Meet Kennedy Ballam
B.A., MASTERS LEVEL COUNSELLING INTERN THERAPIST, EMDR Therapist
Welcome! My name is Kennedy, a Master’s Level Counselling Intern Therapist at Solace Psychology & Wellness. I’m currently completing my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology Degree through City University of Seattle (Edmonton campus). I also hold a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Degree from Concordia University.
Whether it’s supporting friends, family, or strangers, I find joy in being present for others and helping transform their sadness into hope. From a young age, I’ve been drawn to understanding people, listening to their stories, and offering support. I believe that simply being there for someone can be a powerful remedy. My commitment to building a collaborative relationship with clients allows me to meet them where they are in each session. I understand the courage it takes to confront life’s challenges, and I’m here to walk with you on that journey.
Clinical Overview
Therapy for Children, Teens & Parents
I enjoy supporting children and teens in bettering their mental health, fostering hopefulness and positive thinking, and processing their emotions and experiences. A large part of my work with this age group involves teaching and practicing strategies for ADHD, emotion regulation, self-esteem and confidence, social skills and healthy relationships, self-compassion, and effective coping skills. When working with young clients, I bring in elements of Play-Based Therapy and Art-Based Therapy in conjunction with other evidence-based modalities, My collaborative approach meets each young person where they are, creating a safe space to explore, learn, and grow.
Therapy for Individual Adults & Couples
When working with adults, my focus is on offering therapeutic support and evidence-based strategies for coping with anxiety, stress, depression, ADHD, grief and loss, life transitions, healthy relationships, sports performance, body dysmorphia/self-image, and women’s wellness.
My approach to therapy is shaped by my own experiences with mental health and the belief in the strength within each of us to overcome adversity. I strive to create a supportive, empathetic environment where clients feel comfortable being vulnerable. Together, we’ll work to promote healing and enhance your life through positive thinking and effective coping strategies.
I incorporate various clinical modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), tailoring my approach to meet each client’s unique needs.
Areas of Focus
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Attachment Issues
- Body Image
- Boundaries & Communication
- Child & Teen Counselling
- Coping Skills
- Couples Counselling
- Depression
- Emotion Regulation
- Grief & Loss
- Learning Disorders
- Life Transitions
- Relationship Conflict
- Peer Relationships
- Perinatal Disorders
- Self-Compassion
- Self-Esteem & Confidence
- Sports Psychology
- Stress Management
- Trauma, Abuse & PTSD
- Women’s Wellness
- Work / Life Balance
Therapeutic Modalities
Professional Trainings
- EMDR Training: Integrating EMDR into your Clinical Practice, 5-Day Intensive, Ronald Black & Toni M. Didona
- Emotionally Focused Therapy, Core Skills, ICEFT
- Mental Health Documentation & Medical Necessity: Simple, Clear Guidelines that Maintain Quality of Care and Protect Your Practice, Beth Rontal, MSW, LICSW
- Mastering Differential Diagnosis with the DSM-5-TR: A System-Based Approach, Margaret Bloom, PhD
- Suicide Prevention, Risk Assessment & Management (SPRAM), AHS
- Access and Privacy Fundamentals for Alberta Public Bodies (FOIP)
- HIPAA Compliance Training
Academic Credentials & Professional Memberships
- Master of Counselling, City University of Seattle (In Completion)
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Concordia University
- Psychologists’ Association of Alberta (Student Member)
A Bit About Me
When I’m not working or studying, you’ll find me enjoying a coffee, walking my dog, or spending time by the lake with my family. I love workout classes, golfing with my fiancé, and trying new recipes. Traveling is a passion, with Banff and Canmore being favorites of mine.
I look forward to meeting you and working together on your journey toward healing and growth.
