KARA EISSFELDT, M.A., R. Psych.
Hello! I am a Registered Psychologist in Calgary and the founder of Healthspan Psychology. Most of us know mental health impacts our wellbeing (including our physical health). Healthspan is not only about how long we live, but how long we live well. At Healthspan Psychology, I provide counselling therapy to both individuals and couples, to maximize health by addressing the factors that impact our mental wellbeing (think stress, anxiety, trauma, depression, challenges in our relationships, ect.).
It’s about lasting wellness for mental health.
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Trauma
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Anxiety
Depression
Occupational stress
Workplace burnout/distress
Couple concerns: communication, connection, parenting, infidelity, separation/divorce
Sexual/physical/emotional/spiritual abuse
Chronic pain
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Together with you. Counselling is a collaborative process. We use the personal experience and insights you bring, with my psychological experience and knowledge, to help you achieve the change you desire.
Listen without judgement. Having a comfortable environment where you can discuss your concerns openly is an integral part to effective therapy. I aim to always listen without judgement, so clients feel understood and respected.
Give direction. Often when people are seeking help for their mental health, they are looking for exactly that, help. Listening is part of the process but it should not end there. This does not mean I will tell you how to live your life, but I will offer insights and recommendations based on your values, your goals, and evidence-based practice (aka. scientifically proven).
Find what works for YOU. What works for one person may not work for someone else. In our work together, we will have on going conversations to ensure what we are focused on is working for you, your mental health, and your goals.
Use evidence-based practices. Counselling psychology is science based. I use techniques and therapies that are scientifically proven to be helpful. Taking part in frequent trainings and reading research also helps me stay up to date with effective psychotherapy practices.
Evidence-based practices I use often include: Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), Eye-Movement and Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) and Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE). If you aren’t familiar with some of these practices, do not worry, I can explain more during our first appointment.
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Registered member in good standing with College of Alberta Psychologist
Registered member with Psychologists’ Association of Alberta
Trained in trauma focused psychotherapies including; EMDR & Prolonged Exposure Therapy
Advance training in EMDR with First Responders/ Military populations
Training in Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) for emotional regulation
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In addition to being a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists, I hold a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Calgary and a Master of Arts degree in Counselling (Psychology) from City University of Seattle. I also have advanced clinical trainings in a variety of treatment approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), EMDR, Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE), and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT); drawing on other treatment modalities as needed.
I completed my clinical internship, as well as my residency working with individuals, couples, and families in the non-profit sector. Following that, I spent many years working in the healthcare sector, assessing and addressing the impact of trauma, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain with clients, prior to transitioning into private practice. Over the years, I have provided many trainings (for staff and clients), facilitated numerous groups, and presented on a variety of topics related to mental health.
Trained to address psychological health concerns to overcome life’s obstacles and increase wellbeing, I specializes in working with couples, as well as clients looking to address concerns related to trauma, anxiety, depression, and workplace stress. I am experienced in working with first responders as well as clients with occupational stress injuries, which has afforded me the pleasure of working with members of the Calgary Police Services, Calgary Fire Department, Alberta Health Services, and WCB. Not only do I utilize evidence based interventions and psychoeducation to support mental health, but also to empower preventative initiatives and reduce stigma.
Additionally, I am a want to be coffee connoisseur, lover of the outdoors, and can be found adventuring in the mountains on my days off.