Designation and Experience: I am a Certified Canadian Counsellor (Qualifying) and completed a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology in March 2020. Prior to my transition into counselling, I earned the Chartered Accountant designation.

My practice is focused on promoting health through the use of the Bio-Psycho-Social approach to wellness. My goal is to help my clients develop and achieve meaningful goals. Along the path of life, each person will encounter roadblocks and challenges - my mission is to help my clients determine the best strategies to remove them.

When walking with my clients on the path toward growth and wellness, I tend to use tools based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Internal Family Systems. In addition, alongside mental health, I also believe in the vital importance of both physical health and healthy interpersonal relationships. While working together, these three aspects of health will be discussed and improved upon.

What inspires you? Growth and holistic well-being. I believe that no matter our background or where we currently find ourselves in life, each one of us is capable of making meaningful progress toward improved mental, physical, and relational health. I am constantly inspired by the people around me who face up to the challenges of life despite the setbacks that inevitably arise. Though the path toward holistic health and well-being is not always easy, it is surely a worthy one! I salute anyone and everyone who has courageously chosen to walk that path!

What are your proudest accomplishments? I am most proud of my decision to leave a ‘safe’ career in order to follow the intuition that I was meant to be a counsellor. Though the process was a challenge, my intuition proved to be correct. I have found a home at the Eckert Centre as a counsellor, and I couldn’t be more proud of myself for that!

What are your Hobbies and Interests? Outside of work, I love physical activity. Whether it’s paddle boarding, climbing, cycling, running, or just simply going for a walk. On most days, you can find me outside somewhere. I also love to read books and listen to podcasts that focus on health-related topics. Throughout my life, I have accumulated a wealth of knowledge and practices that can be used to promote healing and growth – I can’t wait to share them with you!

Why do you think people should choose Eckert Centre? The Eckert Centre is staffed with capable and compassionate professionals that focus on positive outcomes for the clinic’s clients. The longevity of the office speaks for itself. I can’t recommend the Eckert Centre enough to anyone seeking healing and growth.

Designation and Experience: I am a Certified Canadian Counsellor (Qualifying) and completed a Mas... Read More

Designation and Experience:

My name is Cecilia (or Cici) and I am currently a registered provisional psychologist. I finished my M.Sc. in Educational Psychology with a specialization in counselling from the University of Calgary. I have over a decade’s experience working in the mental health field. I help children, teens, adults, and couples find their strengths and better cope with life’s challenges by using a combination of collaborative therapeutic modalities.

My areas of specialization are:

• Counselling for Neurodivergent clients (autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, giftedness, selective mutism, etc.)
• Early intervention support and/or functional behavioral strategies
• Emotional regulation
• Trauma and/or attachment-based challenges (trauma-informed talk therapy and I am EMDR-trained)
• Depression, anxiety, and general mental health challenges
• Relational conflict
• Identity concerns and life transitions
• Couple’s counselling (including neurodiverse couples)

I am LGBQT2S+ allied, trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming, and culturally sensitive. Finally, I can speak Mandarin-Chinese for those that need a language bridge.

What inspires you?

In general, I am inspired by people’s strengths and stories. I am humbled by individuals that have the courage to seek help when it is necessary and to allow themselves to be vulnerable.

What are your proudest accomplishments?

I am proud to be an ally for the marginalized communities I work with. Specifically, I take great pride in giving back to the community. I started a non-profit during my undergraduate degree to help provide support and resources to women and children with disabilities and I have been a director of both a First Nation’s cultural group as well as a local animal rescue.

What are your hobbies and interests?

In my spare time, I like to be active, especially with my two fur babies, dancing (I love teaching others how to dance!), video games, and fantasy, and being a self-proclaimed foodie.

Why do you think people should choose Eckert Centre?

Eckert Centre provides assessment, counselling, and cognitive coaching services, which allows clients to receive the support they need in one setting with the same team of professionals. Also, the team comes from a diverse background, and this ensures that we can serve a wide variety of clients.

