Hi there! My name is Amanda, and I am a Registered Psychologist here at Balance Psychological Services. My journey and passion with mental health started long ago, and it has been a dream come true to have the opportunity to work in this field.

My personal therapeutic philosophy is one of both holism and collaboration. My perspective is that we as humans are shaped by our thoughts, feelings, trauma’s (big or small), experiences, relationships (both past and present), environment and biology. Together these factors collide to shape who we are as individuals, and as a result, can hold the key to overcoming many of the challenges that have brought you here. I wholeheartedly believe that everyone’s healing journey is their own, and that throughout the process, both the mind and body should be given the space and time necessary to heal.

Throughout my career I have had the pleasure of working with adolescents and adults who are feeling stuck, are experiencing anxiety and depression, diagnosed with personality disorders, have survived trauma or who feel they do not have a solid sense of identity, among other things. I view the therapy space through a lens of both attachment and trauma, and as your therapist, will guide you to play an active role in your own healing process, while offering a safe space to reflect on your journey. Together we will work to invite curiosity back into your world, safely explore those emotions which can often feel overwhelming, analyze the beliefs and narratives that shape how you view yourself, and work to find solutions to those problems that feel as though they follow you around.

At the end of the day, we are all humans trying to navigate a messy world. My hope is that together we can set you up with tools that can help you navigate the unknown more comfortably.

Now to end things off, a little about me…. When I am not working in this career that I love, you can find me hanging out with friends and family, on some body of water either fishing or boating, hiking in the mountains, or cuddling on the couch with my adorable creatures.

AMANDA’S ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS

-Bachelor of Science with Distinction Major in Biological Sciences; Minor in Psychology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta

-Master of Counselling Psychology, Yorkville University, Fredericton New Brunswick

FURTHER TRAINING

-EMDR - Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

-The Gottman Method

-Adult Attachment: Trauma-Informed Assessment and Treatment Interventions

-Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Beginners

Hi there! My name is Amanda, and I am a Registered Psychologist here at Balance Psychological Se... Read More

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Hello!

My name is Jen, a Masters Level Counselling Intern through Yorkville University and I hold a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Alberta.

Through my internship, I receive regular supervision and guidance from a fully licensed senior psychologist. This allows my clients to receive support from a trained and skilled therapist who also has regular consultation and access to a senior therapist’s skills and knowledge. Clients benefit from the experience and knowledge of two therapists!

I have taught for over 10 years, working with students, families, and communities in many different areas throughout Alberta. These experiences have allowed me to support children of various ages, parents, and diverse populations. I look forward to supporting clients on their journey to finding empowerment, fulfillment, and reach their goals, under the guidance of my supervisor.

Recognizing that each person is unique, nurturing these differences by creating a safe space for each individual to be valued and heard. Recognizing that it takes courage to seek counselling, I am here to work as a team and support you through your journey.

I am excited to connect with clients, using a person-centred and strengths-based framework. Drawing on clients strengths and values, creating a supportive space where clients feel comfortable exploring their experiences. I also integrate narrative therapy, cognitive behavioural approaches adapted for each client’s goals and needs.

When supporting clients, I will focus on using evidence based techniques for supporting ADHD, anxiety, depression, stress, coping skills, emotional regulation, grief and loss, and relationships and women’s health.

Hello! My name is Jen, a Masters Level Counselling Intern through Yorkville University and I hol... Read More

Welcome! If this is your first time pursuing therapy, I want to congratulate you in making the initial (and sometimes scariest) step toward starting therapy: finding a therapist!

A little about me: I have moved almost twenty times in thirty years, I am an English nerd and passionate about reading and learning from others’ stories, I have a four-year-old Great Dane named Ozzy, I enjoy spending time at the dog park, increasing my strength in the gym, trying my hand at a new recipe, and cracking bad jokes.

