Inner hurts like depression or anxiety can be as invisible as they are debilitating.

Luckily, a Crowsnest resident has set up shop in Blairmore and is looking to help.

Provisional psychologist David Combden is operating Crowsnest Counselling Services out of the Crowsnest Pass Chamber of Commerce building.

The 37-year old father of two is fulfilling a decades long goal of becoming a psychologist.

He’s been working toward his goal since 2001. He earned a graduate degree from Carleton University in 2008 where he was focusing on experimental psychology but didn’t he like how his research seemed disconnected from the everyday struggles of regular people.

“The research is useful but I want to use it to help people,” he said. “To apply it to their lives.”

He decided to change his focus to counseling psychology.

He moved to the Pass about three years ago with his wife and daughter and earned a graduate degree in counseling last year through Athabasca University. After that he got some working experience at the Haig Clinic in Lethbridge but jumped at the chance to work for Crowsnest Counselling Services. This way he’ll be able to serve clients while logging the hours he needs to become a registered counseling psychologist, he said.

“It feels really good,” he said. “It’s an exciting step and I’m just thrilled to start working with people, it’s what I’ve always wanted to do.”

He’s regulated through the Health Professions Act, which means his services might be covered by workers’ benefits. He offers a sliding fee scale to make him more accessible and he’ll do free consultations.

Combden has helped people dealing with depression, grief, trauma and addictions.

“A lot of times people don’t know why they come to me,” he said. “They come in and say ‘something’s not right,’ something’s weighing on them.”
Erin Musick-Neioy, a co-owner of Lethbridge Counseling Services and a registered psychologist, will be supporting Combden in his new position.