As a psychologist and Director of Rocky Mountain Psychological Services (RMPS), I often meet families who are surprised by how emotionally challenging winter break can be for their children. While
Understanding how a person thinks, learns, and functions can be life‑changing, especially when academic performance, attention, social skills, or decision‑making seems to lag behind potential. At Rocky Mountain Psychological Services
Holidays are meant to be joyous, memorable, and full of connection. Yet for many children, especially those separated from parents or primary caregivers during festive seasons, the holidays can bring
As the year comes to an end, many people focus on holiday plans, family gatherings, and preparing for the new year. But there’s one more task that often gets overlooked
Introduction: Developmental Expertise That Spans Generations At Rocky Mountain Psychological Services (RMPS), our foundation in child psychology is more than a specialty; it’s the cornerstone of our approach to understanding
I’m Cassandra Hillman white, President of the College of Alberta Psychologists Council, and the owner of RMPS. It is a privilege to speak with you today from the vantage point
Psychologists, provisional psychologists, and graduate students entering the mental health field face increasing demands for precision, evidence-based assessment, and client-centered interventions. In Alberta, professionals are expected not only to understand
In Alberta’s rapidly evolving mental health and educational landscape, the role of psychological assessment training has never been more vital. School psychologists, clinical practitioners, and private clinicians rely on accurate,
Over the years, I have seen many families walk into my office feeling disconnected, frustrated, or overwhelmed by patterns they cannot seem to change. Whether it is conflict between parents
Over the past two decades in my clinical practice, I have had the privilege of working with hundreds of adolescents navigating anxiety, depression, and the everyday challenges of growing up
Children are unique in ways unimaginable. One size does not fit all – each child develops at their own pace. They grow differently, they bud differently, and most importantly, they
When my daughter first started, things weren’t going so well at school. Sometimes other kids would get annoyed because she didn’t answer them and other times there would be some
A teenager who once loved hanging out with friends now spends most evenings alone in their room. Another, who once looked forward to school, suddenly avoids classes and complains of
When Mia’s teacher mentioned that she often preferred playing alone and became upset when routines changed, her parents weren’t sure what to think. They noticed similar behaviors at home, like
Parenthood changes life in many different ways. You learn and experience new things and grow alongside your children. Every stage of your child’s life is a learning opportunity for parents,
If your child seems to be constantly in motion, has a tough time focusing, or often acts without thinking, you may find yourself wondering, “Is this just a phase? Or
What Neurotherapy Is Useful For By assessing brainwave activity, neurotherapy, also known as neurofeedback or electroencephalogram (EEG) biofeedback, helps patients learn how to alter their brain activity and enhance self-regulation.
Children of potential may find their learning challenged in school if academic obstacles face them. Dyslexia and other learning disabilities impact a child’s reading and math skills. Attention-seeking kids may
As parents, we all want the best for our children, especially when it comes to their education. Sometimes, children face challenges in school that require a deeper understanding of their
In today’s fast-paced world, sleep issues have become increasingly common. Whether it’s insomnia, restless sleep, or simply not feeling rested despite hours in bed, many people struggle with getting quality
Psycho-educational assessments are valuable tools used to understand an individual’s learning abilities, cognitive strengths, and areas needing support. However, several misconceptions often cloud their true purpose and benefits. Let’s debunk some
Taking the step to bring your child into therapy is a courageous and empowering choice. It’s a space where they can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences with the guidance
As a parent, discussing your child’s psycho-educational assessment results can be a delicate and important conversation. These assessments provide valuable insights into your child’s learning strengths and challenges, and understanding
When seeking therapy for their children, many parents and guardians encounter the term “play therapy.” Understanding what it entails and how it differs from other therapeutic approaches can help in
At Rocky Mountain Psychological Services (RMPS), we’re committed to helping our clients harness the full potential of their minds and bodies. One of the most promising avenues we offer is
Are you curious about neurofeedback for your child? A doctor or therapist may have recommended it to your family, or you might have seen it mentioned somewhere and are wondering
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often associated with hyperactive boys, but the reality is far more complex. While boys are more frequently diagnosed, many women and girls live with
Executive function skills are the mental processes that enable us to plan, organize, focus, and achieve our goals. They are essential for learning, working, and managing daily life. However, some
Teleassessment is the use of telecommunication technology to conduct psychological or educational assessments remotely. It can be a convenient and effective way to provide services to children and adolescents who
As a parent, it can be frustrating when your child doesn’t listen to you. You may feel like you are speaking to a brick wall or screaming into a void.
