About Patricia


Imagine having conversations where you can be vulnerable and safe to express your true self and then learn to do this in your family and with those who mean the most to you. Imagine being able to accept and feel all the range of emotions that are part of being human, without becoming overwhelmed. ”


As a psychologist, I am passionate in the belief that when we connect to our authentic self, bringing curiosity to our experiences, we can live a more fulfilling life. I have always been an avid learner about people, and what drives us all. Life is stressful and knowing that our agency is in our choice of how to react is a lifelong journey.

We all have our stories. Our past experiences shape the way we see ourselves and the world. Our conversations can help you understand these stories and offer the opportunity to rewrite old stories and craft new ones.  You might wonder what makes these conversations with me different than ones you’ve had with friends and family. First off, the space and time is specifically designed for you. I can offer you a safe space where you will be encouraged to explore, with courage, how you see yourself, how you function in the world, and how you connect to others. Although this is hard work, we might even laugh along the way.

I use a variety of tools and tricks from different therapeutic modalities. I’ve had the fortunate experience of studying people much smarter than me, who developed theories and therapies, like family systems, cognitive behaviour, narrative, dialectical behaviour, cognitive processing, and psychodynamic. What does this mean to you? I can help you rediscover parts of yourself that have been “in the shadows”, things you want to forget, things you have never thought through, and things you fear. Imagine having conversations where you can be vulnerable and safe to express your true self and then learn to do this in your family and with those who mean the most to you. Imagine being able to accept and feel all the range of emotions that are part of being human, without becoming overwhelmed.

I have a particular passion for working with young people and their families. Adolescence and young adulthood are exciting times when young people are hard at work discovering and crafting their stories, and it has been my privilege to help young people do that intentionally.

I am a parent and have personal and professional experience working with those who have an ADHD diagnosis.  Together, we can minimize the negative and maximize the positives of being neurodiverse.

Working with Alberta Health Services as a family therapist, I work with youth who were experiencing an acute mental health crisis. As part of a multidisciplinary team including social work, clinical psychology, psychiatry, occupational therapy, recreation therapy, and nursing, I worked closely with families to improve communication, manage safety in the home, and improve natural supports for children aged 12-17.

In my private practice, I work with youth, families, and adults to improve how they manage stress, communicate, live with chronic illness like anxiety and depression, and manage symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). As an LGBTQIA+ Alli, I work with young people and their families discover their true selves and thrive.

 Mental health is as important as physical health, so whether you are experiencing a problem, or just want to live life more fully and authentically, having courage to contact me is the first step. It can only get better from here.

Credentials & Experience

Professional Psychologist Credentials

I am a registered psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists.
I am a member of the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta

Continuing Education Courses Include:

Member of CAADRA – Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance

ADHD Certificate Course – Moving Beyond Medication

Brain Storey Certification

Cognitive Processing Therapy for Trauma (Certification eta. 2023)

Professional Experience
as a Psychologist

Working with Alberta Health Services as a family therapist, I work with youth who were experiencing an acute mental health crisis. As part of a multidisciplinary team including social work, clinical psychology, psychiatry, occupational therapy, recreation therapy, and nursing, I worked closely with families to improve communication, manage safety in the home, and improve natural supports for children aged 12-17.

 

In my private practice, I work with youth, families, and adults to improve how they manage stress, communicate, live with chronic illness like anxiety and depression, and manage symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). As an LGBTQIA+ Alli, I work with young people and their families discover their true selves and thrive.

 

Feel free to use my confidential on-line booking feature on this website to schedule your first appointment or call 825-509-5455.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Partricia Burns, MC, R.Psych

It’s possible to find happiness and to feel better.