psychology
The Team
“ There are two gifts we give our children
-the first is roots and the other is wings”
Home
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Emotional outbursts
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Behavioural issues
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Parenting differences
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Regressive behaviours
School
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Impulse control
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School refusal/avoidance
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Executive functioning
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Performance reduction
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Relationships
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Sibling rivalry
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Family conflict
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Friendship/peer challenges
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Social withdrawal
Personal
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Self-esteem
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Motivation
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Mood lability
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Anger/irritability
Behavioural
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Risk-taking behaviours
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Thoughts of suicide
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Self-harming behaviours
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Running away
Melissa CLARK
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My name is Melissa and I am a Registered Psychologist with 12+ years of experience working with children, adolescents and their families. I’m also a mom which adds compassion and a genuine understanding of the ups and downs of living in today’s day and age and doing our best to parent.
My practice is based on the view that every member of a family is connected to each other and for this reason it is important that we support the entire family unit. This includes individual play-based therapy for the child in your life, along with possibilities such as family counselling, parent support therapy and/or sibling support therapy.
My speciality is working with children + families, supporting their journey of navigating mental health diagnoses, meeting family member’s needs and organizing care including: strategies, environmental adaptations and parenting support. I primarily rely upon Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Solution-Focused Therapy. But these are merely the ingredients, like the light + water that allows a plant to grow.
The most crucial component is the relationship + trust + connection between client + counsellor and this is the seed. This is the foundation upon which all of our work rests. Change happens with a clear path, an identified goal, and small steps forward. We can do this together.
There is always a way. We will start with the seed, add water + light and we will build our way up… until you see yourself, your family + your life thriving with your new ability to root + radiate.
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Amanda TRENAMAN
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Hi! Welcome to our practice. My name is Amanda Trenaman and I am a Registered Provisional Psychologist. I have been working with kids, youth, adolescents, families and individual adults for a handful of years. I believe in creating a safe place, where clients feel welcome in expressing all aspects of themselves.
I also know that it’s important to work together in order to create a plan that best supports a clients individual and unique needs, while working towards their therapeutic goals. I recognize how challenging and vulnerable counselling can be, my goal is to meet + accept all clients exactly as they are.
I work predominantly with anxiety, depression, OCD, emotional regulation, parenting concerns, separation/divorce, and various neurodivergent diagnoses including: ADHD, ASD, and other learning disabilities. I work from an attachment perspective, and include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and a solution focused therapeutic approach to therapy. I also recognize that each client has a unique sensory profile, and incorporate this perspective into my practice.
As a mom of three young kids, I recognize the all-consuming role that parents have, and how challenging the day to day “stuff” can be. I aim to support parents in understanding their needs, as well as understand their kids’ needs, and have parents feel as though I am a part of the team.
This journey isn’t easy, and was not meant to be endured alone; having a community and support is necessary. I feel grateful to be a part of my clients’ process, and welcome new clients to reach out should you feel as I could be a good fit for yourself or your family!
Kira SCHAAL
My name is Kira and I am a Registered Provisional Psychologist. I have over a decade of experience working with mental health, specifically with adolescents, young adults + adults in an individual setting. I am also a mom which has helped me to understand how challenging parenting is, how important work- life balance is and how easy life can fall out of balance and just get tough.
My practice is based on a direct approach with lots of humour as I aim to take the formalities out of therapy and provide a warm + comfortable safe space to chat.
I initially became interested in psychology and supporting adolescents after experiencing years of undiagnosed anxiety. I wish someone would have recognized the signs when I was a child or teenager. My employment history is primarily in early intervention which is life-changing and I believe it is privilege to support adolescents + families to navigate their journey to manage mental health.
My areas of focus include anxiety, depression, OCD, self- harm, suicidal ideation, peer issues, gender + sexuality. I utilize cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) and recently completed training in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).
I look forward to connecting with you and am honoured to participate in your care.
Amanda AITKEN
​ASD and Social Developmental
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CURRENTLY ON PARENTING LEAVE
My name is Amanda and I am a Registered Psychologist who works with children, adolescents, and young adults with various neurodevelopmental, mental health, and behavioural disorders. I believe in providing evidence-based assessment and treatment from a strengths-based and person-centered perspective.
I received a Master's of Science in School and Applied Child Psychology from the University of Calgary and have extensive training in assessment, specializing in exploring diagnoses such as ADHD, learning disabilities, autism, and giftedness. I also offer counselling and can support people with ADHD and associated executive functioning challenges, autistic individuals with navigating various areas (e.g., social situations, masking, anxiety, etc.), anxiety and depression, OCD, and social skills in general.
Drawing from a variety of therapeutic approaches and developmentally appropriate techniques, I strive to build a strong and collaborative relationship with my clients and their families to best support their individualized needs.
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Vanessa RANKIN
Anxiety and Mood
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My name is Vanessa and I am a Registered Psychologist who specializes in assessments. I earned my Master's degree in Education from the University of Calgary, where I developed a profound understanding of educational psychology and assessment methodologies.
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Through my practice, I find deep fulfillment in collaborating with children and their families to provide comprehensive support on their educational journey. My goal is simple yet profound: to empower students with the confidence they need to thrive in their learning environments.
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Every day, I bring my expertise and passion to the table, conducting thorough assessments and evaluations to identify each student's unique strengths, challenges, and opportunities for growth. Through a personalized and empathetic approach, I strive to create a safe and nurturing space where students feel valued and understood.
I firmly believe that confidence is the cornerstone of learning success. That's why I am dedicated to helping students cultivate a sense of self-assurance and belief in their abilities. Whether it's overcoming academic hurdles or navigating emotional challenges, I am committed to equipping students with the tools and support they need to excel.
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Amanda POELZER
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Starting therapy can feel like a big step, whether it’s filled with excitement, hesitation, or somewhere in between. We all face times when life feels overwhelming—whether it’s trauma, feeling lost, or not feeling like ourselves. During these moments, reaching out for support is an act of strength and I am here to walk this path with you. I know firsthand how transformative it can be to feel truly seen and heard, and I aim to offer that kind of connection in every session. Together, we will work to build a relationship centred on mutual trust and connection to help support you on your journey through life.
I specialize in working with adolescents, teens, and adults (individuals, couples, and families) to navigate challenges like burnout, trauma, stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and communication struggles, and breakups. I have experience and a passion for working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and those living with physical disabilities. I have a special passion for working with people experiencing low self-esteem, disordered eating, and body image concerns. As a competitive Latin dancer for over two decades, I understand the stress we put our bodies under to perform under high stakes, and sometimes life can feel like a competition. I’m here to help you through accepting and supporting yourself through the trials and challenges, helping you find balance, resilience, and self-compassion even in the face of pressure. Together, we can work on embracing your strengths, understanding your limits, and fostering a sense of inner peace amidst life’s demands.
Using a variety of therapeutic approaches tailored to your unique needs including emotion focused therapy (EFT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), to name a few, I aim to provide practical tools and strategies to support your journey. I’m passionate about helping you reconnect with your inner strength, discover your voice, and live authentically within your body. Together, let’s take this step towards growth, self-discovery, and healing.
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The Results.
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As a team, we have come to learn two very important distinctions between clients who see change and those who don’t.
1. The first is exactly what you are doing right now - looking for support and being open to change.
2. The second is the ability to show up + take up space + be exactly who you are. In this, know that you are not alone, we will be your support team, here to coach you through, week by week, from the position you are currently standing, to where you would like to be, even if that place is only defined as “anywhere but here!”.