Clinical Co-Leader, PhD, RPsychÂ
dennis@southportpsychology.com
(587) 392-7133
When I’m not working, my leisure tastes run from the exhilarating (mountain biking, jet skiing and motorcycle riding) to the sedate (fishing, wood working, or reading historical fiction), with quite a few stopping points in-between. For me, variety really is the spice of life! Happily, I live, work, and play with my favorite person (and my favorite dog), which makes many of these activities all the better!
A Bit About Me
I’m the founder of Southport Psychology, and have the privilege of leading this talented group of clinicians together with my wife and partner, Chantelle Klassen. Although I’m originally a BC boy, after completing an Honours Psychology undergrad degree at Trinity Western University, I moved to Calgary to pursue my MSc and PhD degrees at the University of Calgary. Since that move in 1989, Calgary has definitely become home!
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Over the years, I have worked in several roles as a clinical psychologist. I spent over 20 years working for Alberta Health Services, mostly on developing a model for integrating mental health clinicians into family physician offices. That model of care ultimately spread across Calgary and throughout rural Southern Alberta. I have been involved in research with skilled collaborators that led to the development of a clinical pathway for depression in primary care, and the development of a treatment protocol for adults who have been exposed to childhood trauma. I’ve been lucky enough to be able to present the results of this work in various journal articles and numerous conferences.
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My main professional role since I graduated, though, has always been that of a therapist. This is where I find inspiration, meaning, challenge and even fun. I started with a particular interest in people with depression and anxiety disorders, but over the years my focus has come to include addictions, trauma, marital therapy, men’s issues (like “what does it really mean for a man to be strong”), and coping with stress and loss. I was initially trained in Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), but have found that adding some Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), narrative therapy, and Relational Life Therapy (RLT) has created the combination that really strikes the right notes with many clients.
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My personal belief is that none of us are “good” or “bad”. “Angels and demons” reside in all of us (not literally – you know what I mean), which leaves us all a bit complicated (if you don’t agree with me, I’m ok with that, but you might want to look a bit harder… just sayin’). We all grew up surrounded by an imperfect cast of characters, and have all been bumped around by life to some extent. In response to this, we all tend to cope in some healthy ways, and some not-so-healthy ways. As we grow up and grow old, I think our task is to understand what has happened to us, to come to some level of peace or acceptance with ourselves and/or others about what happened to us or what we did wrong in the past, and to find new ways of thinking, behaving, and relating to others that contribute to a growing sense of health, satisfaction, and joy. If that is what you’re looking for, I might be the right sort of therapist for you.
Clinical Co-Leader, MA, RPsych
chantelle@southportpsychology.com
(587) 391-7106
Fun fact: my first therapy job was working in a BC police station where I drove an undercover police car. In my down time I find great joy being with my loved ones, experimenting with interesting recipes (I use a lot of creative licence), puttering outside, or finding a body of water I can paddle on.
A Bit About Me
A bit about me... Growing up in BC, I obtained a first class, Honours B.A. in psychology from Simon Fraser University and completed my M.A. in counselling psychology from the University of British Columbia. Settling in Calgary shortly after graduation afforded me some amazing professional opportunities before finally finding my forever home with the Southport team. Prior to that, I’ve worked as a Registered Psychologist in public and private health care settings, outpatient, inpatient, and non-profit agencies in both urban as well as rural communities in the areas of assessment, research, therapy, and clinical supervision. In my various roles, I’ve remained curious about how our past informs our present and future in meaningful ways. I believe that sometimes we all get a little stuck on a version of ourselves, others, or past events that is no longer useful. Getting “unstuck” can make a meaningful shift in how we envision and activate ourseves, how we engage with others, and the ways we interact with our surroundings.
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I have a keen interest in identifying and reducing the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on our emotional and physical health. I’ve been fortunate to collaborate on research and clinical implementation of interventions aimed at reducing the long-term consequences of ACEs, and had the privilege of co-presenting ACEs research at several conferences nationally and internationally. More importantly, this allows me to integrate compassionately oriented and evidence-informed interventions with the clients I’m proud to serve.
