A Little About Me, Dr. Kendra
A few highlights unrelated to psychology:
I’m a mom and wife experiencing first-hand the incredible joys and complexities of my most meaningful and important relationships: parenting and marriage.
I’m a friend who looks forward to connecting over pizza, coffee, and dessert. Always dessert.
I’m a fan of hot weather who enjoys live theatre and music, sporting events, travel, and big (really big) cities.
A few highlights related to psychology:
I’m a Registered Clinical Psychologist (#3767) who received a PhD in school and clinical child psychology from the University of Toronto. I have nearly 20 years of experience supporting children (0-18 years), caregivers, families, adults, and educators in diverse settings including Alberta Children’s Hospital, public schools, a non-profit organization, and my private practice.
Why private practice now? Because everyday I get to do the absolute most important and fulfilling work. Everyday I join with individuals, couples, and families as they make and work on goals related to relationships and the things most meaningful to them. And everyday, I am trusted with stories and journeys, hurts and pains, strengths and insecurities, feelings and thoughts, laughter and tears, and hopes and goals so that life and relationships look different. More peaceful. More enjoyable. More fun. More meaningful. Maybe Closer. Clearer. Simpler. And often more hopeful and confident. Even easier. I’m proud to be able to say that families and previous coworkers comment on my warm, understanding, and kind hearted personality and family-centered approach.
For the last 20 years, I have trained and practiced in the areas of families, caregiving/parenting, and development and wellness from an attachment lens (see here for a simple attachment description). If you’re a bit familiar with psychological interventions, I’m an Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) therapist and Registered Circle of Security Parenting™ Educator. Additionally, as a clinical psychologist, I have specialized experience in assessing and treating children and teens with behavioral, sleep, mental health, and learning difficulties. I was also involved in research and interventions for families living with complex health conditions such as cancer and kidney failure.
I have followed interests in teaching and advancing the provision of clinical services by supervising psychology graduate trainees and school counsellors. I have taught psychology graduate students at the University of Calgary and for Healthy Minds Healthy Children. Additionally, I have published papers in scientific journals and delivered talks and workshops on enhancing family relationships, understanding and supporting a child’s behavior and development, the effects of illness on families, and optimizing a child’s success at school. Psychology is a diverse and evolving field and I strive to maintains a high level of professional and research knowledge.