I am passionate about supporting Veterans, active CAF members, and First Responders. As part of a military family (spouse, sibling), I have an in-depth understanding of the specific culture, mentality, workplace-expectations, and higher probability of risks, illnesses, and disorders associated with these industries (e.g., OSI, PTSD, anger, family/marital strains, depression, anxiety, burnout). Additionally, I am interested in working with both adolescents (ages 14+) and adults experiencing grief, loss, trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, emotional regulation, and existential issues. I enjoy helping clients make sense of their experiences, and find meaning, value, and understanding along the way. Rooted in a client-centred approach, I offer a supportive, nonjudgmental, and, at times, humorous environment to facilitate optimal growth for my clients.

As a Provisional Psychologist, I offer evidence-based, therapeutic practices and modalities that aim to lessen suffering and increase positive health and well-being. I have training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and I bring a Trauma-informed approach to all my sessions. I believe in empowerment - every individual has the strength and potential to enact powerful change, I am simply shining a light on all the strengths and skills you already possess and can use to overcome life’s challenges.

My rate is $220/session, but I also offer a sliding scale between $140-$220. I am available for counselling sessions at three of Balance’s locations (downtown Edmonton, Stony Plain, and Beaumont).

Welcome! If this is your first time pursuing therapy, I want to congratulate you in making the in... Read More

My extensive life experiences, challenges, and evolution have guided me here, into the helping profession. I grew up on a small cattle farm in central Alberta. Before my college years I participated in a farm exchange to Denmark, where I still have family connections.

I began my career as a substitute teacher for many years before having children of my own. I was fortunate to stay at home with my kids, volunteering at their schools and various activities. As a family we experienced a year long Firefighter exchange to New Zealand in 2017. These immeasurable life experiences and being exposed to diverse cultures through travel and volunteering have helped hone my person-centred skills.

I believe in the power of connection. Connection to self, others, and the world we live in. Building a safe, empathetic, respectful connection with you is my priority. My role is fellow explorer alongside you, supporting you and discovering ways to increase your well-being and connections.

We can work together on issues such as relationships, life transitions, anxiety, depression, and the uncertainties of life. My passion for incorporating mindfulness into every day living has helped build stronger connections personally and therapeutically. My trauma-informed, client-centred approach meets people where they are, and my compassion supports and encourages people to start where they are.

In my personal life I value my family connections most, with two teenagers, loving husband of fifteen years, and our wee dog, Tui. I thoroughly enjoy travelling with my family and value the cultural experiences. Outside of parenting, family trips and kid activities, I also enjoy gardening, yoga, camping, skiing, paddle boarding, and nearly anything to do with the ocean.

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Hello! I’m Karley and I am a wife and a dog mom to my 2 fur babies. You will often find me in the gym, walking and playing with my dogs, spending time with family and friends or curled up on the couch with a cup of coffee and a good book.

I have always been drawn to helping others. Growing up, I was the person everyone confided in, which naturally led to my interest in psychology. This interest deepened during my early adulthood as I became increasingly aware of the mental health challenges faced by my loved ones. My passion for advocating for those struggling with mental health issues was particularly ignited when I witnessed a loved one battling addiction without receiving the necessary support.

As a therapist, I am dedicated to ensuring that everyone struggling with their mental health receives the help they need. My therapeutic approach is integrative and client-centered, meaning I meet clients where they are and tailor my methods to best suit their individual needs. I primarily draw from Play Therapy (PT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

I practice from a trauma-informed perspective, ensuring that my clients feel empowered, respected, safe, and open to collaboration. I believe in giving clients a choice in their therapeutic journey and fostering an environment where they feel comfortable sharing their stories. I have had the privilege of working with a wide range of populations, including children, adolescents, and adults. However, I now primarily focus on working with children. I practice from a multisystemic lens, recognizing that in order to help the youth, it is often essential to involve and support the family. My approach includes a strong emphasis on parenting and family interventions, as I believe that empowering families and enhancing their dynamics can significantly contribute to the well-being of the child. I am particularly skilled in addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and behavioral challenges in young clients. By utilizing an integrative approach, I am able to adapt to the unique needs of each child, providing them with the most effective and compassionate care possible.

I recognize and deeply appreciate the courage it takes to open up to a stranger, and I am committed to creating a therapeutic space that is welcoming, supportive, and conducive to healing.

Hello! I’m Karley and I am a wife and a dog mom to my 2 fur babies. You will often find me in the... Read More