be able to complete the registration process elsewhere; but I do not feel that I would be the clinician I am today without Lynne and the Aspirations Inc. team. I have grown so much since I began my journey, in ways that have both surprised and delighted me!

Teresa Sampululu, Registered Psychologist

In 2013, I had the opportunity to join the Aspirations Inc. team. It was the beginning of my road to becoming a Registered Provisional Psychologist. With Dr. Lynne Kostiuk's assistance I was able to receive my practice permit. She assisted me with the application to the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) and shared her knowledge and experience of what the process would look like with regards to fulfilling all requirements. She supervised me and provided her support through the process and invested time in helping me study for the ethics oral exam. In the 2 years that I was with Aspirations Inc., I met some amazing people and developed great relationships with fellow students, provisionals, and staff. Aspirations Inc. provided me with a place to grow my skills and build confidence, while facing and overcoming challenges that presented themselves. I am thankful for the clients I was honoured to work with and who trusted me to walk alongside them in their journey. I am also thankful for Aspirations Inc. and Dr. Lynne M. Kostiuk for creating the space and support while I walked my own journey.