Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Southeast Calgary, Calgary, AB

Painful and terrifying experiences that we experience in childhood as well as in adulthood, can have lasting negative effects on our lives. These experiences often leave us feeling overwhelmed, stuck, isolated and having difficulties managing strong emotions such as anxiety, depression, anger, sadness, shame and guilt. Taking the first step towards addressing these challenges can be anxiety provoking; my role is to join you on this journey towards healing.

I have a FIERCE spirit and a GENTLE presence. I believe in the inherent value & rights of ALL regardless of who you are or where you've travelled. YOU are the EXPERT in your LIFE! I bring the toolbox. I have 20+ years experience in public & private sectors specializing in mental health, trauma , life transitions, family & workplace issues. I am passionate about exploring client STORIES as we navigate more authentic pathways to joy, connection and meaning. I am appreciated for my capacity to think outside the box; creating significant and sustainable change

Welcome and thank you for reading about my practice. Therapy is a journey walked with another who has expertise in guiding the collaborative, respectful and curious exploration of our difficulties, with a purpose and end-goal in sight. I am thankful to have gained experience working with a broad range of mental health difficulties. In addition to working with those who have experienced trauma and substance use issues, I also values working with those who are struggling to manage stress, overwhelming emotions, depression, loneliness, anxiety, grief, spiritual crisis and life transitions

Taking steps towards emotional healing can feel overwhelming. Life holds moments of joy, pain, and sorrow that shape how we see ourselves, how we see others, and how we make sense of the world. These experiences influence our core beliefs, which often get in the way of living the life we desire. As an attachment-based therapist, I work hard to create a safe space where you can confront the tough stuff and begin to rewrite your story. I show up with compassion, acceptance, and humour, to dig into what is getting in the way of you living your truth.

Therapy and healing from past negative experiences is a journey and having effective support along the way is invaluable. With 20 years of working in mental health, I believe that one of the most powerful elements in healing and achieving a life worth living is authenticity in the therapeutic relationship. I also strive to bring compassion, humour, safety, respect and acceptance to the therapeutic process. Together, we will work to learn new effective coping skills, build on current strengths, take on new challenges that are in alignment with your personal values and goals and, heal from past painful experiences.

Hello, I am a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists and a member of the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta. I completed my Master of Education in Counselling Psychology at the University of Lethbridge. My clinical background includes working with addictions, relationships, and trauma / PTSD . Additionally, I have a passion for working with people who have experienced race-based traumatic stress. In addition to counselling, I am the Director of Marriage Preparation and Enhancement as well as the Director and Developer of Young Adult Workshops at Journey Counselling Inc.

My areas of clinical expertise include anxiety, trauma and C- PTSD , dissociation, panic attacks, parenting, relationship difficulties, couple and family issues, anger management, disordered eating, postpartum depression, managing emotions, addictions, sleeping issues, self-esteem, body image, nightmares, and others. I work with youth, adults, couples and families.

Working with a variety of emotional vulnerabilities I strive to work with those who are motivated and committed to themselves and their personal journey of healing. Emotional growth is hard work that requires true desire from those in its pursuit; I will work as your team to help guide you, encourage, and validate your efforts throughout your journey. With experience in addictions, sexual & domestic violence, veterans, as well as inpatient and outpatient populations, I approach every case through a trauma informed lens with ultimate compassion.

I am a Registered Psychologist offering compassionate care by video or in person in Calgary, and online in the Northwest Territories and across Alberta. With dignity and respect we can approach the troublesome barriers, pain, or patterns keeping you stuck. Together we can explore and restore what is valued and meaningful, whether that be related to improving your personal well-being or your relationships. I strive to offer a safe and confidential space for diverse individuals including sexual & gender minorities (LGBTQ2S+), as well as individuals from all religious, spiritual, ethnic, cultural, and racialized identities.

The Calgary Counselling and Psychology Centre is a psychology practice in South Calgary. Our psychologists have varied therapeutic orientations and clinical trainings and will work with you to find the right approach for you and your goals. As an agency we aim to support people in reconnecting with themselves, creating meaningful relationships with others, and building a sense of empowered agency in their lives. We often work with people who are struggling with mood (e.g., anxiety and depression), navigating historical or recent trauma , feeling disconnected from themselves and others, or are looking to heal their relationships.

Have you experienced a traumatic event that has been difficult to recover from? Do you experience nightmares or memories related to this event? Has the impact of this trauma prevented you from living the life you want? If you feel lost or stuck in the trenches of a past trauma , I can help. I have extensive experience with assessment and treatment of trauma related disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder. This includes adults who have been impacted by childhood abuse, interpersonal violence, motor vehicle accidents, workplace injuries and chronic medical conditions.

*NOW ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS* I operate from a trauma -informed person-centered approach, as I know that I am inviting clients to reveal vulnerable parts of themselves and should be met with nonjudgment and unconditional positive regard. My person-centered approach allows me to shift from a deficit based perspective to a strength-based perspective, allowing for a relational depth that transcends labels. My practice is grounded in providing affirming care to assist clients in embracing personal self-worth and bolstering personal agency.

Finding it difficult to change, despite your efforts? I offer a warm and judgment-free environment in which I use EMDR - an evidence-based, extensively researched structured therapy to help engage the natural healing process of the brain to change the way that traumatic material is stored. I am a Canadian Certified Counsellor and EMDR Trained Therapist who works with individual adults of all backgrounds. I have worked with a diverse clientele with a variety of issues. I integrate my counselling skills to best help each client prepare for and experience EMDR. I offer in-person & online sessions with both daytime and evening options.

Although my focus is in helping my clients work through their trauma , it can feel really scary and sometimes way too overwhelming the thought of even talking about ones trauma . Not to say we never explore your trauma ... only we take it at a pace that is healing and caring. What I can tell you is the greater goal is to support you towards improving your life in the way you desire and help you understanding the purpose in your pain. There are many reason people come to me for help... things like anxiety, depression, relationships, or any of the many ways we cope with pain.

Everyone struggles with certain things at different times in their lives. Mental wellness is a journey, not a destination and we are all at different points along the path. Sometimes, we need help guiding our steps and knowing how best to keep going. My ideal client may be struggling with issues related to anxiety, depression, relationships, trauma or personality disorders. Generally, they realize that things in their life are just not working and they want to learn new ways of behaving, thinking and relating to themselves and others to make lasting changes. My practice with clients is collaborative and supportive.

Thanks for taking the time to view my profile. Therapy is a collaborative process that uses curiosity, courage and compassion to start exploring and unpacking all of the parts of ourselves and our experiences so that we can become connected to our wholeness once again. There are times when we may feel haunted by our past experiences, are having difficulties coping with life transitions or stressors, or are feeling stuck. It is my belief that through gentle exploration we can start to find the inner resources needed to move through and grow from these difficult experiences.