Family Therapy in Southwest Calgary, Calgary, AB

Do you struggle with anxiety, grief, the effects of trauma, or an inability to feel worthy? Are you finding it difficult to show up for yourself and others in the ways that you want to? Do you feel overwhelmed by a challenging relationship, difficult family dynamics, or the demands of daily life and wonder if things will ever get easier or more manageable? Right now, so many of us are experiencing increased worry, loss of direction, and uncertainty and feel paralyzed. But what if you have the capacity to create positive change and all you need is a little support to take the next right step toward the life you want to live?

My practice specializes in relationship therapy and is based in attachment theory. I have over 30 years experience in family and couple/marital therapy and advanced skills in pediatric mental health, child development and best practices in parenting theory. I have worked in hospital based in patient and out patient programs, community mental health and social services as well as university teaching and administration. Currently I am employed with Alberta Children’s Hospital as well as my own private practice.

Contextual forces of family, community, historical events, and trauma shape the brain from conception through the lifespan. Less than optimal circumstances can lead to a compromised nervous system and the formation of maladaptive patterns in the brain and body. As a result, you may suffer from symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, poor emotional regulation, difficulty in relationships, addictions, dissociation; and even autoimmune disorders or physical symptoms that cannot be explained medically. If you want to heal stuck patterns, live authentically with more joy and less fear, and have better relationships, I can help!

I am a Registered Provisional Psychologist passionate about supporting children ages 3-13 and their families to move toward healing and well-being. My creative play-based therapeutic interventions are driven by my belief that children make sense of their world, learn to express their thoughts and feelings, and build healthier ways to cope and problem-solve through play. I have over 14 years of experience working with children and their families in various environments. I have also completed specialized training in Play Therapy, Sand Tray Therapy and Theraplay intervention.

I help individual clients with ADHD, anxiety, and addiction concerns regain control over their lives. I also offer relationship help for individuals and couples. There is a capable and special person inside each and every one of us; don't let your symptoms stop you from being that person. My therapeutic orientations include Cognitive Behavioural, Psychodynamic, Existential, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and family therapy approaches as appropriate.

I am committed to helping clients achieve a greater sense of well-being, fulfillment and success through working collaboratively to develop better personal awareness, overcome limitations and implement effective practical strategies so that clients can live more inspired and purposeful lives. My passions include: counselling and coaching people through career, business, sport, and life transitions; effectively managing anxiety and depression; relationship, family, and workplace challenges; and developing communication and leadership skills.

Our lived experiences as humans can vary greatly, but the 'human condition' is something we all share. Common themes exist between all of us… albeit race, gender, socioeconomic status, etc. Themes such as loneliness, fear, joy, and most evidently (i.e. research reinforced) our innate need for "connection"…true connection to ourselves and to the ones we love most dearly. My goal is to provide individuals (i.e. pre-adolescents, adolescents, adults) and/or families alike the chance to feel unconditionally supported as they seek the aid they require for psychological well-being…to walk beside you on your therapeutic journey.

Something isn’t working. Each day you go to work feeling anxious, annoyed and tired after a restless night. You feel stuck, like there’s no way out of this situation and you can’t see your future beyond the reprieve of the upcoming weekend. You’ve expressed how you feel to those close to you, but it’s starting to feel like all you do is complain so you keep it to yourself. Holding onto the weight of problems often leads to mental and physical exhaustion. I work with clients through difficulties at work as well as at home with family members and in other important relationships. If you’re stuck I’ll help in finding a new path forward

Welcome! I specialize in eating disorder support and treatment, anxiety and depression, along with emotion regulation. I work with youth and adults. I support woman during pregnancy, postpartum and motherhood. I work with people going through life transitions, working through family conflict and relationship struggles.

I work with adults dealing with work stress, burnout, anxiety, and people who are breaking old cycles, whether that's family, relationships or in the community. You may be feeling stuck, questioning your options, or want to feel more confident in your choices. I can help you navigate the times of stress and uncertainty, process painful experiences, build boundaries you feel good about, and live in line with your goals and values.

