More About Karen Gaudin

I work from a Humanistic Approach where I believe my clients are the experts of their own lives. Therefore they themselves inherently know what is best for them, but may need some additional help, supports and resources to get to where they want to be. I also believe that a lot of mental health issues are a result of people being forced to live inauthentic lives due to attempts to satisfy others expectations set out by family, friends, partners and/or society. I think that my clients healing and well-being starts with the path to self-love, self-acceptance and having a safe space to be the most genuine version of themselves. I want to always create that environment of acceptance, non-judgement and empowerment for my clients. Together we can get you to where you want to be, while embracing who you truly are and being the best version of yourself.

For over a decade my back ground and expertise has been in addiction work. However I see clients with a broad range of mental health issues including but not limited to Mood Disorders such as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Bipolar Disorders (I and II), Anxiety and related disorders such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and various types of phobias, Neurodevelopmental Disorders such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Personality Disorders such as Borderline Personality Disorder and Avoidant Personality Disorder, trauma related issues and disorders and any sexual issues and/or related disorders. I also can complete a variety of assessments, such as various types of Psychological Assessments and Forensic Risk Assessments. I use multiple therapeutic modalities and techniques depending on what best fits your therapeutic needs. These include Rogerian/Client Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Positive Psychology and Strength Based approaches, Exposure Therapy and Addiction Therapy including both harm reduction and relapse preventions supports. I am currently accepting bookings with teens, adults, older adults and I also provide therapy to couples and families and the LGBTQ+ community.

A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS

Karen, what is your favourite quote?

Authenticity requires vulnerability, transparency and courage. It is at times not an easy path to self-love and self-acceptance. However it is a journey well worth taking, as there is nothing more beautiful than living your authentic truth. Never perfect; always genuine.

-Unknown

What are you most passionate about?

I am most passionate about being an integral part of my clients’ therapeutic journeys and watching them morph and grow into the best versions of themselves. It is truly an honour and privilege to witness my clients learning new coping tools, life skills and getting the support they deserve for their mental health issues and/or life challenges they are facing. I truly love my career!

Qualifications

Registered Psychologist (R. Psych)

Masters of Counselling Psychology

City University (MC)

Bachelor of Arts Honours Psychology

Grant MacEwan University (HBA)

Affiliations

College of Alberta Psychologists

Psychologist Association of Alberta

Certifications

Preventing Workplace Bullying, Harassment and Violence

AODA Customer Service Training

WHMIS Refresher Training

Occupational Health and Safety Awareness Training for Supervisors

Diversity in the Workplace Training

The Canadian Model’ Alcohol and Drug Policy Certification

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

Mental Health First Aid Canada Certification

EPIC Master Clinician – Supervision Retreat

EPIC Master Clinician – Practicum Ethics and Practical Knowledge

EPIC Master Clinician – Building a Treatment Plan/Successful Sessions

EPIC Master Clinician – Introduction to Family Therapy

EPIC Master Clinician – Introduction to Couples Work – Part 1 and Part 2

EPIC Master Clinician – Treating Trauma – Successful Interventions

EPIC Master Clinician – Working with Children Through Play

EPIC Master Clinician – Therapist Question and Answer

EPIC Master Clinician – Specialized Assessments

EPIC Master Clinician – Nature and Animal Assisted Interventions

Languages

• English

I specialize in:

Amare (Sex, Intimacy, & Gender)

• Coming Out
• LGBTQ2S+ Issues
• Pornography Issues
• Sex Compulsion/Out of Control Sexual Behaviours
• Sexuality and Intimacy Issues

Anxiety & Depression

• Anxiety
• Anxiety Disorders
• Depression
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Major Depressive Disorder
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Panic Disorder
• Phobias
• Social Anxiety Disorder

Developmental Disorders

• Autism Spectrum Disorders

Mental Health Disorders

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Adults
• Avoidant Personality Disorder
• Bipolar Disorder
• Borderline Personality Disorder

Other Areas

• Out of Control Shopping

I have experience in:

• Abuse
• Adolescent & Teen Issues
• Alternative Sex Behaviours
• Anger Management
• Anorexia Nervosa
• Antisocial Personality Disorder
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Adults
• Behavioural Issues
• Blended Family Adjustment
• Bulimia Nervosa
• Changes in Health
• Communication and Negotiation
• Compassion Fatigue
• Conduct Disorder
• Dealing with Infidelity
• Dealing with Physical Health Issues
• Death or Loss of a Pet
• Difficult People
• Divorce or Separation
• Emotional Abuse
• Emotional Regulation
• Empty Nest Syndrome
• Family Caregiver Stress
• Family Issues
• Family Violence
• Female Sexual Issues
• Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
• Fetishes and Philias
• First Responders Trauma or PTSD
• Food or Eating Issues
• Gender Identity
• Graduation
• Grief and Loss
• Handling Chronic Illness & Chronic Pain
• Intercultural and Interracial Relationships
• Issues Related to Bullying
• Life Transitions
• Losing Someone to Suicide
• Loss of Employment
• Loss of a Loved One
• Male Sexual Issues
• Marriage and Relationship Concerns
• Narcissistic Personality Disorder
• Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder
• Oppositional Defiant Disorder
• Parenting Issues & Support
• Physical Abuse
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Postpartum Depression
• Pregnancy
• Premarital Counselling
• Problem Gambling
• Relationship Dependence
• Retirement
• Self-Esteem Issues
• Self-Harming
• Seniors and the Elderly Issues
• Sexual Arousal Issues
• Sexual Assault and Abuse
• Sexual Offending Behaviours
• Stress Management
• Suicidal Thoughts
• Trans Counselling
• Trichotillomania (hair pulling disorder)
• Weight & Eating Disorders
• Weight Management
• Workplace Stress
• Workplace Trauma

Corporate Services

• Awareness and Prevention/Management of Mental Health Issues in the Workplace
• Fit/Return-to-Work Assessment for Mental Health Injury
• Group Support for Conflicts, Transitions & Mental Health Issues
• Mental Health Issue/Case Management Support
• Organizational, Individual, and Team Health Assessments
• Specialized Counselling & Treatments
• Wellness During COVID
• Workplace Psychological Health, Safety & Injury
• Workplace Sex & Gender Issues

My treatment approaches:

• Behavioural Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
• Exposure Therapy
• Gestalt Therapy
• Grief Work
• Mindfulness Therapy
• Motivational Interviewing
• Narrative Therapy
• Person Centered Therapy
• Positive Psychotherapy
• Sex Therapy

Assessment services:

• Anxiety Assessment
• Behavioural Assessment
• Career/Occupational Assessments
• Depression Assessment
• Forensic Assessment (Sex Offending & Violence Risk)
• Mental Health Assessments
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Assessment
• Parental Assessment
• Personality & Behaviour Assessments