karen's psychological SERVICES

Accepting Limited NEW Individual Adult Clients for Counselling, Assessment and Specialized Addictions Services

Areas of Competence & Clinical Focus:

• Addictions & Other Out-of-Control Behaviours
  
• Adjustment Disorder
  
• Anxiety Disorders
  
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  
• Avoidant Personality Disorder (AvPD)
  
• Behavioural Compulsions
  
• Bipolar I & II Disorder
  
• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
  
• Burnout & Fatigue
  
• Chronic Substance Relapses
  
• Compassion Fatigue
  
• Coping Skills Development
• Depressive Disorders
• Dissociative Symptoms
• Eating Disorders & Disordered Eating
• Emotional Regulation Issues
• Gender Expression
• Gender Identity
• Grief & Loss
• Interpersonal Struggles
• Kink-Aware Therapy
• LGBTQ2+ Affirming Care
• Lifestyle & Identity Concerns
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)
• Panic Disorders & Related Symptoms
• Relationship Issues
• Self-Care
• Self-Compassion
• Self-Esteem
• Sex Therapy & Related Issues
• Sexual Dysfunction
• Stress & Related Issues
• Trauma & Trauma-Related Disorders (Including PTSD)
  
• Workplace-Related Issues & Injuries
  

Therapeutic Modalities & Counselling Interventions Used:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
• Somatic and Mind/Body Therapy
• Exposure & Response Prevention Therapy
• Humanistic/ Gestalt Therapy
• Rogerian/Client Centered Therapy
• Positive Psychology and Strength Based Intervention
• Motivational Interviewing (MI)
• Addictions Work - Medical Model/Abstinence Approach
• Addictions Work - Harm Reductions Approach
• Addictions Work - Biopsychosocial Model
• Addictions Work - Transtheoretical Model

Formal Assessments:

• Psychological Assessments for the Purpose of Diagnosis & Treatment Recommendations
• Addictions Assessments for the Purpose of Return to Work and Stay at Work Services; Other purposes
• Forensic Assessments for the Purpose of Criminal Recidivism, Violent Recidivism and Sexual Recidivism 

Academic, Certification & Training

Publications: Gaudin, K. & Johnson, G. M. 2011. The Student Alcoholism Screening Test (SAST): Proposal and exploration, in Jan Wright (ed), Proceedings of the AARE Conference, Nov 27 - Dec 1 2011. Hobart, Tas: Australian Association for Research in Education.

Certifications: Being an Ethical Psychologist - Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) Certification (received February 2025); Dialectical Behavioural Therapy Certification Training (received in 2023); Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Training Certification (received in 2023); Intensive Trauma Treatment Certification: Dr. Bessel van der Kolk on How the Body Keeps the Score (received in 2023); Mastering DSM-5® Differential Diagnosis, Mental Health Documentation & Medical Necessity (received in 2023); ‘The Canadian Model Alcohol and Drug Policy Certification’ (received in 2015); Mental Health First Aid Canada Certification (received 2014)

Courses: Personality Disorders Course: Advanced Diagnosis, Treatment & Management (received February 2025); Treating Personality Disorders: Advances from Brain Science and Traumatology (received February 2025); Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues for the Advanced Practice Clinician: Strategies for Reducing Risk in Clinical Practice (received February 2025)

Trainings: ‘EPIC Master Clinician Supervision Retreat’ (completed 2022); ‘EPIC Master Clinician - Practicum Ethics and Practical Knowledge’ (completed 2022); ‘EPIC Master Clinician - Building a Treatment Plan/Successful Sessions’ (completed 2022); ‘EPIC Master Clinician - Introduction to Family Therapy’ (completed 2022); ‘EPIC Master Clinician - Introduction to Couples Work - Part 1’ (completed 2022); ‘EPIC Master Clinician - Introduction to Couples Work - Part 2’ (completed 2022); ‘EPIC Master Clinician - Treating Trauma - Successful Interventions’ (completed 2022); ‘EPIC Master Clinician - Working with Children Through Play’ (completed 2022); ‘EPIC Master Clinician – Therapist Question & Answer’(completed 2022); ‘EPIC Master Clinician - Specialized Assessments’ (completed 2022); ‘EPIC Master Clinician - Nature and Animal Assisted Interventions’ (completed 2022); ‘Preventing Workplace Bullying, Harassment and Violence Training (received in 2017); ‘AODA Customer Service Training’ (received in 2017); ‘WHMIS Refresher Training’ (received in 2017); ‘Occupational Health and Safety Awareness Training for Supervisors’ (received in 2017); Diversity in the Workplace Training (received in 2017); Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training Program (ASIST) (received 2015);

Conferences: ADHD Insights Conference (Edmonton, AB, October 2024)