Designation and Experience: My name is Cecilia (or Cici) and I am currently a registered provisi... Read More

Designation and Experience:

Registered Psychologist

I grew up in Brandon, MB, where I completed two years of university before moving to Calgary. I completed my Bachelor of Arts (with Distinction) at the University of Calgary in 2002 where I continued to finish my Master of Science (Counselling Psychology) in 2004. I gained experience working in the Addiction and Mental Health field before starting at Eckert Centre in 2006 where I conducted various assessments (psychoeducational, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and career) with children, adolescents, and adults. I also gained experience counselling adults (couples and individuals) and supporting learning skills of children and teens through coaching/academic counselling. For the last 13 years, I have worked in the post-secondary sector where I have honed counselling skills (using a combination of cognitive-behavioural, solution-focused, narrative, and emotion-processing techniques). I have loved the opportunity to continue to support the social, emotional, educational, and vocational success of young adults. While at Alberta University of the Arts, I acted as lead (wrote and helped to implement) the campus wellness strategy and post-secondary mental health grant. Through this, I delivered a variety of psychoeducational groups for students and staff in promotion of wellbeing for the whole campus. I am thrilled to return to Eckert Centre, which I credit as a place that helped to launch my career.

What inspires you? I am inspired by grit. Resilience cannot exist without adversity and I’m inspired by people that persevere against the odds. Resilience is not entirely within an individual and requires support. I’m always honoured when I am given the opportunity to be a source of this support.

What are your proudest accomplishments? My degree – it was a long journey and not a direct path; my career – I think I have built some really strong skills and amazing connections along the way; and my marriage of 25 years (see item re: journey/path )

What are your Hobbies and Interests? I follow tennis so closely it might be considered by people I talk to (or at) a special interest. I also like to think of myself as a decent cook and I love to try out new restaurants. Oh, and my dog – he takes up a great deal of my spare time and I definitely come out the better for it in the end.

Why do you think people should choose Eckert Centre? Eckert Centre has persevered through recessions and pandemics for a reason. Kimberly and the people who’ve worked at EC over the years are passionate, caring, supportive, and above all, skilled.

Designation and Experience: Registered Psychologist I grew up in Brandon, MB, where I completed... Read More

Designation and Experience: I am currently an undergraduate student at the University of British Columbia, studying psychology with the goal of attending law school in the future. As a psychology student, I have gained a deeper understanding of the human mind and behaviour, which has further inspired my interest in mental health and wellness. I am thrilled to announce that I will be writing weekly blogs for this website about mental health and university life. Through my writing, I hope to share my knowledge and experiences with others, providing support and guidance to those who may be struggling. In addition to my studies and writing, I am honored to be working as a Psychology Assistant and Digital Marketing Assistant at Eckert Centre. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply my knowledge and skills in a real-world setting, and to share my experiences as a student with the clients and staff at Eckert Centre. I am committed to contributing to the valuable work they do in the community. Thank you for taking the time to read my bio. I look forward to connecting with you through my writing and work at Eckert Centre.

What inspires you? What inspires me most is the incredible individuals I have had the opportunity to work with thus far. Their strength and resilience in the face of adversity is truly remarkable and has motivated me to pursue a career where I can make a positive impact on people’s lives. I am excited to continue my journey in the field of mental health and wellness and to learn from and be inspired by those around me.

What are your proudest accomplishments? I am incredibly proud of my journey towards better mental health and wellness. Through my own experiences, I have learned the importance of seeking help and support when needed, and the power of self-care and self-compassion. I am passionate about breaking down the stigma surrounding mental illness and promoting the message that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Helping others on their own mental health journeys has been one of my proudest accomplishments, and I am committed to continuing to do so through my work and writing.

What are your hobbies and interests? In my free time, I enjoy all things outdoors, including hiking, camping (in a trailer only…), and exploring new trails. I am also an avid volleyball player and enjoy playing on both indoor and beach courts. When I’m not outside or on the court, I love to travel and explore new places. And of course, my studies are a big focus for me as well, as I work towards achieving my academic and career goals.

Why do you think people should choose Eckert Centre? At Eckert Centre, the psychologists are known for their kindness, compassion, and genuine care for their clients. They understand that every individual’s journey is unique, and they strive to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment for their clients. What stands out about Eckert Centre is their unwavering commitment to helping individuals pursue their best lives. The business has been built from the ground up with this goal in mind, and the staff work tirelessly to ensure that clients receive evidence-based, compassionate care. I have personally witnessed the positive impact that the staff at Eckert Centre have had on the lives of their clients. They provide a safe and supportive space for individuals to work through their challenges and achieve their goals.

