Meet Our Team
At True Balance Counselling, we ensure quality service by our team of licensed psychologists.
We welcome you to read our biographies to learn more about our different areas of specialty to find the best fit for you.
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All our psychologists are committed to providing you with
compassionate, non-judgemental support and evidence-based therapeutic interventions.
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Daelynn Takasaki, B.A., M.Ed.
Registered Psychologist #3420
Co-Owner, True Balance Counselling
Daelynn has been in private practice since 2006 and she has extensive experience working with all ages including individuals, couples, groups and families. She specializes in Psychological Assessments, as well as utilizes her training in Play Therapy, Gottman Couples Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in her work.
Daelynn has been a Registered Psychologist since 2008. Prior to opening True Balance Counselling, her experience included overseeing the Counselling Program for a School Division, Counselling in a post-secondary institution and at a non-profit agency, as well as teaching and providing training and supervision opportunities for other professionals. As a Co-Owner of True Balance Counselling, Daelynn provides counselling, assessment, presentations, psychological services to other organization and supervision for Provisional Psychologists
Daelynn feels her most important role is being a mother to her two beautiful daughters.
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Specialties Include:
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Divorce/Separation
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Children
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Parenting
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Assessment
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Credentials and Certifications:
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Registered Psychologist, The College of Alberta Psychologists (#3420)
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M.Ed. (Counselling Psychology) University of Lethbridge
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B.A. (Psychology) University of Lethbridge
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7 Principles for Making Marriage Work Leader Training- Gottman Institute
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Advanced Play Therapy
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Gottman Training- Level I and II
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Bringing Baby Home Leader Training- Gottman Institute
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Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)
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Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
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Virtual Reality Therapy
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Advanced Clinical Supervision
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Parenting Capacity Assessment
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NeuroPsychology of Assessments
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Filial Therapy
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Attachment and Trauma
Tanya Jackson (Krueger), B.A., M.Ed.
Registered Psychologist #2724
Co-Owner, True Balance Counselling
Tanya has been working as a Registered Psychologist since 2002. She specializes in working with Anxiety, OCD, Phobias, Relationship Issues and Trauma. She is compassionate in her relationships and provides strength-based therapy for individuals, couples and families of all age groups utilizing approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Mindfulness Strategies, Gottman Couples Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Play Therapy, and EMDR. Tanya has extensive training and experience in helping others with OCD. She is knowledgeable about the many types of OCD (e.g., obsessions about cleanliness, sickness, things being just right, specific routines and numbers, loved ones’ safety, harm, driving, etc.) and understands the array of compulsions that could manifest from this disorder. She uses the gold standard treatment for OCD, anxiety, phobias, skin-picking, and hair pulling. Tanya is also passionate about working with individuals and couples to improve relationships and coping, decrease stress, and find balance in life.
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Tanya grew up in this community and co-owns True Balance Counselling where she provides counselling, facilitates presentations, and supervises Provisional Psychologists. Tanya enjoys workouts, travelling, wine with friends, cheering her kids on at their sports, and spending time with her husband, kids, and their two pugs.
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Specialties Include:
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OCD
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Anxiety
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Healthy Relationships
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Credentials and Certifications:​
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Rated as Top 3 Psychologists in Lethbridge (2023-2025) by Three Best Rated according to their 50-point rating criteria
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Featured as an OCD Specialist on www.anxieties.com
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Registered Psychologist, The College of Alberta Psychologists since 2002 (#2724)
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M.Ed. (Counselling Psychology) University of Saskatchewan 2001
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B.A. (Psychology) University of Lethbridge 1997
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International OCD Conference 2014, 2021, 2023
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7 Principles for Making Marriage Work Leader Training 2019
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Emotionally-Focused Couples Therapy 2018
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Competency-Based Clinical Supervision 2018
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Intensive Therapist Training for OCD (Behavior Therapy Training Institute, Boston, MA) 2014
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Intensive Group Therapy for OCD with Dr. Reid Wilson (Supporting Therapist, Los Angeles, CA) 2014
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Mindfulness and OCD Workshop 2014
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Various Art, Sand Tray, and Play Therapy Trainings
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Gottman Level 1 & 2 2013
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EMDR Level 1 2003; EMDR Level 2 2013
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Basic Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) 2022
Sandy Witdouck, B.A., MACP
Registered Psychologist #4982
Sandy became a Registered Psychologist in 2018; she has extensive work experience with youth, adults, groups, and families in residential programs, community-based programs, and school settings. In addition to private practice, Sandy provides instruction in psychology therapy at a post-secondary institution.
