TONIA ANDERSON

Tonia Anderson (she/her) is a Registered Psychologist (RPsych) with the College of Alberta Psychologists. She has a Master of Counselling degree (MC) specializing in Counselling Psychology from Athabasca University and received the Academic Graduate Excellence Scholarship (AGES) award. She attained a Bachelor of Physical Education from the University of Alberta and completed an Executive Leadership Coaching Certification.

Tonia competed as an elite athlete in multiple sports, including university-level varsity basketball. She was selected to represent her zone at the British Columbia Summer Games three years in a row in field hockey, invited to volleyball provincial team training camps, competed in track and field zone championships, and participated in every sport available in her youth.

Tonia she passionate about health and peak performance. She brings a culturally responsive, trauma-informed and person-centered approach to her work with clients. She integrates EMDR therapy, ego states, narrative therapy, attachment theory, mindfulness, and somatic theory.

Tonia holds a certificate in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and has additional training in EMDR and the treatment of pain. She integrates a variety of approaches to treat chronic pain, medically unexplained symptoms, suicidal thoughts, grief, depression, trauma, and childhood anxiety.  She is in the process of attaining dual certification as a mental health and leadership equine-facilitated wellness professional through Pro-EFW and has completed the Exploration, Foundations, and Focus training levels. She has National coaching Certification Program (NCCP) training and 12 years of experience coaching youth basketball.

ABOUT

Tonia has extensive experience working with children and adolescents and she is a regular contributor to the teen mental health magazine, Sophia Lia. She completed a counselling practicum working with children and youth ages 7-18 living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disorders, and a wide variety of other special needs not met in the traditional educational system.

Tonia Anderson with her horse

BACKGROUND

  • Previous to entering the field of counselling psychology, Tonia owned and operated her own leadership and performance coaching business. She has over 25 years of experience with working with individuals and teams in the areas of leadership, effective communication, team building, stress management, embracing change, and high performance. She has a wealth of experience with health psychology, injury and surgery recovery, prevention of chronic pain, pain management, chronic health conditions, compassion, and well-being.

  • Tonia’s love for nature and animals emerged after her family moved from Toronto to a ranch in Northern British Columbia in her early childhood. Being part of a family-run business and living in both urban and rural communities across Canada, fostered Tonia’s ability to respond to challenges and taught her the importance of openness, curiosity, and embracing cultural diversity.

    Tonia has worked in a variety of industries including emergency medical services, fitness, education, finance, and the energy sector. Tonia is actively involved in her community and has volunteered with a number of

  • organizations including the Distress Centre, the Canadian Red Cross, Calgary Minor Basketball, and mentoring small business start-ups. She has participated in fundraising initiatives for the Special Olympics and the Kidney Foundation.

    As a lifelong learner, Tonia regularly attends trainings, seminars, and conferences to ensure she brings the most current knowledge to her clients. She loves to read and always has a stack of books on her night table. In her leisure time, she enjoys hiking, riding horses, pickleball, travel, writing, art, and trying new things.

FAQs

  • No, a referral is not necessary. Just click the “Book Appointment” button at the top of the page or contact Tonia at tonia@toniaandersonpsychology.ca or (587) 224-4071 to book a 20-minute free consultation or get more information.

  • You can contact Tonia directly at tonia@toniaandersonpsychology.ca or leave a voicemail message at (587) 224-4071 with your days/times availability and the Tonia Anderson Psychology Team will do their best to accommodate your request.

  • 24 hours notice is required for cancellations. If you cancel within 24 hours you may be charged a cancellation fee or full session fee for no show. Exceptions considered in the case of illness and emergency. Contact your therapist for rescheduling.

  • Providers accept Tonia’s Registered Psychologist (RPsych) registration with the College of Alberta Psychologists for psychology coverage. A detailed receipt will be provided following your appointment for you to submit to your provider. Tonia has already gone through the approved health provider process for many providers including AB Blue Cross, Telus Health, Manulife, Sunlife and more.

  • Individual therapy (50 minute session): $220

    Couple or family therapy (50 minute session): $220

    Group therapy: dependent on length and number of sessions

    Billing can also occur in 10-minute increments for services done outside the scheduled counselling session, such as phone calls, letters & reports, calculated at one-fifth the hourly rate for each 10 minutes.

    Fees for specialized services not listed on the above schedule may exceed the listed fee, such as equine-facilitated therapy and other customized services.

  • Free two-hour parking is available in the lot at the front of the building. Register your license plate with the Impark app or parking machines.

  • For you to receive an effective and confidential in-person session, it is important to arrange for childcare while you are at your appointment.

    For virtual online sessions, you are welcome to have your child/children in another room as long as you still have a confidential space for your session and distractions are minimal.

    If your child is the one receiving in-person counselling, you are welcome to sit in the reception area during the session.

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a specialized form of therapy that uses the rapid movements similar to the movements in our REM sleep to activate the brain’s ability to resolve a client’s presenting concerns. EMDR focuses on the brain’s ability to constantly learn, modify, and adapt.

    Emotional past experiences can influence and distort the way we see the present and influence our attitudes and behaviours. They can influence our need for control and perfection, as well as impact our feelings of safety and our overall health.

    EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (via eye movements, tapping, auditory sounds, body movements, etc.) to activate our adaptive learning system in our neural network and helps us let go of beliefs, sensations, and emotions that are no longer beneficial or necessary in the present. As a result, we feel better instead of just thinking we are better.

    What can EMDR therapy help with?

    EMDR is a type of therapy more commonly known for helping with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

    EMDR can also be effective with:

    -anxiety and depression

    -increasing self-confidence and self-worth

    -sport performance in pressure situations

    -fear of dental work, medical procedures, needles, etc.

    -fear of flying, elevators, animals, etc.

    -fear of injury

    -school stresses and test writing

    -experiences of bullying and social challenges

    -feelings of overwhelm

    -decision making

    -processing past experiences

    -body pain and chronic medical conditions

    -nightmares

    -grief and loss

    And many more challenges you may be facing.

    EMDR has shown significant results in 3-7 sessions for many clients (complex conditions/trauma may require longer term treatment). Book a free consultation with Tonia to find out whether EMDR could be a fit for you or your child.

  • Tonia is an approved WCB provider and accepts clients based in Alberta with WCB Alberta and WCB Saskatchewan claims.

  • Tonia Anderson Psychology is set up to direct bill for companies under Telus Health (including Manulife and many others) and AB Blue Cross. Ask Tonia for more details about direct billing for your benefits company.