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Parent Counselling And Consultation

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Parent consultation Calgary customized family support

Customized Family Solutions

The parent consultation can be a preventative one-time visit or virtual or phone contact with a psychologist, or the beginning of a relationship that will include the child. Together, the parent and psychologist identify a path that would best meet the needs of the children and family. For family convenience, we meet parents in-person at the office, online, or by telephone.

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Common Triggers For Parent Consultation

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  • Divorce
  • Illness of a family member
  • Death and loss of a loved one
  • Sudden loss
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  • Arrival of a new baby
  • Sibling rivalry
  • Developmental questions
  • Toileting issues
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  • Child care questions
  • Transitions
  • School/learning related issues

All Children Are Unique

As a parent, you know this well, especially if you have more than one child. The things that work with one child do not necessarily work for another. Parents can feel lost or like they no longer have confidence in themselves as parents when the tried-and-true approaches that worked with one child don’t seem to work for another. Parenting books, blogs, or TikTok pages can help, but sometimes parents need individualized support to help them find what strategies and approaches will work for their particular child and their particular family. That’s where we can help – we offer parent-based counselling across Alberta. We provide guidance tailored to each parent’s unique experience, available both in person and through telehealth across Alberta.

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Parent Counselling And Consultation

RMPS firmly believes that there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution for parenting. And quite frankly, we love the uniqueness that each child brings! Every family is different, and every child is different, so every parenting path brings its own mantras, issues, and challenges. That’s why we offer parent counselling and consultation: a place for parents and caregivers to take some time out of their busy lives to think, reflect on what they would like for their family or their relationship with their child, and the path to get there. Our parent counselling and consultation services are designed to support this process with insight, care, and practical strategies that align with your family’s needs. We also provide parents with the option of online sessions, making it easy to access support from anywhere in Alberta.

Whether you have a specific one-question concern, you’re about to make the biggest transition in your life, or you’re just feeling overwhelmed and doubtful, we’re here to hear, no judgment involved, and help you to create the plan and the path to clarity, confidence, and the tools that truly work for your family.

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How Parent Consultation Works

We know parents can be busy which is why we offer flexibility in the timing of sessions and even in the way you access us. You can book an appointment with us in person, online, or a phone call. We offer online or telephone sessions across Alberta and in-person in Calgary.

Here’s what the process usually looks like:

  • Initial Contact: You reach out and share the concern or situation you’d like support with.

  • First Consultation: We talk about your rights and what to expect. Then we gather background information, hear your perspective, and begin identifying patterns or stress points, as well as your perspective on what things would be like if this issue weren’t an issue.

  • Strategy Building: Depending on the issue, we may offer immediate recommendations or suggest a plan for ongoing support, either with you, your child, or both.

  • Optional Follow-Ups: You may schedule a follow-up session after trying some strategies at home, or we may recommend formal assessment or individual or family therapy as the next step.

Each session is collaborative. You’re the expert on your family and child, and we’re here to help decode behaviour, help you find strategies and approaches that fit you and your family, and strengthen the parent-child relationship.

Supporting The Whole Family System

At RMPS, we view the family as a dynamic system, one in which every member’s emotional state affects the others. A child’s anxiety may be closely tied to a parent’s stress. Sibling conflict may reflect implied worries about fairness or change. Power struggles frequently point to unmet needs on both sides.

Through our consultations, we help families understand these dynamics with further compassion, not condemnation. When parents feel supported and like they have a plan in place, children frequently begin to settle, too.

When To Seek A Parent Consultation

Sometimes parents are unsure about reaching out for help because they wonder if their concerns are serious enough. In reality, just getting a second opinion, hearing that they are doing a good job, or exploring new ways to look at a situation can make a big difference. Parent consultation can provide this kind of reassurance. If the concerns are minor, it can offer peace of mind. If the challenges are bigger or more complex, parent consultation and counselling can help shape a plan to address them one step at a time.

Ask Yourself:

  • Are you feeling unsure about how to support your child through a recent change?

  • Are you and your partner not on the same page about parenting approaches?

  • Do you wish you had new tools to handle recurring behaviour challenges?

  • Are you worried that something is “off” but can’t put your finger on it?

Could you use a sounding board, someone who understands both child development and the parent perspective? If you answered yes to any of these, you’re not alone, and we’re here to help.