Sandy believes that by working collaboratively, meaningful goals and interventions can be established so that individuals can reach their desired state of being and improve overall functioning. She practices with a person-centred, strength-based, and culturally sensitive approach and integrates Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, mindfulness strategies, and emotional regulation interventions. Sandy is passionate about helping clients reach contentment in their lives by exploring physical, mental, spiritual, and social domains of health and working through challenges that are negatively impacting their functioning. She believes in individuals’ capacity to gain insight into their situation and implement strategies to move in a direction that will enhance their lives.
Sandy prioritizes overall health in her life, and enjoys biking, hiking, skiing, golfing, yoga, and connecting with friends.
Credentials and Certifications:
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Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists (#4982)
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Member of the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta (PAA)
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Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, Yorkville University
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Bachelor of Arts, Child and Youth Care specialization, University of Victoria
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Trauma Research Certificate in Traumatic Stress studies
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Certificate in Advanced Nutritional and Integrative Medicine for Mental Health Professionals
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Training in cultural diversity, Indigenous awareness, trauma-informed care, mediation, crisis prevention, eating disorders, and mindfulness.
Kelsey Atkinson, B.A., MC
Registered Psychologist #5389
Kelsey is a Registered Psychologist who is very welcoming, accepting and empathic. She has a perceptive approach to therapy with a youthful energy that is motivated by the belief that all individuals have the inherent potential to flourish. Kelsey will meet the client where they are at with a style that utilizes their instilled strengths while providing a safe and nurturing environment. Kelsey has extensive experience working with children and adolescents, and thoroughly enjoys her work with adults as well. Kelsey takes an adaptive and flexible, client centered, therapeutic approach with the use of CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, Solution Focused, creative experiential and somatic/body-centered methods.
Kelsey enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Kelsey is an animal lover with dreams of owning a “fun farm”, but for right now is happy with her main pup, Indy. In her spare time Kelsey jumps at the chance to get outside to enjoy some fresh air and enjoy adventures near and far. In her down time, Kelsey has no shame enjoying Netflix or attempting some sort of Pinterest project (more often ending with a lovely Pinterest Fail!).
Credentials and Certifications:
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Registered Psychologist, The College of Alberta Psychologists (#5389)
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M.C. (Gonzaga University)
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B.A. (Psychology) University of Lethbridge
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Alberta DBT/CBT Clinical Skills Conference
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Self-Harm and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Workshop
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Trauma Informed Care Workshop
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Prepare Training (Crisis Prevention and Intervention)
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40 Developmental Assets (Train the Trainer)
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Sexual Abuse Prevention and Treatment Workshop
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Intensive 4-Day Solution Focused Therapy
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Traumatic Attachment & Affect Dysregulation Conference
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SIVA: Supporting Individuals Through Valued Attachment)
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VTRA: Level I & II (Violence Threat Risk Assessment)
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7 Habits of Highly Effective People (Train-the-Trainer)
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LGBTQ+ Awareness and Advocacy Training
Melissa Gleeson, B.A., MACP
Registered Psychologist #3946
Melissa has been a Registered Psychologist since 2013 and has experience working with children, adolescents and adults in individual, couple and group settings. She has completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. She has also completed additional training in Mindfulness Integrated Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.
