More About Susan Tran

The goal is not always 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. 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 who struggle with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, grief/loss, traumatic memories, stress management, and relationship issues.

I take a bio-psycho-social-spiritual and humanistic approach in my practice, with guidance from REBT, CBT, and solution-focused frameworks. I am trained in doing EMDR therapy to help you heal from traumatic memories. 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 focus on developing a strong therapeutic alliance which research has shown accounts for at least 30% of effective outcomes. 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.

NOTE: I am able to provide services in partial Vietnamese (I have approximately 50% fluency)

A FEW 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 do to keep your outlook optimistic?

Remembering that there’s nothing to fear but fear itself.

What was a defining moment in your life?

Grieving the loss of my mom and realizing that life is shorter than we think; live now!

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

I specialize in:

Anxiety & Depression

• Anxiety
• Anxiety Disorders
• Panic Disorder
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Self-Esteem Issues
• Social Anxiety Disorder

Entrepreneur Care

• Stress Management

Grief & Loss Care

• Compassion Fatigue

Mental Health Disorders

• Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Other Areas

• Anger Management
• Self-Esteem Issues
• Stress Management

Trauma Care

• First Responders Trauma or PTSD
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Trauma

Uniformed Personnel & First Responders

• First Responders Trauma or PTSD
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

I have experience in:

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Borderline Personality Disorder
• Communication and Negotiation
• Dealing with Difficult People
• Dealing with Physical Health Issues
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Grief and Loss
• Insomnia
• Marriage and Relationship Concerns
• Phobias
• Pornography Issues
• Relationship Dependence

My treatment approaches:

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
• Behavioural Therapy
• Client Centered Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
• Existential Therapy
• Family Systems Therapy
• Grief Work Therapy
• Mindfulness Therapy
• Psychotherapy
• Rational Emotive therapy (RET)
• Solution Focused Therapy