I believe we all have the capacity to heal and learn how to live a life worth living, despite challenging and painful experiences in our lives. I believe the coping strategies we develop can start creating problems if we don’t address the underlying cause. Therapy is a safe space to explore, identify, address and resolve these issues, often creating transformational growth. With over 30 years’ experience working with, and treating clients with a variety of mental health, addictions and trauma related issues, I have delivered therapy through individual and group work, and I am passionate about both approaches.

Sometimes life is messy and complicated, and we don’t always have the tools or strategies to manage what comes our way. Sometimes we need a different perspective, or a challenge to see things in a new way. Sometimes we need to have the hard conversations. Whatever it is for you right now, welcome. My goal is to work with you to get you where you want to be. We'll do that using a variety of tools, techniques, and approaches throughout our counselling process, all the while focusing on our relationship (this part's key). We'll collaborate together and I'll seek your feedback along the way.

If you are struggling, know that you are not alone. Life can be hard. The idea that its supposed to be easy, or that if we struggle it means we are failing, or not enough, is wrong. These harmful beliefs along with our personal and difficult life experiences, can cause disconnection from ourselves and others. I believe this disconnection is the source of much of our suffering. I am here to support you on your unique healing journey as you rediscover the inherent resilience and capacity for healing and joy that has always been within you.

We all have experiences that turn our world upside down. These experiences can be anything, but when it happens, we can feel confused, lost, or stuck while struggling to adjust to our new reality. I aim to support clients so that they gain self-knowledge, build resilience, and feel capable in their "new normal." As a Registered Psychologist, I work with individuals (adult and teens), couples, and families to help them achieve and maintain mental wellness while going through experiences that challenge them. I believe all challenges occur within a context, so I include social and cultural factors into my work with all clients.

I have been a registered psychologist for nearly 40 years. I have been part of the healing journeys for individuals of all ages (child to seniors), couples and families. I don't know if I have an ideal client other than someone who is open to sharing the story of their life and developing resiliency in some way. With children and youth, they have a special place given their vulnerability and yet wonderful creativity.

There’s a phrase that resonates so well in our northern hemisphere: feeling snowed under. It brings a rather-Canadian image to mind along with a feeling of overwhelm. Sometimes, life feels like we’ve been left snowed under and we find ourselves spinning our wheels. It can be exhausting. I’m here to help. I’ve worked in child, adolescent, family and young adult mental health for over 20 years. I’m a parent, a partner, a professional in the field, and the learning never ends. Whether it’s raising our families or learning about the relationships we hold within ourselves, there are ways to decrease the distress and find an easier path.

I am constantly amazed at the resilience we all show, as we navigate our lives amidst the challenges that invariably arise! Sometimes the demands on us outweigh the resources we have available in that moment. It takes a courageous person to recognize the need for, and to request and accept, support. I am honoured every time clients invite me to join them along their journeys toward improved insight, skill, interaction, and overall living.

Step into The Calm Space—a safe place for rediscovering your true self. In the hustle of life, it's easy to feel estranged from who we really are and the person we aspire to become. Juggling relationships, family, work, and the expectations we impose on ourselves can be overwhelming stressors. At The Calm Space, we empower you to navigate these challenges, fostering resilience and providing the insights and tools to gain a profound understanding of yourself, your family, and your relationships My practice is guided by compassion, gentle directness, and humor.

Reasonable $50 / 99$ pricing. AB Psychotherapy, Counselling, & Mental Health Services specializes in family therapy/family-based counselling, individual counselling for children and youth, as well as play therapy for those young people and families affected by mental health difficulties, and related socio-emotional-learning difficulties. We also offer couple/marital counselling and support for parents/caregivers. AB Counselling Clinic also offers clinical supervision, consultation and training.