Investing In Connection, Not Perfection

There’s no such thing as a perfect parent. What matters most is the willingness to learn, grow, and stay connected, especially when life feels messy or uncertain.

At RMPS, we support parents from all walks of life, including single parents, blended families, new parents, foster parents, guardians, and caregivers facing complex dynamics. You don’t need to have all the answers. Sometimes, you just need space to pause, reflect, and explore what’s next. That’s where our parent consultation services can help, offering guidance rooted in care, patience, and intention.

Many parents are surprised to find that as their connection with their child improves, the challenges often feel more manageable. Life may still be imperfect, and additional strategies or routines might be needed, but strengthening the relationship is often the most powerful first step.

Strengthening The Parent-Child Bond

We believe that behaviour is communication and sometimes what parents and children really want – despite behaviour that seems to say otherwise – is to feel important and to belong. Modern life, with its distractions, pressures, and stressors, can make any connection challenging. In family sessions, we can help parents connect with their child and build a stronger relationship through changes like learning how to listen, communicate, problem-solve and have more fun together.

Guidance Through Every Age And Stage

Parenthood isn’t static. It changes as your child grows. What worked during the toddler years may not be effective with a preteen, and each stage brings new challenges. Our consultations are designed to support you through every transition. Whether you’re navigating early childhood behaviours, preteen mood shifts, or teenage independence, we help you understand what your child may be going through and offer practical strategies to parent with clarity, confidence, and calm.

Encouraging Parental Confidence

Sometimes parents are working hard, reading the books, trying all the strategies but aren’t sure that they’re doing it right or that it’s working. One of the most precious benefits of parent counselling is the renewed sense of confidence it brings. Parenthood can frequently feel like a series of alternate suppositions: Am I doing enough? Am I doing too much? Why isn’t this working? Through our parent-based counselling and consultations, we help you move from confusion to clarity. You’ll gain not just strategies but also a deeper understanding of your child’s needs and reasons why they behave the way they do, but you’ll also gain greater understanding of your approach to parenting, what works for you and what doesn’t. Our goal is to empower you to make informed, purposeful choices and to trust yourself more in the process.

Frequently Asked Question

What is parent consultation, and how can it help me?

Parent consultation gives you a dedicated space to talk things through with a trained professional. Whether you’re facing a specific challenge or just feel stuck, it can help you gain new perspective, tools, and confidence in your parenting.

Not at all. Many parents come in just to check in or talk through a situation that’s been weighing on them. Sometimes small changes in approach can make a big difference at home.

At RMPS, we take the time to get to know your family’s values, dynamics, and concerns. You’ll get honest support, practical suggestions, and a chance to feel heard without judgment.

If you find yourself second-guessing your approach, feeling disconnected from your child, or unsure how to handle a new stage, consultation might be the support you need.

Yes. Many parents aren’t sure where to start, and that’s okay. We at RMPS offer parent-based counselling in person in Calgary and virtually across Alberta to help you sort through your thoughts and figure out what’s next.

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Cassandra White

Cassandra has been the owner and Director of RMPS since 2013. She brings more than 20 years of experience in working with children and families to the practice. Her background and expertise in the areas of assessment and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders and ADHD as well as her knowledge of neurofeedback therapy and play therapy give her the broad base of knowledge to direct this multi-faceted private psychology practice.In addition to her experience in assessment and treatment of learning disabilities and giftedness, Cassandra has training and expertise in Child Psychotherapy and Play Therapy. She has worked extensively with children and their families regarding treatment of anxiety, depression, behavioral issues and emotion regulation using play-based and expressive interventions. Cassandra is also a clinical supervisor who provides supervision and consultation to other practitioners specializing in working with children. Cassandra’s experience and knowledge is not only academic; she is the mother of four children. Her experience of being a parent of four children makes her a very practical and realistic therapist. She understands the demands of parenting and does not rely on “book knowledge” or recommendations that appear unattainable for parents. She prides herself in understanding both the needs of the parents and the child. She looks for ways to enhance family functioning so that parents can feel competent and successful in their difficult jobs of raising children with a variety of complex needs.
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MacKenzie Ebel

MacKenzie is a Psychometrist/Psychological Assistant at RMPS. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Princeton University, where she also played 4 years for the women’s ice hockey team. She recently completed her Masters in Counselling Psychology through City University of Seattle.MacKenzie has worked with children, youth, and their families in a number of settings, through coaching, as a behavioural aid, and counselling through her internship placement. She is excited to continue learning about assessment administration, neurofeedback, and play therapy practices at RMPS! Currently, she is part of the assessment and neurotherapy team, as she completes her final capstone assignment and intends to join our counselling team as a Registered Provisional Psychologist.