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My most common areas of referral include PTSD, developmental/complex trauma, grief and bereavement, life transitions, workplace challenges, postpartum adjustment, anxiety and mood concerns, and establishing more effective communication habits with your partner. I have experience and training working with First Responders (Fire, EMT/EMS, Police, Veterans), and have volunteered for disaster response/critical incidents. Although I was initially trained as a trauma therapist and utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), I also find the approaches of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Relational Life Therapy (RLT) to be helpful models with many of my clients. I’ve always been interested in early intervention to prevent problems from taking root, thus I have advanced training and experience working with children and youth in the areas of trauma, grief, and adjustment.
MC, RPsych
(587) 392-7137
When I’m not working I love to be outside walking, hiking, exploring Fish Creek Park, and in winter, tromping through deep snow with my dog. A fun fact about me…prior to becoming a psychologist I was a music teacher with a degree in classical singing. Feel free to ask me what my favourite opera aria was to perform!
A Bit About Me
I am a Registered Psychologist with a Master of Counselling Psychology from The Graduate Centre for Applied Psychology, Athabasca University. I have many years of practice supporting adults, children, and couples both in non-profit and in private practice settings. I am passionate about working with people who feel hijacked by their thoughts, emotions and behaviours, and with couples, who are finding it difficult to feel securely connected in their relationship. I focus my practice on OCD and other compulsive disorders (BDD, Trichotillomania, BFRB’s, Excoriation) and anxiety of all kinds. I also work with people experiencing low self-esteem/self-doubt, relationship difficulties, life transitions, adjustment concerns, PTSD, and trauma.
Models of therapy I use include Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Emotion Focus Therapy (EFT) for couples, Relational Life Therapy (RLT), and I am Internal Family System-informed (IFS). To get unstuck in this journey of life, I believe we need compassion, psychological flexibility, and often the help of a fellow traveler. In therapy we work collaboratively so that you can gain new insight, experience healing, and find creative, workable ways to tackle difficult behavioural, emotional, or interpersonal problems.
MC, RPsych
nicole@southportpsychology.com
(587) 391-2092
When I'm not in the therapy room, you may find me bird watching, making music, enjoying the Arts around the city, and spending time with my friends and family.
A Bit About Me
I’m a Registered Psychologist and obtained my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Calgary and Master's degree in Counselling Psychology from Athabasca University. It is very important to me to bring warmth, patience and gratitude into every therapy session and to foster an environment of trust and safety with all of my clients. Prior to supporting clients in private practice, I offered counselling and behaviour consultation services to clients of all abilities at a not-for-profit agency.
I am well-versed in the short-term and long-term effects of trauma and am passionate about supporting clients on their journey to improved mental health and well-being. In addition to this, I also enjoy supporting clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, and emotional burnout concerns. I have experience counselling teens, adults and seniors and am passionate about clients of all abilities and culturally diverse backgrounds. I believe we all possess the strength to overcome life's challenges and that counselling support can help to enhance these skills.
I am trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) but also incorporate elements of Mindfulness, Narrative and Solution Focused Therapy in my work. Through these modalities, I assist clients in reflecting on how past experiences can shape the way they currently view themselves, others, and the world. I believe that when we are able to understand the impact that previous experiences have had, we gain the insight to address current challenges as well as harness our strength and abilities to achieve our goals.
MA, RPsych
(587) 392-7134
While my and family friends are my greatest joy, I can also be found at the gym with my strength community or at my piano.
A Bit About Me
I’m a Registered Psychologist with an M.A. in Psychology with Honors, from the American Public University, Charles Town, West Virginia, graduating summa cum laude. I strive to create a safe and supportive space where clients can experience steady, genuine care in the therapy room with me. Fostering a compassionate, collaborative relationship with my clients, tailoring therapeutic practices to your unique challenges, circumstances, and goals are my top priorities with each client.
With decades of training and experience in the helping profession, I integrate techniques from a variety of evidence-based theoretical orientations including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Client-Centred Therapy, Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), interpersonal and family therapy, existential and motivational therapy, narrative therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and solution-focused therapy.
I enjoy working with adults, couples, and families and I warmly welcome persons of all cultures, races/ethnicities, faiths, abilities, identities, and orientations. Clinically, I support clients with the following concerns: Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, and issues related to emotion regulation problems, relational conflict and trauma, and family difficulties. I have a particular passion for working in the area of sport psychology and performance. My other areas of focus include emotional burnout and life transitions, adjustment issues, stress management, neglect and abandonment, people-pleasing, chronic pain and fatigue, “Impostorism,” “Perfectionism,” anger, eating issues including weight concerns, body image, health and injuries, sleep, shame, self-esteem, sexuality, spirituality, and personality-related struggles.