Designation and Experience: I am currently an undergraduate student at the University of British ... Read More

Designation and Experience: I am a Cognitive Coaching Specialist at Eckert Psychology & Education Centre and I provide academic, life skills, brain training, and reading training support. I am also a student with Providence Theological Seminary, working towards my Master of Counselling Psychology.

What inspires you? What inspires me is seeing people grow and change despite the hurdles that life places in their path. Seeing others persevere to develop and thrive amidst adversity and hardship is something very powerful and beautiful to witness.

What are your proudest accomplishments? My proudest accomplishments are being a mother to my three children, and working to find balance as I parent and work towards my educational goal of graduating with a Masters in counselling. Being a mom to my three kids makes me feel so proud; seeing my children grow into caring, smart, independent little people is so wonderful. I hope that I can inspire my children to make the life that they dream of.

What are your Hobbies and Interests? Some of my hobbies and interests include playing music, indoor wall-climbing and reading British monarchy history.

Why do you think people should choose Eckert Centre? Eckert Centre is made up of a caring, empathic and hardworking team that prides themselves on supporting individuals to be the hero of their own story. The clients who come to Eckert Centre are seen as unique and exceptional individuals, treated with respect, encouragement and care.

Designation and Experience: I am a Cognitive Coaching Specialist at Eckert Psychology & Educ... Read More

Designation and experience:

I am a Registered Provisional Psychologist and a Canadian Certified Counsellor. As a practitioner, I enjoy taking an integrative approach in therapy. This allows me to individualize our sessions based on my training, knowledge and your specific needs. My practice considers the biological, psychological, social and spiritual determinants of health.

I have had the joy of working with adolescents and adults experiencing a wide array of mental health struggles. In addition, I have received specialized training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Suicide Prevention and Intervention, Motivational Interviewing and intervention for survivors of abuse.

Since 2013, I have been working as a Mental Health Therapist in government settings, non-profit organizations and now, private practice. Working in this field has been nothing short of a blessing and a joy. I look forward to meeting you!

What inspires you?

I have always admired the person of Jesus. Stories of Him convey integrity, generosity, humility, compassion and unconditional love of every human being. In pursuit to imitate these qualities, I hope to make my clients feel valued regardless of their beliefs or history. While I’m by no means perfect, pursuing these qualities helps me enhance my service provision, every opportunity I get.

What are your proudest accomplishments?

My proudest accomplishment would be completing my Master of Counselling Psychology while working full-time. It was a stressful yet rewarding process.

What are your hobbies and interests?

On my days off, you’ll find me spending time with friends at a cafe or restaurant, hiking, playing tennis or playing table top games. Any chance I get, I enjoy singing and playing the guitar.

Why do you think people should choose Eckert?

Eckert Center offers multiple services which allow for collaborative practice and service provision, all under one roof. As I become more acquainted with each staff member, I’m encouraged by the genuine regard for the wellbeing of the people they serve.

Designation and experience: I am a Registered Provisional Psychologist and a Canadian Certified ... Read More

Designation and Experience: I am currently a Registered Provisional Psychologist. I have completed a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Psychology with Mount Royal University and a Master of Counselling through City University. I have spent over nine years working alongside children, adolescents, and their families in a variety of settings. These include public and private schools, in-home support, residential programs, early-intervention programs, and non-profit organizations. I have experience working from a variety of modalities and work from an integrated approach when working with my clients. I have specialized training in Synergetic Play Therapy and formal psychoeducational assessments. I am passionate about helping families and children enhance their family functioning by setting achievable and sustainable goals. I believe that each child, adolescent, and family is unique, and that services should be curated as such.

What inspires you? Children! Their resilience and ability to adapt is awe-inspiring and extremely humbling while working in this field. Furthermore, my clients as a whole are a source of inspiration for me. Their dedication to strengthening or improving their quality of life is an incredibly humbling journey to be a part of.

What are your proudest accomplishments? Being able to give back to my community with the skills and traits I have acquired in my journey as a provisional psychologist is one of my proudest accomplishments to date. De-stigmatizing mental health in the Asian community through representation is an on-going journey as a collective, but I am proud to be part of this change.