Awards: Won the ‘Client Care Excellence Award’ at Insight Psychological for the highest client ratings and client retention collectively (received in 2023); Won the ‘Service Excellence Award’ at Homewood Health Inc. (received in 2015)

Distinctions: Made the ‘Dean’s List’ multiple semesters throughout Masters of Counselling Program at City University (2017-2020)

EDUCATION

Masters of Counselling Psychology 2020                                             

City University of Seattle – Edmonton, Alberta

Bachelor of Arts – Honours Psychology Degree 2010                                                

Grant MacEwan University – Edmonton, Alberta

University Course Work Completed:

All completed Masters level course work in psychology:

·CPC 501 Introduction to Counselling Psychology Practice;

·CPC 502 Systemic Theory: Diversity and Cultural Psychology;

·CPC 510 Professional Ethics and Law;

·CPC 511 Psychology of Loss and Grief;

·CPC 513 Brief Therapy Models;

·CPC 523 Psychology of Sexuality and Human Development;

·CPC 524 Psychopathology and Psychopharmacology;

·CPC 526 Counselling Psychology Theory;

·CPC 527 Group Counselling Psychology;

·CPC 529 Psychology of Addictions;

·CPC 512 Family Systems Therapy;

·CPC 514 Research Methods and Statistics;

·CPC 522 Psychology of Trauma and Interpersonal Violence;

·CPC 556 Assessment in Counselling Psychology;

·CPC 600 Child and Adolescent Counselling;

·CPC 606 Couples Counselling

All completed Undergraduate level course work in psychology:

·PSYC 104 Introductory Psychology;

·PSYC 105 Individual and Social Behaviour;

·PSYC 241 Social Psychology;

·PSYC 233 Personality Psychology;

·PSYC 339 Abnormal Psychology;

·PSYC 312 Advanced Research Methods;

·PSYC 385 Applications of Learning;

·PSYC 333 Advanced Personality;

·PSYC 337 Intro to Forensic Psychology;

·PSYC 370 Human Sexuality;

·PSYC 301 History/Systems of Psychology

·PSYC 438 Psychological Interviewing;

·PSYC 434 Intro to Clinical Psychology;

·PSYC 490 Honours Thesis;

·PSYC 400 Psychology Senior Seminar;

Specialized Addictions Services:

At Authentic You: Counselling, Assessment and Addictions Services Inc., as the Addictions Clinical Lead, I provide a compassionate, evidence-based approach to addiction that honours each individual’s journey, goals, and readiness for change.

Individual & Group-Based Addictions Services:

1. Substance Use Counselling (Alcohol & Drugs)
Support for individuals navigating addiction, dependency, or substance misuse — whether aiming for harm reduction or abstinence.

2. Trauma-Informed Addictions Therapy
We explore the underlying causes of addiction including trauma, grief, attachment wounds, and emotional dysregulation.

3. Concurrent Disorders Treatment
Integrated care for those experiencing both addiction and mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.

4. Behavioural Addictions Counselling
Specialized therapy for compulsive behaviours including gambling, sex, pornography, shopping, and technology overuse.

5. Relapse Prevention & Recovery Planning
Development of personalized relapse prevention tools, coping strategies, and safety plans to support sustained recovery.

6. Motivational Interviewing (MI)
A respectful, non-judgmental approach for individuals feeling unsure about changing their substance use or behaviour patterns.

7. Family & Loved Ones Support
Therapy and education for family members navigating the impact of a loved one’s addiction — including boundaries, enabling, and healing co-dependency.

8. Addictions Assessments
Comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments to inform treatment planning, referrals, or documentation needs (including for workplace or legal concerns).

9. Psychoeducation: Addiction, the Brain, and Recovery
Evidence-based education to increase understanding of how addiction affects the brain, decision-making, and relationships.

10. Youth & Emerging Adult Addiction Support
Developmentally tailored support for adolescents and young adults struggling with peer influence, identity, or risky behaviours.

11. LGBTQIA+ Affirming Addictions Counselling
Inclusive care that honours the unique experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals in the context of addiction and recovery.

12. Online Addictions Counselling (Alberta-wide)
Confidential, secure, and accessible therapy for individuals across the province.

Community Connections & Recovery Pathways:

13. Intervention Support
Guidance for loved ones who may be considering a supportive intervention to help someone recognize and address their addiction.

14. Resource Navigation & Referrals
We help clients and families access the right supports at the right time, including:

• Addiction support groups (12-step and non-12-step)
• Peer-based recovery meetings (e.g., SMART Recovery, AA, NA meetings)
• Community mental health & outreach programs
• Medical detox and stabilization services
• Outpatient and intensive outpatient programs (IOPs)
• Inpatient residential treatment
• Sober living environments
• Culturally informed or faith-based programs
• Aftercare planning and recovery maintenance resources

We walk alongside clients through every phase — from early awareness and crisis, to stabilization, treatment, re-integration, and long-term healing.