Insight Psychological Therapists - Jennifer Kirkelund

Jennifer Kirkelund, Registered Psychologist, MACP, (She/Her)
Life can bring challenges that are hard to face alone, whether you’re navigating grief, recovering from trauma, managing a career transition, or striving to perform at your best in sport or leadership. Whatever brings you here, I believe you already carry the strengths needed to move forward. My role is to help you recognize and build on them.

I offer a collaborative, judgment-free space where you can share what’s weighing on you and work toward change that actually matters to you.

My specialties include grief and trauma, career management and leadership development, and athletic performance. I look forward to connecting with you!

More About Jennifer Kirkelund

I am passionate about supporting clients as they navigate life’s challenges and discover paths toward growth and healing. Through thoughtful reflection and meaningful conversation, I help clients deepen their self-awareness, identify values, and build resilience. Together, we explore new perspectives and creative approaches that can support lasting change and help clients move toward their personal goals.

Whether you are coping with the loss of a loved one, adjusting to a significant life transition, or experiencing another form of grief, I am committed to providing a compassionate and supportive space. I strive to walk alongside clients with empathy, curiosity, and respect as they make sense of their experiences and emotions. Together, we explore the impact of loss, develop ways to navigate difficult feelings, and identify meaningful direction forward. My goal is to help clients foster hope, connection, and a renewed sense of purpose while honouring the enduring significance of their relationships, memories, and life experiences.

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 spending time with my family, taking spin classes and walking in nature, hiking, biking and kayaking.

A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS:

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

I encourage you to treat yourself with the same compassion and understanding that you would offer a friend when you are feeling distressed. If a day feels overwhelming, focus on taking one small, manageable step at a time. It is also important to allow yourself to experience your emotions without judging them, recognizing that your feelings are valid and important.

What is your favourite quote?

‘What will you do with your one wild and precious life’ -Mary Oliver

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

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/Specialty Training:

Anxiety & Depression
  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Depression
  • Social Anxiety Disorder
Effectus (Cognitive & Performance)
  • Sports Performance
Grief & Loss Care
  • Grief and Loss
Trauma Care
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Workplace Trauma
Uniformed Personnel & First Responders
  • Wellness and Prevention for Uniformed Personnel & First Responders

I have experience in:

  • Anger Management
  • Anorexia Nervosa
  • Anxiety
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Adults
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Changes in Health
  • Compassion Fatigue
  • Dealing with Infidelity
  • Dealing with Physical Health Issues
  • Emotional Regulation
  • Empty Nest Syndrome
  • Family Caregiver Stress
  • First Responders Trauma or PTSD
  • Grief and Loss
  • Handling Chronic Illness & Chronic Pain
  • Losing Someone to Suicide
  • Loss of Employment
  • Loss of a Loved One
  • Major Depressive Disorder
  • Military Related Trauma
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
  • Panic Disorder
  • Phobias
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Premarital Counselling
  • Problem Gambling
  • Retirement
  • Social Anxiety Disorder
  • Sports Performance
  • Stress About Moving
  • Stress Management
  • Workplace Stress
  • Workplace Trauma

Corporate Services

  • Job Loss & Career Transition Support

My treatment approaches:

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
  • Gottman Couples Therapy
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Solution Focused Therapy

Assessment services:

  • Career/Occupational Assessments