What are your Hobbies and Interests? Outside of work, I spend the majority of my time with my friends and family, or tending to my plants. My love for plants is connected to my own journey of mindfulness, which grounds me. If I’m in the mood for something more energetic, I hop onto my spin bike and channel my extra energy through an upbeat cycling class.

Why do you think people should choose Eckert Centre? Eckert Centre is truly a pioneer in its field of Educational Psychology, with the variety of services that it offers for families. The dedicated and diverse team ensures that a wide variety of clients and presenting issues can be addressed, supporting each client to reach their unique potential.

Designation and Experience: I am currently a Registered Provisional Psychologist. I have complet... Read More

Designation and experience:

I am a Registered Psychologist and the Founder and Executive Director of Eckert Psychology & Education Centre. I hold a B.A. Honors Psychology degree, obtained from Trinity Western University in 1989, and a M.Sc. School/Community Psychology degree, obtained from the University of Calgary in 1994. At the beginning of my career, I primarily provided psychoeducational assessments and learning intervention services to children, teens, and adults through the public school system and nonprofit sector. I then broadened my focus to including counselling services for children and teens, along with parenting support and education. I also specialize in trauma informed therapy for children and teens (but I also love to do the same kind of work with their parents). I am certified as a facilitator of Circle of Security – Parenting, which is an evidenced based, relationship based parenting program. I have also authored the parenting seminar series The Successful Parent’s Toolbox™, which includes the DVD/Workbook, Raising a Confident Child: Preparing our kids for true greatness, and the DVD, Raising an Assertive Child: Arming our kids against bullying. I welcome you to tune in every Wednesday morning on 88.9 Shine FM for Parenting Moments with Kimberly, or come to hear me speak at a local school, agency or church in your community.

What inspires you?

I love what I do…working with children and their parents is my inspiration. When you can see with your own eyes a shift in a person’s confidence and skill that comes from creating a safe place for them to explore, learn and grow, there is really nothing like it. Of course, I am also inspired by my own experiences as a friend, daughter, sister, aunt, wife, and mother – my relationships within my circle of friends and family have given me permission to explore my own strengths and limitations, and have helped me see first-hand how essential secure attachments are in fostering my “wings” to go out into the world, knowing that my “roots” go deep and I am known and loved for who I am. Finally, my faith inspires my work as I know that each and every one of us has been created with infinite worth and have a specific purpose that is ours to fulfill.

What are your proudest accomplishments?

Professionally: After six years in private practice, I recognized a need for Calgary families to have just one place to come and find the services they needed to support their mental wellness, relationships, and educational endeavors. When Eckert Psychology & Education Centre opened its doors in September 2001, it was a time of great celebration. Over the course of the last nineteen years, my journey as a business owner, coupled with my training and experience in psychology, has resulted in a unique and interesting career. I am particularly grateful to my husband and my parents for their support and belief in me, and for my exceptional team at Eckert Centre who have an unwavering commitment to our vision and mission – together we have built a place that really does “share the light of hope and courage” with all who walk through our doors.

Personally: Becoming a parent does not neatly fit into the arena of ‘proudest accomplishments,’ but for me, it has brought me the most joy and the most wisdom. My daughter has been my greatest teacher. Being a parent has also developed within me a spirit of humility as I support other parents in their journey of being “good enough” parents.

What are your hobbies and interests?

When I am not working, you will find me spending time with my family and close friends. I love hot tropical holidays with my family, riding bikes with my daughter, or going to great restaurants with my husband.

As part of my own self-care, you will either find me on the tennis court hitting a ball as hard as I can, walking in the park, or curled up with a good book. I love sweating and reading – but not at the same time, of course!

Why do you think people should choose Eckert Centre?

There are so many reasons I could give you but if I had to choose one, it is because here at Eckert Centre, you will be valued and cared for because to us, it is through the strength of a safe relationship that change happens.

On second thought, I have two more really good reasons!

1) I have an amazing team – I have been very purposeful in hiring people of outstanding character who are passionate about the work we do.

2) Together, we have worked very hard to ensure that as professionals, we stay current and use evidenced based programs, tools and interventions. This assures our clients that they will receive support that is grounded in science and delivered with compassion.

