About Anu
“As a psychologist, I love being able to help you to discover how you can recognize your strengths, view yourself as a person of worth and support you in your process of achieving mastery over your life.”
My interest in working as a psychologist with people who have had much success in some aspects of their lives, yet really struggle in other areas, has stemmed from some of my own experiences. There was a time when I was a quintessential “people pleaser”. If I received a score of 90% on an exam, I fixated on why I didn’t get 100%, and then beat myself up about it.
Fortunately, this way of being eventually became far too exhausting and anxiety provoking. I worked hard to improve my self-esteem and happiness and discovered how to base my self-worth on my own intrinsic value, rather than on external factors, such as the approval from others.
Not long after I made these changes, I also met my future husband…the love of my life. He often would comment on how refreshing it was to be in a relationship with an independent, confident and secure woman. Go figure!!
Several years and two kids later, I can certainly say that our marriage has not been without some bumps along the way (who can?), but we can certainly describe our marriage to be very happy and fulfilling, and that it gets better and better all the time.
There are times when we fight, but we fight fair. We take care of each other through good times and the not-so-good-times. We have fun together. We are truly the best of friends.
My work has been to learn and share how to be able to talk confidently to yourself and others in order to have the kind of life and relationship that you really deserve.
As a psychologist, I love being able to help you to discover how you can recognize your strengths, view yourself as a person of worth and support you in your journey if self discovery, optimizing your mental health and creating a healthy relationship with yourself and others.
Credentials & Experience
Professional Psychologist Credentials
I am a Registered Psychologist, regulated by the College of Alberta Psychologists. I am also a member of the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta. I have completed graduate studies and registration hours in the areas of clinical and counselling psychology.
Keeping current with continuing education courses and training is of utmost importance to me. A few courses I have completed include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy training by Dr. David Burns (2004 & 2009), Clinical Hypnosis training by the Canadian Federation of Clinical Hypnosis (2008), Gottman Method Couples Therapy (Level 3), and an intensive Master Class working with diagnosing and treating adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder-Level 1 (formerly known as Asperger's Syndrome) by Drs. Tony Attwood and Michelle Garnett in Australia (2016). More recently, I have become a member of The Association of Autism & Neurodiversity (AANE) & completed the Training with them to become a Certified Neurodiverse Couples Therapist in 2023. I am also a member and participate in ongoing continuing education courses & conferences with the Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance (CADDRA).
Professional Experience
as a Psychologist
My training and experience has been in clinical psychological assessment and psychotherapy.
I have worked with several different client concerns in various settings including hospitals, clinics, counselling agencies, federal prisons/community parole settings, as well as in my own private practice.
I have worked with the adult rehabilitation population with Alberta Health Services at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital in Edmonton (i.e. with individuals who have suffered a stroke, brain injury, neurological illness, spinal cord injury, and convulsive disorders) providing diagnostic assessment and treatment within an interdisciplinary clinical team setting. I have also worked on an interdisciplinary neurodevelopmental clinic for Alberta Health Services (Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital - Pediatrics) in Edmonton where I conducted psychological assessments querying the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Asperger's Syndrome, Global Developmental Disabilities, amongst various other conditions diagnosed in the early preschool years. Prior to working for Alberta Health Services, I was employed by the Correctional Service of Canada providing psychological assessment and treatment for individuals incarcerated in the federal prison system as well as on community parole.
In my psychology practice, I assess and treat a broad range of difficulties. Some of my clients seek assistance for addressing stressors (i.e. relationship difficulties, work or financial stress), while others seek help for more chronic and debilitating problems (i.e. anxiety, depression, low self worth, chronic pain, etc), or with developing more insight and skill development for living with Adult Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD-Level 1). When I’m not practicing psychology, you can find me cheering on my boys at their hockey games, hiking, developing a commitment to yoga, diving into a good book, or spending quality time with family and friends.
I know it is a big step to reach out and ask for help. I can appreciate how scary it can feel. I provide therapy within a safe, supportive and caring environment, so you can feel free to share and get the support you need.
Feel free to use my confidential on-line booking feature on this website to schedule your first appointment or call me at 825.509.5455.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Warmly,
Anu Sharma-Niwa
(Registered Psychologist & Certified Neurodiverse Couples Therapist)
It’s possible to find happiness and to feel better.
Please note that Anu is able to provide in-office and video appointments on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Wednesdays are remote video only via the Doxy platform. Anu is also available for video appointments only on Mondays by request
Please call or email for information about my current fee schedule.
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