Tammy Thomson

Tammy is a graduate of the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) program at Yorkville University and is trained at the master’s level in art therapy as a professional art psychotherapist and member of the Canadian Art Therapy Association. She brings more than 20 years of experience working with children, teens, and families in child development settings, children’s hospitals, and schools as an early childhood educator and elementary teacher.She completed a Bachelor of Applied Science specializing in Child Development Studies at the University of Guelph, Ontario and holds a Graduate Diploma of Teaching and Learning from the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand. Tammy is a member of the Canadian Counsellor and Psychotherapy Association and College of Alberta Psychologists while pursuing her next goal of registration as a provisional psychologist. Tammy values a client-centered approach using play therapy and the expressive arts to support those who may find it difficult to articulate their thoughts and feelings with words. Children and families do not need any skill or prior art experience and the art studio is a safe place where children can gain a sense of independence, greater emotional regulation, and confidence through self-exploration. Expressive interventions in art therapy can treat behavioural issues, anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, physical and developmental disabilities, and attachment difficulties. As a parent of three young children herself, Tammy understands the complexities of family life using compassion to help parents feel more confident in their role of raising a successful family.

Raquel Freitas

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.

Emma Donnelly

Emma is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in her hometown at Brandon University, after which she moved to Calgary to earn her Master’s of Science in School and Applied Child Psychology at the University of Calgary.Emma has a passion for working with children and families and has experience doing so in a number of settings, including schools, homes, early intervention programs, and within the community. She specializes in assessment, including psychoeduational, social-emotional-behavioural, and autism assessment. Emma uses a client centred approach to counselling, supported by cognitive behavioural therapy, as well as play-based and attachment-based techniques. She believes in meeting clients where they are at and prides herself in working together with her clients to achieve their goals, improve their functioning, and enjoy their daily life.

Amanda Stoner

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.

Denise Riewe

Denise has completed a Bachelor of Health Sciences through the University of Lethbridge and a Master of Counselling with Athabasca University. She is a Registered Provisional Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists and a member of the Psychological Association of Alberta.Denise has over 9 years of experience supporting children, youth and their families in both residential and community-based practices. Denise is experienced in working with high and at-risk youth, supporting children and their families with strength-based approaches. She practices from a client-center approach supported by Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Theraplay, and other play and art-based modalities.

John Pynn

John is a Registered Provisional Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. He completed his Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. He brings more than 20 years of experience working with children, teens, and families in a variety of settings. He brings a relaxed and collaborative atmosphere to sessions.John uses an integrated counselling approach including client-centred, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Solution-Focussed therapy (SFT) to find the best-fit for clients. He has experience with a variety of mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, anger, self-
esteem, relationships, parenting, ADHD, grief/loss, addictions, and trauma. This broad experience comes from working in schools, social service agencies, group-care, and clinical settings. He also draws from the practical experience of being a parent to two teenagers as well as a husband. Supporting and empowering clients with mental health concerns is something John genuinely enjoys. John also provides counselling for adults and holds a Gottman level 1 certification for couples therapy.

Zara Crasto

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.

Kellie Lanktree

Kellie is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. She completed a Bachelor of Child and Youth Care with the University of Victoria and a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology through the University of Lethbridge.Kellie has over 10 years experience supporting children and youth with developmental disorders/delays and their families. Kellie has experience working in schools, clinical settings, and within homes to provide support and therapeutic interventions. Through her time at RMPS, Kellie has also gained experience in helping individuals affected by trauma, grief/loss, separations, emotional dysregulation, depression, and anxiety. Kellie practices through developmental, attachment-based and trauma-informed lenses, and draws from a variety of play-based approaches such as Synergetic Play Therapy, Child-centered play therapy, DIR/Floortime, art-based mediums, and mindfulness-based practices. Kellie also provides Neurofeedback therapy, and is working on receiving her certification through BCIA. Kellie believes in meeting children and their families where they are at and that there is no “one size fits all” for therapy.