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Melissa’s areas of professional areas of interest include infertility, adoption, anxiety, stress management, major life transitions or changes, relationship and family issues, grief/loss and personal growth. Her approach to counselling is strength based and person centered. She draws from a variety of approaches including EMDR, Mindfulness Integrated CBT, CBT, Solution Focused Therapy and Positive Psychology.
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In her spare time, Melissa enjoys spending time with her family and friends in the outdoors. In the summer, she enjoys camping, biking, and swimming and in the winter, cross country skiing and playing in the snow with her son.
Allie Borgstrom, B.A., M.Ed
Registered Psychologist #4600
Allie is a Registered Psychologist with a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and a Masters of Education in Counselling Psychology. She is passionate about working collaboratively with children, youth, and adults, to assist them in achieving their goals.
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Allie is a client centered therapist, who values creating a warm and welcoming environment for therapy where she utilizes a variety of therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Thearpy (CBT), Mindfulness, Narrative Therapy, Play Therapy, and EMDR. Allie has extensive counselling experience, having practiced with a non-profit agency, a school division, and within the health care system.
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Outside of counselling, Allie loves nature, exploring, and most of all, her family.
Christie Ftichar, B.A., M.Ed
Registered Psychologist #4469
Christie has been working as a Registered Psychologist since 2015. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Masters of Education in Counselling Psychology at the University of Lethbridge. Christie has a strong understanding of various disabilities such as Autism and FASD, as well as the challenges that can come with diagnoses such as ADHD and Anxiety. She specialized in working with individuals with challenging behaviours, psycho-educational assessment, and inclusive programming. In addition to her role at True Balance Counselling, Christie works for a local school division and provides SIVA Training to agencies supporting individuals with behavioural challenges. She has also worked as a behaviour consultant for individuals with developmental disabilities and complex needs.
In her spare time, Christie enjoys spending time with her family and friends, dancing with Ammena Dance Studio, golf, yoga, paddle boarding, crafting, and reading.
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Credentials and Certifications
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Registered Psychologist, College of Alberta Psychologists since 2015 (#4469)
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M.Ed. (Counselling Psychology) University of Lethbridge, 2004
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B.A. (Psychology) University of Lethbridge, 1997
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SIVA (Supporting Individuals Through Valued Attachments) Trainer since 2012
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Nurturing Resilience Workshop 2021
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The Biology of Loss, Gabor Mate, 2021
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Depression in Children and Youth, 2021
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Institute of Child Psychology, Children’s Mental Health Conference, 2021
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Trauma-Informed Resilient Schools 2020
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Brain Story Certification 2018
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Family Assessment Training Level I 2018
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Resilience, Recovery, & Relationship Towards Flourishing Children & Youth Conference 2017
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Introduction to the Implementation and Practice of the Neurosequential Model 2017
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Introduction to the Neurosequential Model Core Concepts 2017
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Positive Behaviour Support Comprehensive Training 2017
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Making Sense of Challenging Behaviour 2017
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The Neuropsychology of Learning Disabilities: Diagnosis and Intervention 2016
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Attachment, Mind, and Brain, Dan Siegel 2014
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FASD: Child Specific Training and Collaboration 2013
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Parenting Capacity Assessment for Child Protection Matters 2013
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Intro and Implementation of the SCERTS Model 2013
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Children’s Autism Conference 2012
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Introduction to PRT Procedures – Level I 2011
Damaris Malpica, B.N., MACP
Registered Psychologist #7249
Damaris Malpica is a Registered Psychologist who completed her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology through Yorkville University earlier that year. Prior to that she worked as a Registered Nurse, and then as a stay-at-home mom for two amazing kids. Her counselling practice mainly focuses on adult mental health, and she provides both individual and couples’ therapy.
