Laura Kennedy, MA, R. Psych.

Laura Kennedy View Specialties

Professional Qualifications:

I am a registered psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists as well as members of the
Psychologists' Association of Alberta. I completed my M.A. in Counselling Psychology through City University of Seattle. I am committed to staying up-to-date on best practices for client wellness.

Background:

I have a passion for dance, movement and creative expression. My first career provided the opportunity to feel empowered through the joy of improvisational movement and expressive art in workshops given to children, adolescents and adults across Alberta. I translate this passion into my counselling practice by recognizing the innate wisdom of our minds and bodies, and in knowing that each individual has the ability to find a way back to health and wholeness. I believe that it is often through the experience of joy that we rebuild hopefulness and smooth the way for change to happen.

Philosophy:

Sometimes clients jokingly say, ‘I have issues’. Well, we all have ‘issues’. Having issues is part of living life. However, sometimes these issues can become hard to deal with and my role as a counselling psychologist is to help you gain the skills necessary to heal and move on. To this end, I believe the therapeutic process is a partnership in which the therapist not only supports the client in identifying their own strengths, but provides insight and specialized skills to deal with even the most challenging of problems.

At times, discomfort and suffering are inevitable. Therapy provides a safe place to work this out. I think expressing both "negative" and "positive" emotions are important to well-being. I believe that a good session may include both tears and laughter.

I consider a session a success when a client leaves with increased clarity about the issues that they are dealing with, feels hopeful about addressing the challenges holding them back, and feels confident practicing new skills that they have added to their personal skill set.

Working Style: 

I understand the challenge of changing uncomfortable thoughts, feelings and behaviours. I have a warm, empathic approach, and a good sense of humour. I am both pragmatic and creative, and work with each individual and couple to find the best way to work through their particular issues.

Specializations:

Trauma, such as abuse or assault
Accidents & injury
Anxiety, fears & worry
Depression
Body-Image issues
Chronic Pain & Health Issues
Addictive Behaviours
Self-Esteem issues
Stress & burnout
Sexuality, GLBTIQQ
Grief & Loss
Communication & Assertiveness
Relationship Issues
Couples' counselling

I offer body-centred therapy such as SRT (Self-Regulation Therapy), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and EFT (Emotion Focused Therapy) for couples. My extensive background in creative modalities provides alternate approaches for individuals or couples who have not found more traditional counselling approaches to be helpful.

Note: I am a registered provider with the following programs: Medavie Alberta Blue Cross for Veteran's Affairs, the RCMP and the Canadian Forces; non-insured health benefits for Inuit and First Nations; and British Columbia's Crime Victims Assistance Program (BC CVAP). 
Most insurance companies offer coverage for psychological services, and you would submit receipts for reimbursement.

Laura Kennedy Reaches

Edmonton AB

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