Designation and experience: I am a Registered Psychologist and the Founder and Executive Directo... Read More

Designation and Experience: I am a Provisional Registered Psychologist. I hold my B.A in psychology with a minor in Religious Studies which was obtained from Mount Royal University in 2017. I also hold my Master’s degree in counselling which was obtained from City University of Seattle in 2019. My practice is Theraplay informed, and I am a EMDR Child Specialist. Additionally, I am trained in Acceptance Commitment Therapy, and am a Circle of Security – Parenting Facilitator.

What inspires you? Simply put, children are my inspiration. I believe that if we allow it, children have so much that they can teach us. It is their innocence, honesty, humbleness and resiliency that I find astonishing. My biggest inspiration, however, is one of my nephews. He has Cystic Fibrosis and despite all his hospital stays, checkups and need to take medications, he remains so happy, full of life and love. I aspire to be able to help children keep these wonderful attributes throughout their lives despite the many adverse challenges they may endure.

What are your proudest accomplishments? At this point in my life, my proudest accomplishment is graduating with my Master’s degree. When I started my educational career I never thought I would go for a masters. I didn’t think of myself as “that kind of student.” But, with lots of support from my family and friends, hard work and determination… here I am. One thing to keep in mind, when you set your mind to do something and believe in yourself, great things can happen.

What are your Hobbies and Interests? When I’m not working, I am usually found spending time with my family and close friends. I have five nephews who in particular brighten up my days and bring me some of my greatest joy. In addition to spending time with family and friends, I really enjoy getting lost in a good book, movie or TV series. Shopping, doing puzzles and spending time outdoors are also delightful activities for me.

Why do you think people should choose Eckert Centre? Here at Eckert Centre the staff believe not only in what they do but also in the people they serve. From the first steps walking through the door there is a warm and welcoming environment filled with trained professionals who are compassionate, honest and wanting the best for those they are working with and the people around them. Furthermore, Eckert Centre has many services to offer – it is a “one stop shop” where both psychology and education needs can be met for the whole family!

Designation and Experience: I am a Provisional Registered Psychologist. I hold my B.A in psycholo... Read More

Designation and Experience:

I am a Registered Psychologist with a Master of Counselling degree. I integrate a variety of techniques and theoretical orientations in my work and am always seeking to learn about new and innovative ways of approaching therapy. I have received specialized training and developed skills in the following areas:

• Family therapy
• Couple’s counselling
• Individual counselling for adults and children aged 12+
• Group therapy
• EMDR therapy
• Psychoeducational assessments
• Legal assessments (to determine emotional and/or academic impact following injury)
• Teaching (family therapy and counselling skills courses, university level)
• Mental health strategy and program development

Accordingly, I work with a broad set of issues and concerns. These are some areas of specialty within my practice:

• Supporting parents and families with adolescents who are struggling with some aspect of their development or wellbeing
• Working with families to navigate the transition to separation or divorce and to develop positive co-parenting dynamics
• Improving communication and interpersonal relationships
• Depression, anxiety, ADHD
• Grief and loss or emotional trauma from past experiences
• Relationship with food, body image, and health behaviours (for persons living with obesity and related physical health issues)
• Existential and spiritual concerns

What inspires you?

Therapy, for me is a deep passion. I truly believe anyone can benefit from therapy; it is not a fringe activity for people who suffer from mental health disorders. Therapy is a creative process that can take many different forms depending on a family’s or individual’s goals and needs.

What are your proudest accomplishments?

I suppose I take some pride in my capacity for change. Growth and development, in my view, is a lifelong journey. I have managed to adapt to various changes in circumstances, new settings and challenges and despite difficulties along the way.

What are your hobbies and interests?

I love many outdoorsy and artistic pursuits. Snowboarding, gardening and travel are some of my favourites. Being in nature, reading, and spending time with friends and family are things I enjoy.

Why do you think people should choose Eckert Centre?

I believe the staff at Eckert Centre are knowledgeable, well-trained and professional. Eckert Centre offers a variety of services, some of which are fairly unique within Calgary. I find the team here genuine, caring, and collaborative.

Designation and Experience: I am a Registered Psychologist with a Master of Counselling degree. ... Read More