More about Susan Tran

The goal is not to make problems go away, but instead, to cultivate the mental and emotional toughness to be able to handle and recover from life’s adversities, however big or small. As a result, what seemed like a problem may no longer be one, or as bad as was perceived. This is known as resilience, which can be strengthened with consistent practice. I am passionate about working with adult individuals and couples who struggle with anxiety, depression, sleep issues/insomnia, self-esteem, grief/loss, stress management, and relationship issues.

I take a bio-psycho-social-spiritual and humanistic approach in my practice, with guidance from the frameworks of CBT, ACT, and solution-focused. I draw on stoic wisdom and Buddhism in order to help you cultivate what I’ve dubbed “Three C’s: Curiosity, Compassion, and Courage.” I emphasize lifestyle habits and consistent practice as part of goal-setting.

My therapeutic style is warm, collaborative, and respectful. I tend to inject my self-deprecating sense of humour which helps with building our therapeutic alliance. If any of this aligns with your values and you are ready to cultivate a more fulfilling and meaningful existence, it would be an honour to collaborate with you on your journey.

A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS

Susan, what is your favourite quote? 

“Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.” – Ambrose Redmoon

What do you think the world needs more of?

Self-compassion, because when we’re hard on ourselves, we’re harder on those we love.

 

 

Qualifications

Master of Counselling Degree (Counselling Psychology Specialty), Athabasca University

Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) Degree (Psychology Major), University of Calgary (awarded First Class Honours; completed & published thesis)

 

 

Affiliations

College of Alberta Psychologists

Psychologists’ Association of Alberta

 

Certifications

EMDR Basic Training

PUBLISHED ARTICLES

Tran, S., Walker, L.M., Wassersug, R.J., Matthew, A.G., McLeod, D.L., &

Robinson, J.W. (2014). What do Canadian uro-oncologists believe patients should know about androgen deprivation therapy? Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice. 20(3), 199-209. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1078155213495285

Walker, L.M., Tran, S., & Robinson, J.W. (2013). Luteinizing hormone releasing hormone agonists: A quick reference for prevalence rates of potential adverse effects. Clinical Genitourinary Cancer. 11(4), 372-384. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.clgc.2013.05.004

Walker, L.M., Tran, S., Wassersug, R.J., Thomas, B., & Robinson, J.W. (2013).

Patients and partners lack knowledge of androgen deprivation therapy side effects. Urologic Oncology: Seminars and Original Investigations. 31(7), 1098-1105. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.urolonc.2011.12.015

 

 

 

Languages

  • English
  • Vietnamese

My Areas of Specialty:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Self-Esteem Issues
  • Stress Management
  • Trauma
  • Trauma or PTSD with First Responders

I can also help with these areas:

  • Anger Management
  • Coping with Cancer
  • Dealing with Phobias
  • Grief and Loss
  • Insomnia
  • Marriage and Relationship Concerns
  • Pornography Issues & Addiction
  • Relationship Dependence

Mental Health Disorders:

  • Borderline Personality Disorder
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder
  • Narcissistic Personality Disorder
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder
  • Social Anxiety Disorder

My Treatment Approaches:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Family Systems (Bowenian) Therapy
  • Mindfulness Therapy
  • Psychotherapy
  • Rational Emotive Therapy (RET)
  • Solution Focused Therapy

Sexuality, Intimacy, and Gender:

  • LGBTQ+ and Gender Issues
  • Pornography Issues & Addiction
  • Relationship Dependence
  • Sexuality and Intimacy Issues