Tesha Joy Plaza is a Mental Health Therapist working in the northern Alberta town of High Prairie. Coming from the metropolis hub of Toronto, Ontario, Tesha Joy has had a unique career journey that brought her to a small rural community. She still enjoys the same hobbies and activities as she did in the city but has found a quieter and more relaxing lifestyle. Learn her story by reading on below.
Tesha Joy: The decision to move to Alberta was for professional growth. I have always wanted to register and learn more about diagnosing and formal assessment as a Registered Psychologist. Moving to Alberta and registering with the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) allowed me that opportunity. Getting a job with Alberta Health Services (AHS) was something that I did not imagine happening and I am grateful to have this role.
Tesha Joy: There has been really no significant change in my typical day-to-day being in High Prairie versus in Toronto in terms of my routine. I still wake up early to practice yoga and/or go for a walk to start my day. I spend my day at work, run errands when needed, and make plans after work to unwind. The big difference that I noticed is that I do not have to contend with traffic, reducing stress significantly.
Tesha Joy: So far, the significant difference I’ve noticed is the higher probability of seeing clients in town or meeting them in social gatherings. It has not happened to me yet, but I normally discuss this with clients during the initial session.
Tesha Joy: Life has certainly been less stressful living in a rural town, which I genuinely enjoy. Being outdoors and seeing wild animals is fascinating to me. It is amazing to see herd of deer in your backyard while washing dishes and enjoying a serene weekend. I cannot believe this, but I have certainly enjoyed the winter this year.
The sceneries up north are simply beautiful - seeing the hoar frost, a sea of white covered grounds, and how the sun hits the tree tops, the pastel coloured sky, and the beautiful sunset and sunrise. Now I am enjoying longer days and cannot wait to experience summer in High Prairie. The people here are friendly and from time to time, on a first name basis with clerks. I am enjoying the easy, calm vibe of this rural community.