Damaris is a warm, empathic, open therapist who believes that a strong connection with clients is the key to successful therapy and lasting change. She practices counselling with a focus on attachment, and can tailor therapeutic approaches to individual clients. She uses a variety of approaches including cognitive-behavioural therapy, mindfulness, emotion focused therapy, EMDR, Gottman couples’ therapy, and self-compassion techniques. Damaris has supported clients experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and trauma, among other difficulties, and is adept at helping clients regain balance in their lives.
In her spare time, Damaris likes choral singing, travelling, working out, reading, baking, playing board games, and hanging out with her family. She also loves puzzles of any sort, including escape rooms.
Credentials and Certifications:
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Registered Psychologist, The College of Alberta Psychologists, since 2023 (#7249)
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M.A. Counselling Psychology, Yorkville University, May 2020
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Bachelor of Nursing, University of Lethbridge, December 2008
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Virtual Reality (VR) for Anxiety and Phobia Treatment, 2022
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Gottman Therapy, Levels I and II, 2022
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Developmental Needs Meeting Strategy certification, 2021
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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) certification, Levels I and II, 2020
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Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) training, Level I, December 2020
Aleigha Arksey, B.A., M.Ed
Registered Psychologist #7263
Aleigha is a Registered Psychologist who specializes in working with youth, anxiety, and grief and loss, but does work with individuals of all ages. Working with an open heart and open mind, Aleigha draws from a variety of approaches including CBT, Mindfulness, Play Therapy, Person-centered Therapy, Strength-based, and Solution focused.
Outside of counselling, Aleigha loves to engage in creative endeavours like crocheting, dancing, and teaching herself ukulele. Aleigha loves animals and adores spending time with her dog. Aleigha has always enjoyed video games and is currently having a blast playing Zelda and Hogwarts Legacy. As a certified yoga teacher, Aleigha also likes to use yoga and meditation to bring balance into her life.
Credentials and Certifications:
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Registered Psychologist, The College of Alberta Psychologists since 2023 (#7263)
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M.Ed. (Counselling Psychology) University of Lethbridge 2018
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B.A. (Psychology with a minor in Philosophy) University of Lethbridge 2014
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Gottman Level 1 2016
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CAPT Play Therapy Training (including Introduction, History, Models, and Process, Sandtray Therapy, Play Therapy with Abused Children and Treating Trauma) 2020
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Basic Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) 2022
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Virtual Reality (VR) for Anxiety and Phobia Treatment 2022
Sarah Henderson, B.A., MACP
Registered Psychologist #7838
Sarah is a Registered Psychologist with her Masters in Counselling Psychology. Sarah’s therapeutic
approach is client-centered; utilizing cognitive behavioural (CBT), solution-focused, Mindfulness,
experiential and existential methods. She sees the client as the expert in their own life experience and is
honoured to explore and hold space for the client as they work together toward client goals. During her
internship, Sarah worked with a large organization, allowing her to experience a range of diverse needs
and clientele. She has a passion for working with young adults and couples and has completed Gottman
Level 1 training.
Sarah emphasizes working collaboratively with other professionals in the client’s support system as well
as collaborative consultation with other psychologists. As each client is unique, and desires to be seen
and heard, Sarah’s ultimate goal is establishing a strong therapeutic connection with clients. This
foundation is key for exploration, guidance and discovery.
Sarah’s other passions include her two very energetic and adventurous kids, cooking, travel, anything
west coast-related, and interior design (of which she holds a diploma).
Ashley Jordan, B.Sc., B.Ed., M.C.
Registered Provisional Psychologist #P6326
Ashley has been working as a Registered Provisional Psychologist since April 2022. Her previous work was with the Lethbridge School Division as a Teacher Counsellor. She has a passion for working with teens, anxiety, phobias, OCD, and relationships.
Ashley was born and raised in Nova Scotia. She has lived in Alberta for the last 11 years but travels often to see her family. At True Balance she provides counselling, facilitates presentations, and consults with professionals in southern Alberta. Ashley enjoys golf, off-roading in her jeep, spending time with friends, coaching basketball, working out and listening to music.
