Hello, I'm Angie
I am a Registered Psychologist with a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology from the University of Alberta. I hold two Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University of Western Ontario: one in Psychology (Honors) and the other in Business Administration. Additionally, I hold a Certificate in Career and Life Coaching from the University of Toronto/Adler.
Angie Allan, M.Ed.
Psychology Experience
As a therapist, I’ve worked in private practice, YWCA Edmonton, CMHA, and the University of Alberta Education Counselling Clinic. As a consulting clinician, I also worked at rural residential treatment facility for youth. I’ve also worked with clients attending a treatment program for eating disorders; and with people as they return to community living following in-patient psychiatric care. I’ve had the privilege of working with clients who identify as First Nations, as LGBTQ, as having a diagnosable mental illness, and whose lives have been impacted by traumatic events. In private practice I work with adults providing individual therapy. My specialized services are available to organizations and their employees.
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My approach
When we work together, I usually start at the end: what or how would you like things to be different as a result of our work? This can be a tricky question for some clients, and sometimes becomes one of the goals of therapy itself. Together, we’ll draw out your strengths, identify your values, and plan the path that is right for you. We know from research (Safran et al., 2009) that the best predictor of a positive outcome in therapy is the relationship that you develop with your therapist. So I pay attention to making sure we have a strong relationship right from the start. You will notice that I am calm, friendly and encouraging. I’ll also offer you a challenge when you look like you need it.
As a Gestalt-oriented therapist, I consider your whole being: what you think, how you feel, and how you interact in your world. I will use techniques drawing from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFBT), Emotion Focused Therapy and Schema Therapy among others in our work together.
Experienced business executive
Before transitioning to psychology, I enjoyed a progressive 15-year career in the operations of various professional services organizations. Much of my work was in resource management where I helped hire, deploy, manage and support teams of people who worked on projects around the world. I also led turnaround projects to help struggling workgroups get back on track. As an Operations leader, I developed a nuanced understanding of how to maximize corporate profits while also maintaining a healthy work environment.
In the days before EAPs, I was often first contact for staff members who were having difficulties. I supported staff as they struggled to manage their workloads, and who were having difficulties with colleagues on issues such as bullying and harassment. I also worked with people who found it difficult to balance home and work responsibilities, and who were engaging in activities that interfered with their ability to do their jobs (like substance use). Partnering with management, I advised leaders and their staff as they underwent company-wide mass layoffs, acquisitions, mergers, and traumatic workplace events. My projects included activities to drive employee effectiveness, navigate workplace conflict, and create a culture of emotional intelligence.
Interests
There is always something new to discover in and around the city. Tell me about your favourite walking trail, your friend’s hot new pop-up restaurant or your cousin’s roommate’s one act play. I’m a Pop Culture Omnivore, meaning I enjoy the Opera with as much enthusiasm as I do memes involving cats.