Transcend beyond coping

We can move beyond simply surviving to creating a future where we and our communities can flourish. I invite you to experience the world in a new and meaningful way

Rume Dedekuma (he/him)

Hello! I’m Rume, a Registered Provisional Psychologist in Calgary, Alberta, dedicated to guiding individuals on their unique journey through life.

Therapy is a team effort, and I’m here to walk alongside you as we navigate life’s complexities. We’ll work together to meet your needs, create actionable steps, and nurture self-awareness. My approach is person-centered, trauma-informed, and integrative; which means depending on your needs, I may incorporate techniques from Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT), Narrative Therapy, and various mindfulness practices.

I aim to meet you where you are, with a commitment to decolonizing therapy and providing a space that is inclusive and affirming of all identities and cultures.

I offer a complimentary consultation, up to 45 minutes in length, to provide you with answers about what our journey together might look like.

  • I completed my undergraduate studies in psychology at the University of Alberta and a Master’s in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University.

    With almost a decade in the mental health field, including 5 years specializing in addictions counselling, I have a deep passion for supporting underserved populations. Over the years, I’ve worked with individuals, groups, adolescents, and families in a variety of mental health and addiction settings, including community, detoxification, residential treatment, correctional health settings, and private practice. My clinical expertise includes working with trauma, life transitions, cultural concerns, substance use, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and grief & loss.

    My commitment to learning remains one of my core philosophies, as it helps me remain current and effective. I’m dedicated to lifelong learning (including relearning and unlearning) of how I can best serve clients and communities with compassion, authenticity, and integrity. I regularly attend workshops, conferences, and training. I also engage in my own therapy, supervision, peer consultations, and I incorporate feedback from clients to improve my practice.

    • Registered Provisional Psychologist - College of Alberta Psychologists

    • Counselling Therapist & Addictions Counsellor - The Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta

    • Certified Clinical Trauma Professional II (CCTP-II) – Evergreens Certifications

    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy Certification Training (DBT)

    • EMDR Training: Integrating EMDR into your Clinical Practice, 5-Day Intensive

    • Basic Accelerated Resolution Therapy Training (ART)

    • Gottman Method Couples Therapy - Levels 1 and 2

    • Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) Intensive Training Course

    • Complex Trauma Certification Training

    • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT)

    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Beginners (ACT)

    • Trauma-Focused ACT (TFACT)

    • Emotionally Focused Therapy - Attachment Science in Practice (EFT)

    • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia

    • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy 

    • Intensive Anger Management Certification Training

    • Clinical Applications of Internal Family Systems Therapy

    • EMDR: A Rapid, Safe, and Proven Treatment for Trauma

    • Black Identity Development: Integration in Therapy

    • Integrating Polyvagal Theory into EMDR Therapy with the SSP

    • Indigenous Awareness Training

    • Traumatic Grief: Neuroscience-Based Therapy Tools for Transforming Loss into Meaningful Recovery

    • Mastering DSM-5-TR™ Differential Diagnosis, Mental Health Documentation & Medical Necessity

    • To Forgive or Not to Forgive? Releasing the Pain of Relational Trauma

    • Sex, Desire, and Relationship Issues

    • The assessment and measurement of moral injury and moral distress

    • Nurturing the ‘Art’ in the Art of Therapy

    • Sex Work is Work: Bias Prevention Training

  • When I’m not working with clients, you can often find me passionately cheering on Liverpool F.C. I love watching football (soccer) in general, though my days of playing have come to an end (let’s just say I’ve decided to gracefully retire to avoid any unexpected injuries). Spending time with family, friends, and my extraordinary feline companion (Sophie) brings me so much joy.

    When I’m not in the company of loved ones, I enjoy going for a run, having some downtime through gaming, laughing until my sides hurt with some stand-up comedy, or escaping into a good TV series (and yes, that includes anime).

    Music and dancing are my go-to remedies for both releasing nervous energy and boosting my mood—they’re my little pockets of joy in the day. I quite enjoy (super!) spicy foods and have an ever-growing collection of hot sauces that I’m always eager to add to.

About the Practice

Apóni is the nickname of my uncle, who experiences severe mental health challenges in his life. His resilience through his complex journey is part of what inspired me to pursue psychology, with the hope of better understanding and supporting him, as well as others who may face similar difficulties. I’m dedicated to helping you strengthen your resilience as you navigate life. Like the butterfly, we each can evolve, even when it feels like the weight of the world is holding us in place. The therapy process can mirror the butterfly’s journey—from a caterpillar’s struggle, through the stillness of a cocoon, to the emergence of something vibrant and free. This practice is a space where you can feel supported in your own transformative process, no matter where you are in your journey.

Proudly a member of The Riverwest Therapy Collective

    • Trauma & Resilience

    • Anxiety

    • Depression

    • Grief & Loss

    • Substance Use

    • Sex Therapy

    • Relationships

    • Sexuality & Intimacy

    • Life Transitions

    • Self-esteem

    • Cultural Concerns

    • Stress

Here are some approaches and philosophies that guide my practice:

  • Every individual is unique, and so is your path to healing. Together, we’ll focus on what matters most to you—be it managing stress, navigating relationships, fostering self-compassion, or understanding how childhood impacts your adult self. We’ll move at your pace, addressing the challenges of anxiety, depression, societal norms, or systems of oppression, and helping you grow into your most authentic self. Your story matters, and I’m here to listen, support, and empower.

