About GenLift Counselling
As a mother to two wonderful girls, and with years of experience working in both school systems and youth treatment facilities, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside many young people during some of their most challenging—and defining—moments.
What I’ve noticed time and time again is this: while many youth are given tools to manage their struggles, they’re not always empowered to believe in themselves or reach their full potential. In a world where instant gratification is often expected, and resilience feels harder to come by, today’s youth need more than just coping strategies—they need connection, encouragement, and someone who truly sees them.
That’s why I do this work.
I want the youth I support to feel motivated and confident, to know they’re not alone, and to believe they’re capable of facing whatever comes their way. I believe every child and teen deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued—and to know that someone is firmly in their corner.
And it’s not just about the youth. As a parent, I know how deeply we want to support our kids, even when we’re not always sure how. I work with families to help parents better understand their children, advocate for them, and strengthen their relationships—because when kids feel secure at home, they’re more likely to thrive out in the world.
This work is personal. It's professional. And it's my passion.
Meet Amie Staniloff
MSW, RSW, TPP
Amie is a child and adolescent counsellor who combines deep expertise with a warm, practical approach. With 13 years of experience—and 9 years as Head of Counselling at a leading school specializing in ADHD and anxiety—she understands the unique challenges young people face both emotionally and academically.
Her training includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Attachment-Based Family Therapy and Play Therapy, allowing her to tailor each session to fit the individual needs of the child or teen.
Amie’s extensive work within schools means she’s not only skilled in therapy but also highly knowledgeable about school-based supports like Individualized Program Plans (IPPs). She partners closely with families to help them advocate effectively and navigate the education system with confidence.
While her professional background is rooted in schools, Amie also brings the perspective of a parent, which adds a relatable and compassionate dimension to her work with families.
Whether working directly with young clients or supporting parents through transitions and school challenges, Amie’s approach is always focused on empowering children and teens to develop the emotional skills they need to thrive.
Therapy Approaches
Everyone’s journey is unique, so we draw from a few different therapeutic approaches to meet clients where they’re at — always with warmth, empathy, and a focus on what will work best for each individual or family.
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Play-Based Therapy
Sometimes the best way for kids to express themselves isn’t through words — it’s through play. With training in therapeutic play skills, we create a space where children can process emotions and experiences through creative activities like storytelling, art, and games.
Who this is helpful for: Younger children or kids who find it hard to talk about their feelings in traditional ways.
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps kids and teens recognize unhelpful thought patterns and shift them toward something more balanced and supportive. It’s practical, skill-based, and often includes learning tools to better manage stress, big emotions, and everyday challenges.
Who this is helpful for: Kids and teens dealing with anxiety, negative thoughts, or stress who want practical strategies to feel better day-to-day.
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT helps young people make space for tough thoughts and feelings instead of getting stuck in them. The focus is on identifying what really matters to them and taking small, meaningful steps in that direction — even when life feels overwhelming.
Who this is helpful for: Teens and young adults struggling with difficult emotions who want to find peace and focus on what matters most to them.
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Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
DBT gives kids and teens tools to handle intense emotions, improve relationships, and navigate tough moments. It’s especially helpful for those who feel emotions really deeply. Through mindfulness and coping strategies, they learn to respond instead of react.
Who this is helpful for: Young people who experience intense emotions, mood swings, or difficulties managing relationships.
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Solution-Focused Therapy
This approach is all about what’s working and where we’re headed — not just what’s gone wrong. It helps our clients build on their strengths, set realistic goals, and move forward with clarity and confidence.
Who this is helpful for: Teens and families ready to focus on solutions and build positive momentum.
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Individual Program Plan (IPP) Support
With over a decade of school-based experience — including leading counselling at a specialized private school — Amie brings deep insight into psychoeducational assessments, IPP development, and advocacy. She helps parents and students understand school-based supports and makes sure the right strategies are in place.
Who this is helpful for: Parents and teens navigating learning disabilities, psychoeducational assessments, and tailored school support plans.
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Post-Secondary & Career Planning
Whether your teen is choosing courses or dreaming about university, we help them navigate the path forward. From understanding admission requirements to exploring career options and applying for scholarships, we offer clear, personalized guidance to take the pressure off big decisions.
Who this is helpful for: Teens and families preparing for life after high school who want expert support on academic and career planning.
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Attachment-Based Family Therapy
Rebuild trust and strengthen the connection between children, teens, and their parents or caregivers — especially when there’s been conflict or emotional distance. It helps foster understanding, repair communication, and create a sense of emotional safety at home.
Who this is helpful for: Families navigating conflict, disconnection, or communication breakdowns who want to feel more supported and connected.
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Conflict Resolution & Communication
We help families, parents, and young people work through conflict in healthy, respectful ways. By building stronger communication skills and learning to listen and respond with empathy, clients feel more confident navigating tough conversations and everyday tension.
Who this is helpful for: Families and young people wanting to improve communication and find peaceful solutions to disagreements.
Frequently Asked Questions
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From your very first session, our goal is to create a welcoming, supportive space where your child or teen feels safe, seen, and heard.
Sessions are goal-oriented and tailored to the unique needs of each client. That means we’ll work together to identify what’s going on, where support is needed, and how we can help your child move forward with confidence.
Expect collaboration, practical tools, and a kind, straightforward approach every step of the way.
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Yes. Before we begin, we’ll ask for parental consent and a few intake forms to help us get a clear picture of your child’s needs.
Don’t worry—we’ll walk you through everything and make the process as smooth as possible.
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Individual sessions (either in person or virtual) are $180 and are about 50 minutes long.
Family sessions are also $180 and take place in our Calgary office. If you’re unsure which type of session is the best fit, we’re happy to talk it through with you.
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At GenLift, we believe in making our services accessible to as many people as possible. We are committed to working with you to find a solution that fits your budget.
Please reach out to us directly to discuss your needs, and we’ll do our best to accommodate and find a suitable arrangement. Your well-being and access to our services are our top priorities
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At this time, we don’t offer direct billing to insurance providers.
However, you’ll receive a detailed receipt after each session that you can submit for reimbursement.
Coverage varies between plans, so we recommend checking with your provider to confirm whether services with a Registered Social Worker (MSW, RSW) are included.
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That really depends on your child’s needs, goals, and progress.
Some families come for a few sessions to work through something specific, while others benefit from ongoing support. We’ll check in regularly to make sure therapy continues to feel useful and aligned with your goals.
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Life happens—we totally get it! If you need to cancel or reschedule, we ask that you give at least 24 hours' notice.
Missed appointments or late cancellations may be subject to a fee equal to the session cost.
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Yes! We offer secure, virtual therapy sessions for families across Alberta. Whether in person or online, we aim to make therapy as comfortable and accessible as possible.
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Great question. While sessions are focused on the child or teen, we believe supporting the whole family is key.
We often collaborate with parents to share insights, strategies, and school-based recommendations—especially when it comes to navigating challenges at home or in the classroom.
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Yes. With years of experience working directly in school settings—including as Head of Counselling at a specialized school—Amie has a deep understanding of educational supports.
Whether you need help interpreting a recent assessment, building an IPP, or figuring out how to advocate for your child’s needs, we’re here for that too.
Start with a Free 15-Minute Parent Consultation
Wondering if this is the right fit? We offer a complimentary consultation so you can ask questions, get a feel for our approach, and see how we can support you and your family.
Let’s take the next step together.