Our Therapist
Kim Silverthorn B.A., R.P.C., M.P.C.C., C.T.
Kim Silverthorn is a registered Master Practitioner of Clinical Counselling (M.P.C.C.) through the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association (C.P.C.A.). She is also a registered Counselling Therapist with ACTA – the Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta. Kim has an Honours B.A. in Sociology and Crime and Deviance from the University of Toronto; and a Diploma of Applied Counselling and Psychology from Kelowna College. She comes to Beaumont by way of central Ontario, the Northwest Territories and northern Alberta.
Kim has worked for more than 30 years providing therapeutic supports for individuals and for families. Her areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, self harm, eating disorders, low esteem, stress, sleep disturbance issues, grief/loss issues and relationship support/couples counselling (this also includes co-parenting support, for couples who do not want to stay together, but who want to provide their children with the best family dynamic possible).
Kim also offers Neurofeedback Training/Therapy to clients who are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, self harm, eating disorders, addictions, sleep issues, migraines, work/sports performance needs, low motivation, self-esteem issues and stress. She also offers Accelerated Resolution Therapy sessions (similar to EMDR but often more effective and faster/easier to use), for clients who would like a different approach to challenging issues (like long-term anxiety, PTSD, childhood trauma, addictions, OCD type behaviours, etc).
And Kim offers a broad range of Professional Development Training opportunities (CEC approved) for various community groups and agencies, throughout Alberta. She facilitates Support Groups and community based Workshops (online and in-person) which address a wide variety of mental health issues. And Kim writes the weekly “Dear Tacit” mental wellness articles that are published in newspapers (hard copies and online) all across Canada.
Kim’s Availability: Kim works out of the Beaumont office, and sees clients in-person and via Zoom, on Mondays to Thursdays (afternoons and evenings, from 1pm to 8:00pm); and on Saturdays (afternoons, from 12 noon to 6pm).
Our Associate Therapist
Janet VanCaeseele B.Sc., R.N., M.C., C.C.C.
Janet VanCaeseele is a clinical counsellor/psychotherapist and holds the designation of a registered C.C.C. (Canadian Certified Counsellor) with the CCPA (Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association). She has a Masters of Counselling Degree. She has also been a Registered Nurse (with AHS) for 16 years and has specialized in mental health support for her patients. Janet provides individual counselling support to youth and adults – she also works with couples (although she has less experience with this). Her areas of expertise include clients who struggle with addictions, anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship issues. She uses a variety of different modalities within her practice including Somatic Experiencing Therapy, Attachment Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), CBT, DBT, ACT, and EMDR trauma treatment.
In session, Janet creates a safe environment where every client feels valued and understood – she strives to help instill hope in the people she works with. Janet is passionate in applying a trauma informed approach as she empowers individuals to heal from their adversity. Regardless of each person’s background and past, Janet believes in focusing on the individual’s potential, strengths, and resilience to improve their own well-being. Janet is a nurturer and helper at heart. She is the mother of two boys, which keeps her very busy. She loves to be active and outdoors. She spends her free time exploring lots of new opportunities and especially enjoys travel, sports, cultural experiences, food, dancing and anything in nature.
Janet’s Availability: Janet works out of two office locations – from the Beaumont office on Wednesday afternoons (from 12 noon to 4:00pm) and Thursdays (12noon to 3pm) and Saturdays (10am to 2:00pm); and from her Sherwood Park office (located at 8 Chancery Way) on Mondays and Fridays (from 11am to 3pm). She is also available via Zoom on these days.
Our Associate Therapist
Barb Plumstead M.A., R.C.C., C.T.
Barb Plumstead is a clinical counsellor/psychotherapist and holds the designation of a Registered Clinical Counsellor (R.C.C.) with the BCACC (British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors). She is also registered as a Counselling Therapist (C.T.) with ACTA (Association of Counselling Therapists of Alberta). Barb has a Masters of Counselling Psychology Degree. She has been a therapist for over 26 years. Barb provides individual counselling support to youth and adults – she is also excellent with couples. Her areas of expertise include clients who struggle with complex trauma, substance and behavioural addictions, abuse, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, grief, sexual health and sexual intimacy in relationships, sexual/gender diversity, and consensual non-monogamy/polyamory. Barb is trained in a wide range of modalities including Solution Focused Therapy, CBT, ACT, and EMDR trauma treatment. She trains at an advanced level with the Developmental Model of Couples Counselling (The Couples Institute) ; ATSIP (Assessing & Treating Sex Issues in Psychotherapy); and Consensual Non-Monogamy (The Institute for Relational Intimacy).
