Karen Kirkpatrick: Registered Psychologist in Edmonton
Karen Kirkpatrick
Karen Kirkpatrick
Registered Psychologist
Inspiration
Being a “people person”, Karen has always been fascinated by the human experience, and became deeply curious about the factors that contribute to individual flourishing. She began her career as a teacher, but after a journey of self-reflection and discovery, she decided to become a Registered Psychologist.
Education
Karen completed a Bachelor of Education degree as well as a post-bachelor diploma in Inclusive Education at the University of Alberta. She completed a Master of Counselling Psychology degree at Athabasca University. She’s also completed additional training in EMDR Level 1 and 2, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Gottman Couples Counseling Level 1 and 2, Intensive Sex Therapy through Guelph University, and is currently completing training to become a Certified Sex Therapist.
I believe everyone has the ability to change and create the life they desire. I can offer you a new perspective, and I like to provide clients with resources and activities to enhance the changes or coping strategies they are working towards. Being able to witness change and share space for healing and recovery is an enormous privilege and one I feel honoured to share with my clients.
Philosophy
Karen believes that we are the sum of our experiences, the environment, our families, our relationships, our personalities, and the culture we find ourselves in. Therefore, it’s important to understand how these factors and barriers contribute to our health and wellness. As we evolve and change throughout our lives, so do our needs and the type of support we require. Making small changes can enhance several areas of your life. During your counselling sessions, you can expect authenticity, collaboration, and genuine curiosity in understanding you and the experiences that have shaped you.
Vision
Karen collaborates with you to create a relationship built on mutual respect, empathy and comfortability. She believes that humour has a restorative quality and she uses it appropriately in her work. Karen specializes in treating body image concerns, such as weight discrimination and/or fat-phobia, disordered eating, anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship struggles and stressors, narcissistic abuse, pre-marital counselling, sexuality and gender exploration, sexual difficulties, grief and loss, stress and burnout, low confidence and difficulties with emotional regulation, as well as trauma. She practices from a Health at Every Size approach, and has training as a Body Trust provider. Karen is a sex-positive, LGBTQIA, trans and poly friendly therapist.