More About Ronald Carver

I enjoy working with adults, as well as couples and families to collaboratively identify and enhance their strengths while reducing the negative self-talk often associated with depression and anxiety. I use humor, empathy, and compassion in my person-centered approach, while helping people explore short and long-term goals for themselves in their lives. When working with couples, I enjoy helping them learn communication skills so they can reach resolution in conflicts and rediscover their passion for one another. After working many years as a vocational counsellor in the Edmonton / Cold Lake area I have continued to expand on my counselling experience by finishing my Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University.

A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS:

Ron, what do you think the world needs more of?

I believe the world needs more empathy not only towards others but to ourselves.  In the fast-paced world we live in our focus is far too often on the next prize, next challenge, or the next accolade, that we do not spend enough time getting to know each other or showing the compassion that we all desire and deserve.  Empathy towards ourselves is learning to forgive ourselves for our mistakes (we all make them) and recognizing that we are not perfect.  The world would be a much kinder and enjoyable place if we learned to concentrate on the positives surrounding us and to learn to forgive ourselves (and others) for every decision or error we make.

Have you, or anyone close to you, had to overcome any trauma, or mental health challenge?

As a former member of the Canadian Armed Forces with over twenty-five years service I have witnessed firsthand the debilitating effects that mental health can have on seemingly healthy individuals.  Far too often the stigma that many associate with mental health prevents people from seeking the help they need and deserve.  Often a little guidance and a helping hand is all that is needed to curtail the impact and angst that many people are suffering.  Life itself is a cycle of emotions often leaving people feeling lost or confused.  Seeking assistance in navigating their concerns often leads to a better path towards happiness and feeling better.

Qualifications

MA Counseling Psychology – Yorkville

BA Psychology – Royal Military College of Canada

Affiliations

Canadian Psychological Association

Psychologists Association of Alberta

American Psychologist Association

Certifications

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

Career Employment Coach Certificate (CECC)

STRONG Interest Inventory Certification

Conflict Management and Resolving Conflict Effectively Certification

Languages

• English

I specialize in:

Amare (Sex, Intimacy, & Gender)

• Marriage and Relationship Concerns
• Relationship Dependence

Anxiety & Depression

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Self-Esteem Issues
• Workplace Stress

Couples

• Divorce or Separation
• Marriage and Relationship Concerns
• Relationship Dependence

Entrepreneur Care

• Stress Management
• Workplace Stress

Grief & Loss Care

• Divorce or Separation
• Loss of Employment

Other Areas

• Self-Esteem Issues
• Stress Management
• Workplace Trauma

Trauma Care

• First Responders Trauma or PTSD
• Military Related Trauma
• Workplace Trauma

Uniformed Personnel & First Responders

• First Responders Trauma or PTSD
• Loss of Employment
• Military Related Trauma

I have experience in:

• Anger Management
• Blended Family Adjustment
• Coming Out
• Compassion Fatigue
• Emotional Abuse
• Emotional Regulation
• Family Caregiver Stress
• Family Issues
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Graduation
• Grief and Loss
• Infidelity
• Issues Related to Bullying
• Life Transitions
• Major Depressive Disorder
• Male Sexual Issues
• Panic Disorder
• Physical Abuse
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Premarital Counselling
• Retirement
• Self-Harming
• Sexual Assault and Abuse
• Sexuality and Intimacy Issues

My treatment approaches:

• Client Centered Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Cognitive Therapy
• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
• Gottman Couples Therapy
• Person Centered Therapy
• Solution Focused Therapy

Assessment services:

• Career/Occupational Assessments
• Gottman Relationship Check-up
• Return to Work Assessment