Danelle Spence R. Psych.

Danelle Spence, Registered Psychologist
It was an old friend that reminded me recently of a conversation we had in 10th grade. We were vocally daydreaming about the future and what it may look like. Psychology has always been at the forefront of my mind as a career possibility, as was teaching, and of course, becoming an astronaut. I think this daydream must have been punctuated with an episode of Growing Pains, because seeing Allan Thicke’s private psychological practice in his own home nudged me off the fence and off I went to make my daydream a reality.

Extensive volunteering pursued, a short 7-year pit stop in the teaching profession then psychological internships and residencies followed. Lo and behold, my Registered Psychologist status. I had achieved my Allan Thicke dream. I hope my passion for psychology rooted in 24 years of daydreaming, dedication, and hard-work can benefit those I will work with.

Biography

  • I have completed three degrees: B.Sc, B.ED, MA in Counselling Psychology
  • I have been a Registered Psychologist for 15 years
  • I was a teacher for 7 years (grades 3-9)
  • My work is highly influenced by Interpersonal Neuropsychology
  • I am obsessed with the human brain and how it functions
  • I am an active member within the counselling process – I often say it like it is!
  • My experience is varied, but I love coaching parents and working with teenagers (age 16+ specifically 🙂 )
  • My areas of specialization are: eating disorders, anxiety & self-harm
  • A new passion for me is: Teens and Technology – and how to best navigate this
  • I enjoy abstract painting, road biking and drinking lots of coffee

Other Credentials & Qualifications

  • Registered Psychologist (2008)
  • Clinical Supervision – Level 1, 2023
  • Foundations of Attachment-Focused EMDR: Modified EMDR protocol and resource installation, Oct, 2023
  • Adult ADHD – The Nature, Diagnosis and Treatment, Feb 2023
  • Level 1 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Jan 2022
  • Brain Story Certification – 30 hrs, 2021
  • EMDR Level 1 Basic Training
  • EMDR Advanced Training: Strategic Developmental Model
  • Emotion-Focused Therapy Level 1
  • Treatment of Adolescent Eating Disorders Integrating Emotion-Focused Therapy and Family Based Therapy
  • Healing the Caregiver System: Using EMDR therapy
  • “Going Back to Get on Track”: Healing Powers of Carers, Emotion-Focused Family Therapy for Eating Disorders Across the Life Span
  • A Day of Learning with Bruce Perry
  • Youth Addiction and Mental Health Lecture – Dr. Alfgeir Kristjansson
  • A Knowledge Exchange Forum on Brain and Mental Health in Children
  • Concussion: prevention, detection and management – A 6-week online course
  • 2-Day Positive Psychology Conference, June 2019

Practical Brain Science Webinar Series:

  • “The Brain In Two Places: Inside Your Head, Embedded in the World” – Daniel Siegel
  • “Unlocking the Enormous Potential of Neuroplasticity” – Norman Doidge
  • “How Good Experiences Can Transform the Brain” – Rick Hanson

The Long-Winded Version

I am a Registered Psychologist in the province of Alberta and a member of the College of Alberta Psychologists. As a Registered Psychologist, I am committed and dedicated to providing confidential, professional psychological services to my clients, according to the highest ethical standards of my profession.

I have had a passion for psychology and the developing brain. I have worked in schools, hospitals, correctional facilities, eating disorder centers, a specialist center for adolescent girls, walk-­in clinics and crisis centers.

My university experience consists of both an Education degree and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, from the University of Calgary. I then completed a Master of Arts degree in Counselling Psychology from Gonzaga University.

After many years within the education system working as a teacher and guidance counsellor, I then pursued my dream of becoming a Registered Psychologist. Once this was accomplished, I spent 5 years as part of a private practice team at a specialist center for teenage girls and their families. I then decided to combine my passions for psychology and education and joined an amazing team of professionals working as a school counsellor at Rundle College in Calgary Alberta. Soon enough, however, I decided it was time for me to go back into private practice – and here I am!