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Credentials and Certifications:
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Registered Provisional Psychologist, The College of Alberta Psychologists (#6326P)
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Master of Counselling Psychology – Athabasca University 2019
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B.Ed. (Elementary) Acadia University 2010
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B.Sc. (Psychology) Mount Saint Vincent University 2008
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Virtual Reality (VR) for Anxiety and Phobia Treatment 2022
Lisa Foster, B.A., MACP
Registered Psychologist #7169
Lisa is a Registered Psychologist with a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (2022). Lisa is a genuine, empathetic, and caring therapist who places a high value on building a strong therapeutic relationship with her clients. She strives to create a safe, supportive, and non-judgemental space where individuals can freely discuss their concerns. Lisa uses a person-centered approach in her counselling and combines techniques from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy, emotion-focused therapy, and strengths-based therapy to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses each client’s unique circumstances.
Lisa has experience counselling adults who face a range of challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, domestic violence, sexual assault, and life transitions. Using a trauma-informed approach Lisa collaborates with clients to create meaningful therapeutic goals that empower them on their path to healing. Her work in a school division has allowed her the opportunity to provide mental health education to children, youth, and families. This experience has made her passionate about making mental health information accessible and relatable to reduce the stigma surrounding these issues and promote better overall mental wellness.
Outside of work, Lisa enjoys spending time with her two kids, going on bike rides, hiking, playing board games, watching movies, and walking their dog. She also loves to unwind with a good book and spend time in nature. A road trip to the mountains is her idea of a perfect day!
Bailee Bruins, B.Sc., M.Ed.
Registered Provisional Psychologist #P7196
Bailee is a Provisional Psychologist who graduated with her M.Ed. in Counselling Psychology in 2023. She is a compassionate and empathetic therapist who believes in the power of the therapeutic relationship to help create meaningful change in her client’s lives.
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Bailee’s approach is person-centered and attachment-focused, integrating a variety of methods such as mindfulness, Emotion-Focused therapy (EFT),
Internal Family Systems (IFS), Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and body-centered approaches to meet each client’s unique needs. She has experience supporting
clients with depression, anxiety, trauma, emotional dysregulation, stress/burnout, ADHD, OCD, grief/loss, body image, and women’s issues. She also emphasizes
building shame-resilience and self-compassion. Bailee prioritizes meeting her client’s where they are at and holding space for self-exploration.
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In her downtime, Bailee loves to be with friends, family, and her animals. She enjoys travel, gardening, time in nature, and cozying up with a good book or show.
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Credentials and Certifications:
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Registered Provisional Psychologist, College of Alberta Psychologists (#7196p)
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M.Ed. (Counselling Psychology) University of Lethbridge
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B.Sc. (Psychology) University of Lethbridge
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Emotion Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) Training, Level 1, 2023
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Various training on shame, trauma, attachment, and sensorimotor psychotherapy.
Sierra Bruining, B.Sc., M.Ed.
Registered Psychologist #6550
Sierra is a Registered Psychologist who graduated with her M.Ed. in Counselling Psychology in 2022. She is an
empathetic and compassionate therapist who has experience working with adults in individual therapy who are looking for support with life transitions, chronic illnesses, chronic pain, concussions, anxiety, depression, OCD, burnout, relationships, communication, trauma, career, grief and loss, stress management, and self-compassion. She is passionate about working with adults of any age to assist them in achieving their goals in a safe and non-judgmental manner. Beginning counselling can be intimidating, Sierra aims to be empathetic, genuine, and authentic to make it easier to get support. Sierra provides person-centered, strength-base therapy and draws from a variety of approaches to tailor therapy for what will work best for you. This includes Somatic/Body-centered methods, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Mindfulness Strategies, Attachment Theory, Narrative Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Positive Psychology, and Art Therapy.