Barb works a lot with clients who struggle with issues that originated in their earliest life experiences – she loves to be able to ‘give back’, and to provide the kind of help and support that she needed when she was younger. Barb struggled (as a younger adult) to face the pain of what she had experienced in her life – she thought she somehow deserved or had attracted the painful experiences she had gone through. In despair and depression, she turned to alcohol to numb the pain, which only dragged her deeper into trouble. Barb understands that substance and behavioural addictions develop as a way of coping with underlying issues such as unrecognized or untreated trauma, abuse, anxiety, depression and grief. To recover from addiction, develop self-esteem and enjoy healthy relationships, the underlying issues need to be addressed. Barb offers an environment of safety and honesty to all of her clients – but especially to those who identify as part of the LGBTQ2AI+ community or are looking for support to explore their sexual identity.
Barb is a lover of animals, nature and music. She feels the animals, birds, plants and trees connect her with the essence of life. Many forms of music stir Barb’s soul in a similar way. She is also an avid reader of both fiction and non-fiction. When she fully retires, Barb knows she will not lack for interesting things to do! However, that’s a long time away – the passion she feels for her work with clients will keep her involved in the counselling profession for many years to come.
Barb’s Availability: Barb works out of the Beaumont office and is available to see clients on Mondays and Wednesdays (from 3:00pm 8:00pm). Barb offers Zoom sessions as well as in-person options.
Our Neurofeedback Training Associate
Jordan Day
Originally from Nova- Scotia, Jordan joins Tacit as the newest Neurofeedback Associate. After receiving her certificate in Medical Office Administration from NSCC, Jordan moved to Beaumont to start her career in the healthcare industry in 2019. With 6 years experience in administration and management, she is well versed in communication, organization, and care coordination.
Along with her interest in the medical field she is also currently taking Psychology courses with the hopes of pursing a career in the field. Jordan brings her fun and empathetic personality and love of helping others to Tacit, eager to assist those on their healing journey. She enjoys being creative, with painting and crafting, as well as spending time in nature.
Jordan’s Availability: Jordan works with Neurofeedback clients only, and provides in-person support during their regular sensor sessions – she does not provide Intake support or offer any counselling to our clients. Neurofeedback Sessions are available on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays (or at other times, upon special request).
Our Neurofeedback Training Associate
Courtney Larkan
Courtney is one of Tacit’s newer Neurofeedback Associate. She has an enthusiasm for providing compassionate support to everyone she works with, and she is excited about being able to help create enjoyable and helpful Neurofeedback Training sessions at Tacit. Courtney is eager to continue to grow her wellness knowledge – so she is currently working on some course certifications in brain development.
In addition to her role on our Team, Courtney also has over eleven years of experience in graphic and web design. As an independent contractor, she has worked with a variety of small businesses and large corporations. Her very successful role as entrepreneur has provided her with great wisdom in developing her problem-solving, technology, and communication skills.
On a more personal level, Courtney has been a Beaumont resident for the past three years. She takes great joy in her role as a beloved “auntie” to her niece and cherishes spending quality time with her family. Courtney has also been a volunteer with the Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS) since 2021. She unwinds by taking walks in nature, painting landscapes, sketching wildflowers, and getting lost in a good movie – The Wizard of Oz being a particular favorite! Kindness, curiosity, and self-improvement are core values for Courtney.
Courtney’s Availability: Courtney works with Neurofeedback clients only, and provides in-person support during their regular sensor sessions – she does not provide Intake support or offer any counselling to our clients. Neurofeedback Sessions are available on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays (or at other times, upon special request).
FAQS
Questions You May Have About Us
If you have never used our counselling services specifically, or counselling services in general, we know you probably have some questions. We believe this section, along with the rest of the website, has the answers you are looking for. However, if cannot find the answers you seek, please feel free to reach out to us.
Tacit Knowledge is a private counselling practice which is based out of Beaumont. Our therapists are physically located in Beaumont, in Edmonton, and in Sherwood Park – and they regularly provide counselling services to people and agencies all across Canada.
Upon request, Tacit is happy to travel to locations all across Canada, as part of the Professional Development/Training options that we also provide.
Our therapists see clients both virtually (via Zoom) AND in-person – in the Beaumont office, in our Edmonton office and in our Sherwood Park office.
The client has the choice of either format for any of their sessions – they do not have to just pick one method of therapy and stick with it all of the time. For example, if the weather is bad or a client is running late for their appointment, they may opt for Zoom sessions, even if they typically see their therapist in-person.