MA, RPsych
lindsay@southportpsychology.com
(587) 392-7135
When I’m not supporting clients, you can find me at a country music concert, enjoying the outdoors, or working on a home design project! I purchased a fixer upper and was the primary designer for a full-scale renovation.
A Bit About Me
I’m a Registered Psychologist with a Masters of Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. My early experience in the field focused on supporting youth and families in diverse settings including specialized mental health classrooms, residential settings and outreach treatment programs. Before entering private practice, I spent five years as a mental health therapist in a primary care setting working largely with youth, adults and couples. I believe that a strong collaborative and connected therapeutic relationship is the foundation of successful therapy. In our work together, I strive to create a safe empathetic space where you truly feel seen and heard while allowing for genuine exploration and growth. I view therapy as a partnership, where we work together to identify your goals and overcome the challenges that stand in the way. My approach is rooted in fostering a compassionate, empowering, and respectful space for clients to grow, heal and thrive in ways that are authentic to them.
As a practitioner of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), I focus on empowering my clients to build a life that aligns with their core values while learning to accept and manage difficult thoughts and emotions. My approach blends mindfulness practices with evidence-based techniques to help you develop psychological flexibility, enabling you to move towards your goals even in the face of discomfort. Currently my practice is dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges with greater resilience and purpose. I have a special interest in working with Neuro-divergent individuals with or without a diagnosis of ADHD. I offer screening, assessment, and coaching in this area as well as expertise in various other presenting concerns common to the human experience. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, or life transitions, my goal is to support you in discovering what truly matters to you and in taking steps toward a more fulfilling life. Do you have concerns with self-esteem or body image? Health and lifestyle concerns are another special area of interest I have developed specialty and expertise in.
Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or seeking more direction in your life, identifying and coping with the barriers holding you back from the life you envision can be a useful starting point. Together, we will build a path forward that honours your unique strengths and values while embracing life's uncertainties. If you're ready to take the next step towards meaningful change let’s explore how we can work together. I work with various populations including youth (14+), adults and couples. The therapeutic modalities I practice in include Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution Focused Therapy, Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Narrative Therapy. I have a specialized interest and training in the areas of women’s issues (parenting, weight bias, body image, self-esteem, generalized anxiety and treatment of panic symptoms), ADHD (assessment & coaching), work stress, life transitions, and healthy relationships.
A Bit About Me
I’m a Registered Psychologist with a Doctoral Degree from McGill University. With years of experience, I have helped people navigate major loss and life transitions in various settings, including private practice, a university psychology clinic, and multiple hospital outpatient clinics. Before entering private practice in Calgary, I worked as a post-doctoral fellow with McGill University’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences for three years, focusing on supporting the psychological wellbeing of individuals living with cancer.
My areas of clinical expertise include depression, anxiety, stress management, coping with chronic and life-limiting illnesses, psychotherapy for men, complex personality patterns, assertiveness training, and relationship difficulties. I also address existential concerns, such as fear of death and dying, struggles regarding freedom and responsibility, isolation, identity, and meaning in life. I believe that the purpose of therapy is to help a person explore their early experiences and the connection between their past and present. Rather than focusing on the past for its own sake, the goal is to identify ways in which past experiences shape current challenges and to use these insights to inform change.
I enjoy working with adults of all ages including seniors. The therapeutic modalities I utilize in my practice include Existential Psychotherapy, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
Clinic Coordinator
(403) 252-4056 -or- (587) 392-7132
I truly enjoy interacting with people on a daily basis and helping them navigate their next steps at Southport Psychology. As evidence of this, you can often hear me saying to others: “Feel free to call me, I’m here to help.”
A Bit About Me
I’m the Clinic Coordinator and your first point of contact at Southport Psychology. I come from a long Alberta Health Services (AHS) career in both hospital Pharmacy and Public Health. After retiring from AHS in 2018, I worked as a Healthcare Navigator, helping clients across Canada access the care of specialists more rapidly. Following that role, I joined the Southport Psychology team in May of 2019 and have been supporting clients and therapists at the practice ever since.
It is important to me that anyone that who enters our office feels welcome, comfortable and safe in our space. I value and maintain your confidentiality while also working to normalize the process of seeking out mental health assistance. I want your experience, from the initial call to the final visit, to feel as natural and comfortable as any other appointment you may have in your life.