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In her spare time, Sierra enjoys walking her dog, exploring nature in any way, yoga, reading, painting, and playing cards.
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Credentials and Certifications:
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Registered Provisional Psychologist, College of Alberta Psychologists since 2022 (#6550p)
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M.Ed. (Counselling Psychology) University of Lethbridge, 2022
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B.Sc. (Psychology) University of Lethbridge, 2019
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A variety of training in sensorimotor and somatic interventions, Indigenous awareness, career counselling, and attachment interventions.
Diana Lawton, B.A., B.Soc.Sc., MACP
Registered Provisional Psychologist #P7466
​​Diana is a Registered Provisional Psychologist who is deeply passionate about helping individuals reach their full potential. She believes in fostering genuine, warm, and compassionate connections with her clients as the foundation for personal growth.
Her practice is inclusive, spanning all age groups, and she utilizes various therapeutic approaches. She has pursued specialized training in therapies such as play therapy for younger clients, EMDR for trauma resolution, Clinical Hypnosis for deep exploration, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for empowerment. One of her aspirations is to become a registered play therapist, further enhancing her ability to support children’s emotional well-being through play-based interventions.
Outside of work, Diana prioritizes a balanced lifestyle by staying active at the gym for both physical and mental well-being. Family is paramount in her life, and she cherishes moments spent with loved ones. She also shares her life with her two cats, George and Annie, and her dog, Kevin.​
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Credentials and Certifications:
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Registered Provisional Psychologist, The College of Alberta Psychologists, since 2023 (#P7466)
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Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, Yorkville University, August 2023
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Post Graduate Diploma of Therapeutic Child Play, Deakin University, Australia, 2020
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Bachelors of Social Science – Psychology, Swinburne University of Technology, Australia, 2018
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Foundation Play Therapy Training, Canadian Association of Play Therapy, 2021
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Emotionally Focused Family Therapy Level 1, ICEEFT, 2023
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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, EMDR Consulting, 2023
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Clinical Hypnosis Level 1, Alberta Clinical Hypnosis Society, 2023
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy – PsychWire, 2023
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Learn to Play – Deakin University, 2020
Laura Harvey, B.A., M.Ed.
Registered Provisional Psychologist #P8274
Laura is a Registered Provisional Psychologist with a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology (2024) from the University of Lethbridge. She specializes in supporting children and adolescents, creating a safe and understanding space where they feel heard and valued. With extensive experience working with youth in treatment and school settings, Laura uses approaches like solution-focused strategies, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and sensory-based tools to meet their unique needs. She is passionate about helping young people build confidence, manage challenges, and develop skills for growth. In her free time, Laura enjoys being with her family, exploring the outdoors, and playing soccer. As a parent, she brings empathy, patience, and a practical understanding of what young people need to thrive.
Credentials and Certifications:
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Registered Provisional Psychologist, The College of Alberta Psychologists
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Master of Education in Counselling Psychology, University of Lethbridge
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Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of Victoria
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Self-Harm and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Workshop
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Trauma-Informed Care Workshop
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Supporting Individuals through Valued Attachment (SIVA)
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Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI)
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Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (Phase I)
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Indigenous Cultural Understanding Framework: Cultural Solutions 101, 7 Sacred Teachings
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Sexual and Gender Diversity eLearning
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Opioids and Substance Use Awareness (OSUA) eLearning
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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Training
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Registered Yoga Teacher 200
Tammy Deboer
Office Administrator
We are pleased to introduce you to our Office Administrator, Tammy. She is our client care specialist, ensuring anyone that contacts TBC is set up to get the support they are looking for. She processes the direct billing to health insurance companies and other forms of payment.
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Tammy has spent the last decade working in the healthcare industry as a Medical Office Assistant. Through this experience, she understands the importance of patient care and customer service, ensuring a seamless experience for both patients and staff.
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Outside of work, Tammy enjoys staying active, particularly riding her road bike. She also enjoys gardening and spending quality time with her family.
