Meet a Therapist in Alberta: Jennifer Hrstic

Get to know Jennifer Hrstic, a trauma and EMDR therapist in Calgary, in this interview from our Meet a Therapist in Alberta series. Jenn shares what led her to this work, how she takes care of herself as a therapist, and what she'd tell someone who's nervous to start therapy.

Who are you?

Hello, I'm Jenn. I'm a mother, wife, sister, daughter, friend, teacher, advocate, and therapist.

I was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, but I lived on beautiful Vancouver Island for a couple of years, and that part of my life has really influenced me and my lifestyle. My mother is French Canadian from Quebec, and my father grew up in Saskatchewan, so there's a literal piece of my heart from coast to coast.

There are parts of me that are adventurous and silly, and parts of me that are quiet and serious. I love a good laugh, and more than anything, I love quality time with my family and friends.

What led you to become a therapist?

I've always gravitated to jobs where helping was at the heart of what I do.

I started my career in child and youth care, and loved the one-to-one support and connection with youth. Then I worked as a protection worker with Child and Family Services, and was inspired by the strength and resilience of so many of the families I worked with. That was a driving force in my decision to become a therapist, because I wanted to support the healing journeys of children, youth, and their families.

Do you ever get overwhelmed by the stuff people tell you?

Sometimes, I do. But most often, I feel much more than overwhelm.

I'm human, and every story I hear is incredibly tender and vulnerable. I'm practised at noticing and responding to my own feelings. You might see me take a breath, or a sip of my tea, to soothe myself and make sure I'm present and attuned.

I work with people who have been through trauma, traumatic or complex grief, compassion fatigue, and many other hardships. Witnessing their strength, resilience, and persistence is often what I feel the most.

How do you take care of yourself as a therapist?

By practising what I recommend to my clients: self-care, connection, and play!

Self-care is my daily routine of exercise, reading, and mindfulness. I know myself well enough to know that if I'm not moving my body and exercising my mind, I'm not at my best.

I also know I need people. I'm not an extrovert, but I do need to be in spaces where I hear laughter and movement. Connection is critical to well-being, and after the COVID-19 lockdowns, I became very aware of how much I need connection and belonging.

Most importantly, I need play. That might be walking my dog, going for a hike, cooking with my kids, playing board games with the family, bowling, or colouring. I prescribe myself play at least a couple of times a week, so I can be my most attuned, present, and compassionate self.

What makes your job fulfilling?

Everything. I feel truly privileged to be trusted, and honoured to work as a therapist.

It's incredibly brave to reach out for professional help, and I'm so grateful to work with people who are prioritizing their wellness, relationships, and healing. Watching people grow, heal, and reach their goals is incredibly fulfilling.

What would you tell someone who's nervous to start therapy?

If it's your first time in therapy, I would say: welcome, and thank you for being here.

Please know that I'm here to support and guide you, but you are always in control of your journey.

What are your hobbies?

During the pandemic, I took up plants.

I'm really enjoying caring for them. I had no idea how much time it takes to nurture plants, and I'm finding it a really enjoyable process.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I've lived almost my whole life in Calgary, but it wasn't until 2022 that I floated the Bow River for the first time.

Floating the river is now one of my favourite things to do, and I can't believe I waited so long to try it! Otherwise, I love being outside: hiking, biking, kayaking, swimming, and paddleboarding.

Those are all summer sports, though, so in the winter I spend more time at the gym, catch up on reading, and try new winter sports like cross-country skiing or pond skating. (I'm truly the worst at winter sports, but I try, and I have fun!) I also have a lifelong goal of learning to play the piano.

What are you reading right now?

I'm that person with a few books on the go.

I recently joined a book club to encourage more reading for pleasure and more fiction. Otherwise, I'm reading books that support and inform my work as a therapist. I also love audiobooks, so at any given moment, I can have three or four books going at once.

Some recent books I've read and recommend:

• Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
• From the Ashes by Jesse Thistle
• Attached by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller
• Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown

Cats, dogs, or other?

Dogs. It would be dogs and cats, but my husband is very allergic to cats, so my parents raised my cats for me.

Right now, I have a shepherd and Bernese mountain dog cross that we adopted from a rescue. He came to us with medical conditions, and despite all his health concerns, he shows up every day happy, loving, loyal, tender, and playful. He's a true inspiration and a miracle in our home.

What did you want to be when you were 10?

A singer and a pianist. And no, I can't do either well, but they still bring me joy!

What's your favourite quote?

I have so many favourite quotes. I put quotes in frames and sign cards with inspirational, loving quotes. It's something a little cheesy about me, and I love it.

Today, my favourite quote is from Virginia Satir: We need to see ourselves as basic miracles.

I wish for all people to be able to look at themselves, walk with themselves, and know that they are inherently beautiful, irreplaceable, and an absolute miracle. There are no mistakes. You are here, and you are a miracle.

Indoors or outdoors?

Outdoors! Always outdoors.

Every day, I find a way to be outside, even if it's just sitting outside to read or walking my dog.

What's your wish for your clients?

I wish for my clients to feel safe and peaceful in their bodies, satisfied in their relationships, and joyful in their days.

I wish for my clients to feel loved, and to be loving.

Trauma Therapy in Alberta

If trauma, fatigue, or chronic pain have been weighing on you, reaching out for support can help.

Trauma therapy offers a space to process what happened and reconnect with your body. A therapist can help you move toward healing, wellness, and connected relationships.

You can heal.

This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

If you or someone you care about is in crisis or at risk of harm, please get help now. Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department. You can also call or text 988 any time for suicide and crisis support. For more options, see our crisis support page.

About Jennifer

Jennifer Hrstic is a trauma and EMDR therapist helping adults and teens in Calgary and across Alberta. She specializes in working with adults who are struggling with trauma, fatigue, and chronic illness or pain, to work toward healing, wellness, and meaningful connected relationships. Jennifer is a Canadian Certified Counsellor.