Frequently Asked Questions

*How long have you been doing this work?

Years and years! I completed my full registration as a psychologist in 2013, but have dedicated my entire career to working with early child development within health clinics, public and private schools, and private practice.

*What can I expect during an assessment for my child?

1) free consultation call

2) intake and informed consent conversation and paperwork (in-person or virtual)

3) various interviews, activities, and observations (in-person)

4) feedback meeting to review and receive the report (in-person or virtual)

*Do you provide assessments for Westmount Charter School?

Yes!

*Do you provide assessments for the Disability Tax Credit, Family Support for Children with Disabilities, Program Unit Funding, etc.?

Yes!

*What kind of counselling or therapy do you provide?

Simply put, I provide play therapy.

A child's developing brain needs 2 things in order to create true, lasting skill development:

1) connection with a safe and engaged caregiver

and,

2) incorporation of the child's interests and strengths.

So, I work with children and parents to find out exactly which skills are needed. Then, I demonstrate how to creatively add specific strategies within regular daily life and routine.

Common skills to target include: meltdowns, tantrums, focus, attention span, interest in others, transitions, turn-taking, hitting, biting, eating, toileting, sleeping...

The technical term for this evidence-based approach is DIR/Floortime.

You can learn more about it here: https://www.icdl.com/dir

*There are a lot of child psychologists in Calgary. Why choose you?

There are truly many excellent child psychologists around, even simply in SW Calgary, it all depends on the right fit!

As one of the only DIR/Floortime trained psychologists in Calgary, I can go beyond initial labels to investigate your child's individual developmental capacities in detail. By considering the whole child, we can tailor our strategies just for them, while they simply have fun and be a kid!

I love to laugh and play and create a space where your child is welcomed just as they are. I also take the serious parts seriously. I stay informed on current research, best practices, and evidence-based care.

*What do I tell my child?

*Tell the truth

*Use language they will understand

*Give them the amount and type of information that they can handle

A good guideline is: if they are asking about it, they are ready for an answer about it! As I learn more about your child, I can recommend more personalized ideas. I often provide short stories with pictures or photos to help children prepare for a new situation, understand a skill or concept, or process an experience.

*How long do assessments take?

*It depends on what type of assessment we are doing. Simple giftedness testing can take between 4 - 5 hours, including parent interviews, actual testing, report writing, and feedback.. More comprehensive cognitive and autism assessments, which can include on-site observations and multiple sessions, can range from 10 to 20 hours.

*Billable hours are always agreed upon before work begins, and can be re-visited throughout the process as appropriate.

*How much does it cost? Are your services covered by my insurance?

Fees are determined according to the schedule recommended by the Psychologists' Association of Alberta.

Most insurance plans cover psychological services. Direct-billing can be arranged through providers such as Sun Life, Manulife, Blue Cross, FSCD, etc.

*What do these acronyms/terms mean?

DIR/Floortime

A play-based philosophy, developed by Stanley Greenspan, where Developmental stages, Individual Differences, and Relationship are always prioritized.

CDS/Child Development Services

An Alberta Health Services clinic, located near the Alberta Children’s Hospital; children and families are often referred to the CDS by doctors or health care professionals; funded through Alberta Health Care

FSCD/Family Support for Children with Disabilities

Provincial program; if a child has a medical diagnosis or documented delays/difficulties/differences, supports are available, such as financial compensation for respite care and access to therapists* for support in the home

I.F.S.P./Individual Family Support Plan: document including goals, strategies, and responsibilities of family and community

I.S.P./Individual Service Plan: document including goals, strategies, and responsibilities of family and therapy team

*I am an approved provider for FSCD

Neurodiversity Affirming

We all have our own unique developmental profile and we don't always fit into simple boxes. I listen to individuals, parents, and teachers. I help with building on strengths, incorporating interests and passions, and addressing challenges with validation and respect. I support parents and caregivers so that they can support their children and students.

O.T./Occupational Therapist

Supports development of fine motor skills, or little movements, such as printing and grabbing, self-help skills such as eating and toileting, and sensory profile needs, such as a child's response to lights, sounds, movement, and smells

Psych/Registered Psychologist

Supports mental functioning, including social, emotional, behavioural, relational, and cognitive development, often through assessments, counselling, and consultation

Psychiatrist

Medical doctor, supports mental health through treatments such as counselling and prescribing medication

PT/Physical Therapist

Supports gross motor development and big movements, such as walking, running, jumping, throwing, coordinating, and healing injuries

P.U.F./Special Education Coding and Funding in Schools

Program Unit Funding is also a provincial program; if a child has a medical diagnosis or documented delays/difficulties/differences, supports are available to build skills in the classroom. Teams of therapists, teachers, educational assistants, and parents collaborate on goals and strategies, recommend and model modified programming, and track and share progress. Support is more readily available in preschool and kindergarten, through early intervention and Program Unit Funding; requirements for extra support in grade 1+ are more specific.

I.P.P./Individual Program Plan: document including goals, strategies, and responsibilities of school team

SLP/Speech and Language Pathologist

Supports speech, language, and communication development