Counselling provides a client with an increased understanding and awareness of self. Our therapists get to know each client by first understanding the challenges that the client is facing from his/her perspective. The therapist then helps the client come from a place of confidence and strength as he/she overcomes those challenges in a successful and healthy way. Counselling is a unique process that is different for every person. Tacit ensures that the therapeutic supports offered to each client is genuine, empowering, and relative to their own personality, needs and strengths. We honour our clients for how far they have already come in their journey, and we feel privileged that the client allows us to join them as they continue to move forward through their counselling process. For more information please click HERE.
Individual counselling sessions are 50 minutes in length. Couples/Family counselling sessions are often 70 minutes long – this provides a little extra time when there is more than one client, in the same session, who will be speaking/sharing.
Confidentiality basically means privacy. A client may share any of the details that are discussed in the counselling session with anyone that they would like to – the information is theirs. But the therapist is bound by the laws of confidentiality and may not share session information with any third party, without the client’s written permission; or unless the issues being discussed fall under the “exceptions” legislation. These exceptions to confidentiality include information that relates to the abuse or neglect of anyone under the age of 18; information relating to a the disclosure of possible plans for suicide or homicide; or information covered under a court order, when a subpoena has been issued for that information.
Clients are encouraged to access any financial coverage and/or support benefits that they may be entitled to receive through their Employee Assistance Programs/Workplace Benefit Policy (please inquire with your health insurance provider regarding the details of your coverage).
Any fees for psychological services that not covered by a Benefit Program may be deducted on a client’s personal income tax return each year, under health care expenses.
Clients who reside in Beaumont can also inquire about their possible eligibility for subsidized counselling supports (offered by Beaumont FCSS) – this is an income-based support program. Tacit offers their own sliding fee schedule as well (which is also income-based).
Tacit Knowledge offers pro-rated workshop rates for non-profit organizations who request our Professional Development/Training services.
Tacit accepts cash, cheque and etransfer payments (to counsellors@tacitknows.com) for all counselling services that are provided. Payment is expected before or immediately after each session. Invoices are not issued. Receipts are provided by email when the payment has been processed. There is a $75 fee for any NSF cheque. There is also a full session payment cancellation fee that applies to any appointment that is missed/cancelled with less than 2 Tacit business days’ notice, prior to the day of the session. For information about rates and fees, please click HERE.
This sophisticated brain training tool was designed by a team of clinical psychologists and it has been used for 30 years. The NeurOptimal® system (used by Tacit Knowledge) measures the differences in the electrical signal emitted from the scalp, from .01 hertz to 64 hertz. This electrical signal is mathematically measured 256 times per second, by voltage changes, and is read through the NeurOptimal® software program which initiates an interruption in the audio/video stream as it detects when a change is about to happen. This small minute interruption is enough for a client to notice. Neurofeedback training allows a client to observe their brain activity and optimize their mindset.
For more information about our Neurofeedback Therapy services, click here.
Yes, definitely! There are many other available community resources that a person can access, beyond Tacit Knowledge. Here are just a few (if you need more, please reach out to us any time, and we will do our best to help you connect to whatever you need):
In General
Mental Health Distress Line – available 24/7 – 780-482-HELP
Access 24/7 (Edmonton support – call, text, go in-person) – 780-424-2424
Suicide Crisis Helpline (Call or Text – 24/7) – 988
Support Groups
Stronger Together – Mental Health Peer Support Group (Online – Facebook – free) https://www.facebook.com/groups/346165803944926
PEP Society- Parents Empowering Parents – Support Group meetings (online and in person) twice a month, in Edm, St Albert and Sherwood Park PEP Society – Parents Empowering Parents (free)
S-Anon – like Al Anon meetings but for friends/family of those addicted to sex (thru porn, infidelity, etc) – only available inperson in Edm and Calgary – but they do seem to offer online options too Find a Meeting – S-Anon (sanon.org)
EDNSA – links to various support groups for people with eating/feeding issues and for the caregivers of people with these issues (some groups have small fee but it can be waived upon request – others, like OA and Anorexics and Bulimics Anonymous, are free) Support – Eating Disorder Support Network of Alberta (edsna.ca)
Free or Subsidy Counselling Options
In The Weeds YEG (for anyone in the hospitality industry) In The Weeds YEG – Let Us Help You In AND Out Of The Kitchen
FCSS Agencies – provide free and income-based subsidy programming, for local residents only – including income tax prep, in-home parenting support, counselling, etc. (There are FCS agencies in Sherwood Park, Fort Sask, Leduc and Beaumont.)
FSCD – parent driven – provide funding for counselling and other support options (respite, community worker, medications, supplies, taxi costs, etc) for kids (under 18) who have special needs physically, psychologically, behaviourally,). There MUST be a formal diagnosis to access services (can be obtained by therapist, medical doctor, etc).
