Do. Different.
At FORWARD, we are passionate about helping clients move toward their self-defined version of BETTER. We are fundamentally optimistic and philosophically believe that everyone possesses the power to affect change in their life. Our team members possess diverse skill sets, training and experience. Seeing a Psychologist is all about fit, check us out to see if we might be a fit for you!
Team
Cory Donald
Registered Psychologist
Cory Donald is a Registered Psychologist and the founder of FORWARD Psychology & Wellness. Cory is a father of four, an avid runner, and a self-described creative to the core. He is a highly skilled clinician, focused on mood, anxiety, life transitions and personal and professional development. Cory is an experienced presenter and has collaborated with a diverse range of professionals, contributed writing to multiple industries, and remains active in Edmonton’s health and wellness community.
Cory’s professional practice is diverse, being a go-to psychologist in Edmonton for high-achieving individuals looking to hit the next level on their developmental trajectory. Cory provides psychotherapy in-office, online, over the telephone and outdoors, on the move. He champions creativity, diversity, uniqueness, and the fostering of an unrelenting momentum toward the development of our self-defined BETTER.
Cory’s approach is professional, honest, transparent, and direct. He believes that change is possible, and that each of us possess the capacity to create the life we desire. Cory is vocal about smashing the stigma around mental health and views the mind/body connection as truly inseparable. Cory has specific training in Cognitive Behavioural therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR).
Melanie Lestus
Registered Psychologist
Melanie Lestus is a Registered Psychologist with over 15 years of experience in the area of addiction and mental health. Melanie loves the outdoors, is an avid hiker and lover of all things football. Melanie enjoys the company of her partner and her three dogs. She is a highly skilled clinician, focused on mood, anxiety, trauma, burnout and addiction. Melanie is an experienced group facilitator and presenter.
Melanie’s professional practice is comprehensive, using various skills and methodology to provide a client-centred approach to various populations. Melanie brings a non-judgmental, trauma informed and culturally sensitive approach to her practice. Melanie provides psychotherapy in-office, online, over the telephone and outdoors, on the move. She promotes self-compassion, mindfulness and works to empower individual clients to work towards being the best version of themselves.
Melanie’s approach is authentic and direct with the occasional use of humour. She believes that each individual has their own strengths, and with support, each can experience positive and progressive change. Melanie is passionate about all things addiction and mental health and pulls from a diverse skill set to provide therapy that considers all aspects of the whole self including mind and body. Melanie has specific training in Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioural therapy (CBT), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR).