MEET MIKYLA
Mikyla Cleary, M.C., B.A.
Registered Provisional Psychologist in Edmonton
Mental Health Counselling
Hi, my name is Mikyla and I am a Registered Provisional Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. I specialize in helping children, their families, and individuals on their journey to managing and overcoming their mental health concerns. I completed my Masters in Counselling at the University of Calgary, and also obtained my Bachelor's Degree in Applied Psychology from Concordia University of Edmonton. Â
I am a compassionate and empathic therapist who truly believes that all people have the strengths and abilities to bring about change in their own lives and are an expert in their own lived experience.
Therapy for Children, Teens, Parents & Families
I specialize in working with children and teens who experience concerns including anxiety, depression, stress, behavioural issues, emotion-regulation concerns, self-esteem, body positivity, trauma, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Learning Disorders, and neurodevelopmental disorders (ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder). I also enjoy working with parents and families.
My approach to therapy involves using strength-based modalities including Positive Psychology and Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT). I also use aspects of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), as well as play-based, sandplay and art-based therapy to help children process their experiences in a gentle manner.
In my previous role working as a Therapeutic Assistant in Behavioural Therapy for Edmonton Catholic School Separate District, I utilized Applied Behaviour Analysis to best support kiddos in classrooms. It was rewarding to see them succeed in a short amount of time with the proper guidance, tools and professional help. Something I am looking forward to now that I am working for Solace is getting to the root of the child and family's concerns regarding behaviour. What can the behaviour tell us about how the child is feeling and functioning? What can we do as a collective team to find some tools and strategies that work for your child, and your family, while also understanding why they are behaving that way in the first place? I am excited to help children and families put together those puzzle pieces, and work towards a balanced and well rounded life together.
Therapy for Adults & Couples
In addition to working with youth, I am passionate about helping adults find themselves again and live their best lives. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, Adult ADHD, among other mental health concerns. My therapeutic orientation when working with adults includes a mix of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), as well as utilizing self-compassion, mindfulness and strength-based approaches.Â
When working with couples, I bring forth effective strategies from the Gottman Method to help couples foster a stronger emotional connection. Relationships require effort and trust, and we will work together to help you heal from past emotional wounds and rekindle your love for one another.
Navigating mental health concerns can be daunting, and it is often hard to know where to start. As individuals we are wired for connection, and by creating a non-judgemental and safe environment I hope to establish a connection with you and/or your child that allows us to work collaboratively and find solutions together. We all have a story to tell and I am excited to hear more about yours.Â
I have been interested in working in the mental health field from a young age, as I grew up in a small town where services were not as easily accessible for friends and loved ones who needed them. Helping people has always been a passion of mine, and I am very grateful that my journey has led me here to Solace Psychology.Â
When I am not working I enjoy spending time at the dog park with my husband and our dog Izzy, visiting my friends and family in the mountains where I grew up, or attending a yoga class!
AREAS OF SPECIALTY
- ADHD
- AnxietyÂ
- Attachment Issues
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Behavioural Issues
- Body Image
- Child & Teen Counselling
- Couples Counselling
- Depression
- Emotion Regulation
- Family Counselling
- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
- Life Transitions
- Learning Disorders
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Opposition Defiant Disorder (ODD)
- Parenting
- Relationship Conflict
- Self-Esteem & Confidence
- Stress Management
- Trauma, Abuse & PTSD
- Women's Issues
- Work / Life Balance
SPECIALIZED TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS
- Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Acceptance &Â Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Solution Focused Therapy
- Mindfulness
- Go-To Educator Training
- Childhood Anxiety Training
- Childhood ADHD Training
- Supporting Self-Regulation in Elementary School Children
- Gottman Method for Couples Counselling
- Sensory Processing & Calm Spaces
- Stress Management & Dealing with Burnout: ACT
- Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI)
- Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training
- Mental Health First Aid
- Suicide Awareness Training
- Crisis De-Escalation Training
Academic Credentials
- Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology, Concordia University of Edmonton
- Masters in Counselling, University of Calgary
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
- College of Alberta Psychologists
- Canadian Psychological Association
MENTAL HEALTH THERAPY IN SOUTH EDMONTONÂ
