Attachment has gained a lot more interest and focus in the last few years. Importantly, attachment theory, and what it means for children, caregivers, and families, has been a focus of research and clinical practice for over 60 years!

Dr. Kendra has trained in and applied attachment theory in her work with caregivers, families, and educators for almost 20 years. Although the theory is detailed and can be complicated to fully describe, attachment theory can be simplified to one thing: NEEDS. And in particular, the many needs a child has and the positive things that happen when needs are seen, accepted, and sensitively responded to by a trusted adult.

One important take way of attachment research is that outcomes for kids (e.g., self-esteem, motivation, social relationships, emotion regulation, effort, etc.) are better when their needs in different areas are seen, accepted, and supported.

This is where Dr. Kendra often come in. Frequently, parents and educators have concerns about a child's behavior. Dr. Kendra helps caregivers and teachers understood what needs underlie a child's behavior, and how adults can support or meet the needs. Sometimes this is a simple process, other times it's complex or messy. Should you be interested in understanding more about the needs your child(ren) have and what they mean to you as a caregiver, you may find Dr. Kendra's services helpful.

Psychologists are regulated health care professionals. They study and understand human behavior (e.g., the relationships between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors) and apply their knowledge to help people understand and change their behavior, relationships, and well-being.

In Alberta, Psychologists are regulated by the College of Alberta Psychologists and can be registered on the basis of a Masters or a Doctoral Degree. That is, in Alberta, Psychologists can practice with a Masters or a Doctoral Degree. Alberta is one of the few provinces where individuals with Masters degrees can practice as psychologists. Doctoral level Psychologists are among the most highly educated, trained, and experienced health care providers in the field of mental health.

Understanding your treatment options and choosing who to see for professional service can be challenging. As outlined on the Canadian Psychological Association website, individuals are encouraged to pursue service from a well trained mental health professional. Mental health professionals receive varied training and are not experts in all fields. Choose a professional with expertise in the area you are seeking support.

Importantly, clinical psychologists with a PhD earned a doctoral degree in psychology. They often attended university for 9-11 years and, unlike other psychologists and counsellors, they have specialized experience in assessment, intervention, and research.

Asking if the professional is “registered/licensed” and was educated by an “accredited” university program provides insight into the training and competence a professional may have. As noted by the Canadian Psychological Association, university “accreditation is like a ‘stamp of approval’ from the larger psychology community that says a particular programme meets the standards that are considered important for professional psychology training.” 

Individuals with various concerns and difficulties including mental health challenges often seek treatment and support from Psychiatrists and Psychologists. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in the assessment and treatment of mental health challenges. They can prescribe medications to help individuals manage their mental health concerns.

Psychologists with a PhD have earned a Doctoral Degree in Psychology. They often attended university for 9-11 years and acquired specialized skills in psychological assessment, intervention, and research. Clinical Psychologists assess and treat a wide range of emotional, behavioral, relational, and cognitive/learning difficulties including anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, parent-child relationship problems, and academic delays. 

“Counsellors” and other therapists have varied university and professional experiences. They may or may not be regulated by a regulatory board or college that aims to ensure they practice in an ethical and professional manner. Their graduate university training may be online or in-person and as short as 18 months in duration. Titles such as a “Clinical Counsellor” do not mean the individual was formally educated and meets common standards for competence, education, and supervision. For example, many mental health professionals, including Psychologists in Alberta with Masters Degrees, were educated through online programs and had little or no direct supervision and experience in assessment and therapy during their university education.

Understanding your treatment options and choosing who to see for professional service can be challenging. As outlined on the Canadian Psychological Association website, individuals are encouraged to pursue service from a well trained mental health professional. Mental health professionals receive varied training and are not experts in all fields. Choose a professional with expertise in the area you are seeking support.

Asking if the professional is “registered/licensed” and was educated by an “accredited” university program provides insight into the training and competence a professional may have. As noted by the Canadian Psychological Association, university “accreditation is like a ‘stamp of approval’ from the larger psychology community that says a particular programme meets the standards that are considered important for professional psychology training.” 

If, upon reviewing the information on this website, you think Dr. Kendra has professional training, experiences, and an approach that may benefit you or your family, call and request a complimentary 15 minute telephone or virtual consultation. During the conversation with Dr. Kendra, you can review your hopes and concerns and determine whether to schedule an in-person session.

You do not require a referral to contact or see Dr. Kendra.

Many children and adults feel nervous or uneasy about sharing personal information with a stranger.  Dr. Kendra is sensitive to how clients are feeling and she seeks to create a meeting space that helps children and adults feel comfortable, respected, and understood. Most people who attend an initial meeting find they feel more relaxed, hopeful, and even relieved as the session progresses.

The first meeting is an opportunity for Dr. Kendra to get to know you. You will be encouraged to describe your reasons for seeking psychological service. Dr. Kendra will want to hear “your story” and for you to tell her only what you are comfortable sharing. She will ask questions to help clarify the information you provide. The information will be used to help her develop a plan for your work and time together. She will use her knowledge and understanding, as well as your hopes and desires, to develop therapy or counselling goals.

The first meeting is also an opportunity for you to get to know Dr. Kendra. She will encourage you to ask questions about her training, approach to therapy, and professional experience. She hopes the first meeting will help you decide whether you feel comfortable with her and confident in her ability to help you and/or your family. Similarly, if Dr. Kendra thinks another professional will be better able to meet your needs and goals, she will discuss this with you.

Sessions are typically 60 or 90 minutes. The number and frequency of sessions varies for each person and family, and depends on the difficulty to be addressed and the goals developed during the initial meeting(s). After initial goals for therapy are identified, a discussion around a beneficial number and frequency of sessions will occur.

The approach and focus of therapy varies with each person and family and reflects their goals, concerns, and challenges. Dr. Kendra uses therapeutic techniques that reflect her clients’ goals, as well as her understanding of effective clinical and therapeutic techniques. She primarily practices from an attachment lens and incorporates emotionally focused and cognitive behavioral modalities as appropriate. Spiritual faith and beliefs are incorporated into sessions when valued by those who seek her service. Dr. Kendra urges you to inquire about her approach and techniques during an initial and complimentary 15 minute consultation.

Many extended health benefit plans provide coverage for services provided by Registered Psychologists. Please contact your benefit provider for information about the percentage of fees covered and total amount available for psychological services.