Insight Psychological Therapists - Jennifer Kirkelund

Jennifer Kirkelund, Registered Provisional Psychologist, (She/Her)

I believe individuals to be the experts of their own lives, possessing valuable strengths and resources to resolve problems. I am compassionate and empathetic and I support my clients to share their concerns without fear of judgement. My areas of speciality include corporate care, career management and leadership development as well as athletic performance. I use a solution-focused approach and utilize cognitive behavioral therapy with my clients. Depending on the needs of my client, I incorporate interventions from several therapeutic modalities including Attachment Theory, Positive Psychology, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy and techniques such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness. I look forward to meeting and working with you!

More About Jennifer Kirkelund

I am committed to helping clients improve confidence, identify goals and resolve challenges. By asking thought-provoking questions, I will support you to increase self-awareness, identify values and strengths. These are important in building resilience through personal growth and development. Through collaboration and creative thinking, I can help you to achieve your goals.

With previous employment in corporate environments, my background also includes working with the provincial government, a post-secondary institution, and high-schools. I’ve assisted diverse clients from a variety of backgrounds including students and professionals in new, mid-career and pre-retirement roles. With training and experience in career management and leadership development, I’ve also provided intensive intervention with clients undergoing significant organizational change or difficult work environments and relationships. 

I am also passionate about sports psychology counselling and helping athletes to improve their performance and mental wellness. I collaborate with athletes to set goals and develop strategies to increase motivation and strengthen memory, perception, attention and focus to create a healthier perspective of themselves and their abilities. 

I believe strongly in life-long learning and professional development, continually seeking additional opportunities for growth. In my free time I enjoy spin classes and spending time in nature walking, hiking, biking and kayaking.

A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS:

Jennifer, what quick advice do you have for people who are really struggling?

Identify your feelings and be curious about what they are telling you. What strengths can you draw from? What supports and resources are available for assistance?

When did you know you wanted to become a psychologist?

I’ve known since I was a young adult that I wanted to become a psychologist. When my children were completed high school and entering post-secondary, I decided to pursue additional training.

Qualifications

Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology (Yorkville University)

BA Psychology

Career Development Diploma

Neurolinguisitic Programming Practitioner (MNLP)

Erickson Certified Professional Coach (Erickson Coaching International)

Affiliations

College of Alberta Psychologists 

Psychologists’ Association of Alberta

Canadian Psychological Association

Certifications

EMDR Advanced Training (R-TEP, S-TEP & G-TEP)

Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) Level 1

Myers-Briggs Typology Indicator (MBTI) Steps 1 & 2 Facilitator

Total Strength Deployment Inventory (SDI) 2.0 Facilitator

Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+)

Total SDI 2.0 Facilitator

Indigenous Canada

Crucial Conversations Facilitator

Gottman Method Couples Therapy Levels 1 &2

Crucial Conversations

Languages

  • English

My areas of focus:

Anxiety & Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Depression
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder
  • Insomnia
  • Major Depressive Disorder
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
  • Social Anxiety Disorder
  • Workplace Stress
Couples
  • Communication and Negotiation
  • Couples Counselling
  • Divorce or Separation
  • Marriage and Relationship Concerns
  • Premarital Counselling
Effectus (Cognitive & Performance)
  • Executive Performance Program
  • Sports Performance
  • Sports Psychology
Grief & Loss Care
  • Dealing with Physical Health Issues
  • Divorce or Separation
  • Retirement
Other Areas
  • Anger Management
  • Emotional Regulation
  • Stress Management
Trauma Care
  • Emotional Abuse
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Trauma
  • Workplace Trauma

I have experience in:

  • Caring for Someone with Cognitive Impairment
  • Compassion Fatigue
  • Difficult People
  • Grief and Loss
  • Handling Chronic Illness & Chronic Pain
  • Panic Disorder
  • Phobias
  • Physical Abuse
  • Pregnancy
  • Renewal of Aging Brain Program
  • Self-Esteem Issues
  • Seniors and the Elderly Issues

Corporate Services

  • Awareness and Prevention/Management of Mental Health Issues in the Workplace
  • Fit/Return-to-Work Assessment for Mental Health Injury
  • Job Loss & Career Transition Support
  • Mental Health Issue/Case Management Support

My treatment approaches:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
  • Emotionally Focused Therapy
  • Mindfulness Therapy
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Person Centered Therapy
  • Positive Psychotherapy
  • Solution Focused Therapy

Assessment services:

  • Career/Occupational Assessments
  • Stay-at-Work/Return-to-Work After Mental Health Injury