Technology has been changing our lives in many ways, and neurofeedback is one such technology that is revolutionizing the healthcare and mental health industry. Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback
Neurofeedback therapy is an innovative form of therapy that is used to treat a variety of psychological and neurological conditions. Here at Rocky Mountain Psychological Services (RMPS) in Calgary, we
Play therapy is a type of therapy that is used to help children work through their issues in a safe and supportive environment. It is based on the idea that
Preparing your child for a psychological or psychoeducational assessment can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right preparation and guidance, you can help your
If you’re looking for an excellent pediatric psychologist in the Calgary area, Rocky Mountain Psychological Services is your best bet! For over 20 years, we have been providing quality services
What is EEG Neurofeedback? Neurofeedback is an advanced form of biofeedback allowing a client to see and train his/her/their brainwaves in order to cultivate healthy, effective, and efficient patterns of
Why Play Therapy May Be a Better Fit for Your Child Top-down and bottom-up refers to the parts of the brain that are being used in therapy to process information.
As we continue to ride the waves of the global pandemic, the mental health of our children and teens is of concern. CBC recently published an article stating that Alberta
As more people around the world contract and recover from COVID-19, we are starting to learn more about the possible long-term effects the virus may have. These individuals, often referred
There are so many different reasons that a caregiver might take their child to see a therapist. Perhaps it’s to help them process a recent parental separation. Maybe they have
Joanna Piekarski , Registered Provisional Psychologist, discusses the newest brain science research and how this knowledge can impact parenting. Workshop learning goals:
ADHD is a brain-based disorder that is one of the most widespread mental health disorders affecting children and adolescents in Canada (Center for ADHD Awareness, Canada [CADDAC], 2017). For individuals with ADHD,
Current research shows that over sixty percent of adults maintain some of their core Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms beyond adolescence ([CADDAC], 2017). Some adults with ADHD may have been diagnosed
Does your child ever feel a flutter in his stomach or have sweaty palms before a test? Does she feel this before meeting someone new for the first time? If
Children in this group will be matched for age and skill level. Lessons will be specific to the needs of the group. This group is different from many in that
Children in this group will have ample opportunity to practice their skills in a safe and caring environment with a small number of their peers. Small class sizes will ensure
Art Therapy Series I Art Therapy is a psychodynamic therapeutic approach that uses the non-verbal language of art making and verbal communication for personal growth, insight, healing and transformation. Using
What is Play Therapy? How Does it Work? Who Would Benefit from It? Presented by: Cassandra White, Registered Psychologist., Director at Rocky Mountain Psychological Services. February 27, 2017 6:30-8:00pm Sign
Children Art Therapy Services: Drawing Outside the Lines Drawing outside the lines of conventional practice, children art therapy services in Calgary is evolving as a popular mode of psychotherapy. Child
The Pros and Cons of screen time and learning a balanced approach Screen time is a hot topic lately and many of you have probably heard about the negative effects
Parenting is an amazing adventure full of ups and downs, learning, celebrations, and challenges. Parenting a child with ADHD requires some specialized skills and techniques. In this group, parents will
This parenting group will help parents of children ages 2-12 use the latest research on brain development. Parents will learn how to apply new advances in brain science to their
This 9 session group for adolescents focuses on practical skills required for social interactions. Topics include:, staying on topic, social reciprocity, expanding communication, and peer interactions. Adolescents in this group
Many kids with ADHD and learning disabilities also struggle with poor self-esteem. Here’s how parents can help. When children feel good about themselves, everything goes a little easier for them
Can Neurofeedback really help build stronger focus and attention? Here’s what you need to know about this alternative ADHD treatment. Cody Miller was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD
Setting goals — even if they’re abstract — can be a good way for adults with ADHD to feel more in control of their life. One of the most challenging
Raquel is an Office Administrator at RMPS. Back in Brazil, her home country, she graduated as a Psychologist and worked as a clinician for the past 5 years. Although she loved working with children and adults, she discovered a new passion: manage the administrative tasks that keep the business running.
As someone who is passionate about learning new things and developing new skills, with the career transition also came the decision to live abroad and explore a new culture. To serve empathetically and connect with people is Raquel’s main personal and professional goal.
Amanda is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. Amanda earned her doctoral degree in Psychology at Brock University in Ontario in 2017, with a specialization in developmental psychology. Amanda provides formal assessment services at RMPS.
Since 2009, Amanda has received formal training and work experience in private practice settings in conducting psycho-educational assessments for students ranging from preschool through university. Amanda is skilled at test administration, interpretation of data, and report writing for various referral questions including ADHD, Learning Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety, Giftedness, and Intellectual Disabilities. Amanda enjoys working with people of all ages from diverse backgrounds, and she tries to make the testing environment feel relaxed and comfortable while maintaining integrity in testing protocol.
Zara is a Psychometrist/Psychological Assistant at RMPS. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Calgary and her Graduate Diploma in Psychological Assessment at Concordia University of Edmonton.
Zara has spent over five years working alongside children, adolescents, and their families in a variety of settings. These include public and private schools, in-home support, residential programs, early-intervention programs, and non-profit organizations. Currently, Zara is part of the assessment and neurotherapy team. As a lifelong learner, Zara plans to go back to graduate school and eventually become a psychologist one day.