Families can search for sliding fee rates via Psychology Today Psychology Today Canada: Health, Help, Happiness + Find a Therapist CA or Theravive Counseling & Therapy with Values. Find a Marriage Counselor, Psychologist, or Therapist. (theravive.com) – both only list verified therapists.
Alberta Health Services Addiction and Mental Health Supports – including Mobile MH, Help Lines, walk-in counselling services (no pre-booking allowed), etc – and for children and for adults. Adult Services – InformAlberta.ca – View List: Adult Addiction and Mental Health Services – Edmonton Zone Children/Adolesent Services – InformAlberta.ca – View List: Child and Adolescent Addiction and Mental Health Services – Edmonton Zone Senior Services – InformAlberta.ca – View List: Geriatric Addiction and Mental Health Services – Edmonton Zone
Free counselling for First Nations/Inuit clients (they must see a therapist on the NIHB list) – Non-insured health benefits for First Nations and Inuit (sac-isc.gc.ca)
Addictions
PEP Society – Parents Empowering Parents – great resource for all things related to addictions PEP Society – Parents Empowering Parents
Information, resources and AA related meetings for all provinces/communities – including detox and rehab options (seems to be more private organizations) – List of Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings In Alberta, AB (drugrehab.ca)
AA related meetings for Edmonton, Leduc, Sherwood Park (and some other areas) – https://edmontonaa.org/meetings
Marijuana Use Disorder Info Sheet – Yale Medicine – https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/marijuana-use-disorder
Domestic Violence/Abuse/Bullying (for men, women and kids)
Rise Up Society Rise Up Society | Alberta (sometimes has Support Group Programs running as well)
A Safe Place – shelter and Community Outreach Program for women/children (has links to men’s supports as well) (based in Sherwood Park) A Safe Place – Support & Resources for Domestic Abuse
Lives In Transition Program (offered online, for women from anywhere in AB) – Lives in Transition | Get Help Today (litinc.ca)
Fleeing DV Emergency Funds – Family violence – Get help with costs to leave | Alberta.ca
Bulllying Canada – text and phone support for victims – resources on their website – https://www.bullyingcanada.ca/
The Canadian Institute of Workplace Bullying and Harassment website (https://instituteofworkplacebullyingresources.ca/)
Low Income Resources
St Vincent de Paul Society of Saint Vincent de Paul – National Council of Canada (ssvp.ca)
Food Banks
Church Groups in the client’s community
Karma Pantry – in Beaumont
AISH or Income Support Options
Income Tax assistance – through any FCS organization
Prescription for Exercise Program (free access to local rec centres, programs, and activities for all ages) RxTGA – Home (prescriptiontogetactive.com)
Anxiety Canada website – online course, resources, podcast, Mindshift app, group programs (at a cost – not good for low income families but they say the fee can sometimes be waived) – https://www.anxietycanada.com/
ADHD
ADHD ++ Program – Alberta Parenting for the Future Association (Stoney Plain/Spruce Grove area but others can join) apfa – Alberta Parenting For The Future Association
Training/Employment Prep Programs
Employabilities Programs (Edmonton, St Albert) – usually 10 weeks, 9am to 4pm, Mon to Fri – paid Training Program – sometimes online (they will provide free computers for participants) and sometimes in person
Careers In Transition https://careersunderconstruction.ca/
Fearless Program (A2 and E Program) – https://citinc.ca/programs-services/
Free or Lower Cost Online Courses for Personal Self Help/Wellness
Bloom For Women Courses – Bloom For Women | Bloom For Women (free)
Coursera – Coursera | Build Skills with Online Courses from Top Institutions (esp Science of Wellbeing Course) (free and at cost)
Action for Happiness – daily activities, free webinars, resources, apps, etc – All Calendars | Action for Happiness (all free)
CTRI – very basic free webinars (need to pay for more in-depth courses – and they are also very basic) – Free Resources | Crisis and Trauma Resource Institute (ctrinstitute.com)
Vicky Kidwell Palmer – paid program for women – support for any challenges being experienced around returning to one’s authentic truth, standing for yourself as your fiercest ally, and receiving what’s meant for you – R+R+R Clarity Circles Invitation (vickitidwellpalmer.lpages.co)
PCN Programs – free pre-recorded workshops and support programs facilitated for a wide variety of physical and mental wellness needs. Anyone can use these – it doesn’t matter which PCN your dr belongs to. Workshops & Programs | Alberta Find a Doctor (albertapcns.ca)
Reporting Disclosures of Child Abuse/Neglect
Children’s Services – report concerns to the office that covers the geographical location of where the child lives Children’s Services offices | Alberta.ca (or contact NACIS after hours or to get help in finding the appropriate office). *** See Kim for the handout that helps you know what info to collect prior to making the call (if needed).