psychology
The Team
“ There are two gifts we give our children
-the first is roots and the other is wings”
Home
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Emotional outbursts
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Behavioural issues
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Parenting differences
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Regressive behaviours
School
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Impulse control
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School refusal/avoidance
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Executive functioning
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Performance reduction
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Relationships
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Sibling rivalry
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Family conflict
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Friendship/peer challenges
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Social withdrawal
Personal
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Self-esteem
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Motivation
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Mood lability
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Anger/irritability
Behavioural
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Risk-taking behaviours
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Thoughts of suicide
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Self-harming behaviours
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Running away
Melissa CLARK
My name is Melissa and I am a Registered Psychologist with 12+ years of experience working with children, adolescents and their families. I’m also a mom which adds compassion and a genuine understanding of the ups and downs of living in today’s day and age and doing our best to parent.
My practice is based on the view that every member of a family is connected to each other and for this reason it is important that we support the entire family unit. This includes individual play-based therapy for the child in your life, along with possibilities such as family counselling, parent support therapy and/or sibling support therapy.
My speciality is working with children + families, supporting their journey of navigating mental health diagnoses, meeting family member’s needs and organizing care including: strategies, environmental adaptations and parenting support. I primarily rely upon Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Solution-Focused Therapy. But these are merely the ingredients, like the light + water that allows a plant to grow.
The most crucial component is the relationship + trust + connection between client + counsellor and this is the seed. This is the foundation upon which all of our work rests. Change happens with a clear path, an identified goal, and small steps forward. We can do this together.
There is always a way. We will start with the seed, add water + light and we will build our way up… until you see yourself, your family + your life thriving with your new ability to root + radiate.
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Amanda TRENAMAN
Hi! Welcome to our practice. My name is Amanda Trenaman and I am a Registered Provisional Psychologist. I have been working with kids, youth, adolescents, families and individual adults for a handful of years. I believe in creating a safe place, where clients feel welcome in expressing all aspects of themselves.
I also know that it’s important to work together in order to create a plan that best supports a clients individual and unique needs, while working towards their therapeutic goals. I recognize how challenging and vulnerable counselling can be, my goal is to meet + accept all clients exactly as they are.
I work predominantly with anxiety, depression, OCD, emotional regulation, parenting concerns, separation/divorce, and various neurodivergent diagnoses including: ADHD, ASD, and other learning disabilities. I work from an attachment perspective, and include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and a solution focused therapeutic approach to therapy. I also recognize that each client has a unique sensory profile, and incorporate this perspective into my practice.
As a mom of three young kids, I recognize the all-consuming role that parents have, and how challenging the day to day “stuff” can be. I aim to support parents in understanding their needs, as well as understand their kids’ needs, and have parents feel as though I am a part of the team.
This journey isn’t easy, and was not meant to be endured alone; having a community and support is necessary. I feel grateful to be a part of my clients’ process, and welcome new clients to reach out should you feel as I could be a good fit for yourself or your family!
Kira SCHAAL
My name is Kira and I am a Registered Provisional Psychologist. I have over a decade of experience working with mental health, specifically with adolescents, young adults + adults in an individual setting. I am also a mom which has helped me to understand how challenging parenting is, how important work- life balance is and how easy life can fall out of balance and just get tough.
My practice is based on a direct approach with lots of humour as I aim to take the formalities out of therapy and provide a warm + comfortable safe space to chat.
I initially became interested in psychology and supporting adolescents after experiencing years of undiagnosed anxiety. I wish someone would have recognized the signs when I was a child or teenager. My employment history is primarily in early intervention which is life-changing and I believe it is privilege to support adolescents + families to navigate their journey to manage mental health.
My areas of focus include anxiety, depression, OCD, self- harm, suicidal ideation, peer issues, gender + sexuality. I utilize cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) and recently completed training in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).
I look forward to connecting with you and am honoured to participate in your care.
Amanda AITKEN
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** coming soon **
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If you feel I would be a good fit for you or your family, please don't hesitate to reach out by emailing melissaclark@rootandradiate.com to request a session.
Jenny NICKEL
My name is Jenny Nickel, and I am so excited to have joined the Root + Radiate team as a practicum student! I have worked with children, adolescents, and families for the last 20 years, and am so inspired by the strength and resilience I’ve seen with the families and youth I’ve had the pleasure of working with. I am married, have two daughters, and an amazing dog named Zoe. I have learned so much from my own motherhood journey, and these lessons have inspired me to support youth and families who too have experienced trauma, which can be so difficult and confusing to navigate. Outside of work, I love camping, skating on outdoor hockey rinks, coaching softball, reading fantastic literature with my girls, and expanding my knowledge in wellness and healing.
I am drawn to mindfulness and values-driven approaches that focus on what is meaningful and most important in my clients lives. With a focus on values and mindfulness skills, I believe we can overcome adversity, reach for the life we most want, and be the person we most want to be. I also love creative and expressive art therapies to explore, honour, and process our lived experiences, support healing and fulfilment.
If you feel I would be a good fit for you or your family, please don't hesitate to reach out by emailing melissaclark@rootandradiate.com
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The Results.
As a team, we have come to learn two very important distinctions between clients who see change and those who don’t.
1. The first is exactly what you are doing right now - looking for support and being open to change.
2. The second is the ability to show up + take up space + be exactly who you are. In this, know that you are not alone, we will be your support team, here to coach you through, week by week, from the position you are currently standing, to where you would like to be, even if that place is only defined as “anywhere but here!”.