  • I aim to provide a space where you can be yourself, explore your deepest fears and desires, and express all emotions without judgment. Together, we’ll process painful memories, reconnect with your inner child, and heal intergenerational narratives and trauma. A space where you can laugh, grieve, grow, and rediscover your connection to self, source, or community.

  • I’m not a “blank slate” therapist—I’m authentic, relatable, and conversational. Therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all, so expect active, engaging sessions where you might journal, draw, reflect, or even practice doing “nothing.” My approach blends humour, psycho-education, and tangible tools, always centering your needs and goals. I’m here to listen, but also, challenge, and empower you with resources to thrive. I invite open dialogue and value your feedback throughout the process. Therapy is a space where you can show up exactly as you are—and I’ll meet you there.

  • Therapy is a space for liberation and self-discovery. I work from an anti-oppressive, social justice lens, addressing how intersectionality impacts your experience. Together, we’ll navigate systems of oppression and their impact on your experiences, and explore how to challenge norms that no longer serve you. Whether through critical education, fresh perspectives, or a compassionate ear, I’ll support you in breaking free from limitations and embracing your most liberated, authentic self.

Services

  • Need some extra support to navigate life's challenges? Individual therapy provides a safe, confidential space to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. I’ll work together to develop coping strategies, build resilience, and achieve your goals.

  • Strengthen your connection and improve communication with relationship therapy. I'll help you identify and address underlying issues, improve conflict resolution skills, enhance intimacy, and foster a deeper connection.

  • Gain a deeper understanding of your strengths, weaknesses, and unique needs through comprehensive psychological assessments. Assessments can help you identify areas for growth, make informed decisions, and access appropriate support.

    It can seem overwhelming with the wide range of assessments there are, but my goal is to make it as stress-free for you as possible. I offer a complimentary assessment consultation to assist you in determining the right service for your needs.

    Assessment services offered include:

    • Psychoeducational Assessments: Identify learning strengths and weaknesses to develop effective learning strategies.

    • ADHD Assessments: Evaluate symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder to inform treatment and support plans.

    • Autism Assessments: Assess for Autism Spectrum Disorder and develop individualized support plans.

    • Trauma Assessments: Evaluate the impact of traumatic experiences and develop coping strategies.

    • MVA/Personal Injury Assessments: Assess psychological and cognitive impairments resulting from accidents.

    • Psychosocial Assessments: Evaluate overall mental health and functioning to inform treatment and support plans.

    • Return-To-Work Assessments: Assess an individual's ability to return to work after an illness or injury.

    • Mental Health Assessments: Comprehensive evaluation of mental health symptoms and recommendations for treatment.

  • We offer a range of workshops, training, and presentations to cater to your unique needs. We offer presentations and training on a wide range of topics, including Impostor Syndrome, Self-Compassion, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Mental Health First Aid & Burnout, Decolonizing Therapy, Racial Trauma, Substance Use, and many more. Please contact us for specific pricing and offerings.

I offer a complimentary 45-minute consultation session to explore if we’re a good fit.

If it doesn’t feel right for you, I’m happy to assist in finding a therapist who may be a better match. Upon request, I can connect with colleagues who may be better equipped to meet your needs.

  • In-person sessions are currently available in Calgary at 700 4 Ave SW in Suite 850 (8th floor). Online and telephone sessions are available for residents of Alberta. We can discuss what option works best for you.

  • As per the Recommended Fee Schedule from the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta, 60-minute sessions are $240, while 90-minute sessions are $360. These rates apply for in-person and online sessions.

  • Payments are securely processed through the Jane booking system, which accepts payments made through credit cards.

  • This depends on your goals and circumstances. Some clients benefit from short-term therapy (a few weeks/months), while others prefer long-term therapy for deeper exploration and sustained growth. I will collaborate with you to adjust session frequency and timing as needed. My goal is for you to eventually move forward without needing me.

  • It’s okay! I can guide the conversations if needed. But more often, you’ll find that the sessions will flow naturally, and it’s perfectly fine to explore as things come up.

  • Life happens, so please communicate as needed so we can move things around. I kindly ask that you provide at least 24 hours' notice to avoid being charged.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Contact me

Availability

Mondays (in-person & virtual): 5:15PM – 9:15PM

Wednesdays (in-person & virtual): 5:15PM – 9:15PM

Saturdays (in-person & virtual): 1:00PM – 5:00PM

*Please contact me if you require sessions outside of my current availability.

Phone: 403-305-5683

Email: rume@aponicounselling.com

Instagram: aponicounselling

Land Acknowledgment

In the spirit of truth and reconciliation, I gratefully acknowledge that we live, work, and play on the traditional territories and oral practices of the Blackfoot Nations, which includes the Siksika, the Piikani and the Kainai. We also acknowledge the Tsuut’ina and Stoney Nakoda First Nations, the Métis Nation, and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.

We are committed to recognizing this history, supporting Indigenous communities, and promoting justice and healing. In our practice and service to clients, we are dedicated to creating a space that respects and embraces the diverse experiences of everyone we serve.

Ⓒ 2025 Aponi Counselling. All rights reserved.