LISA BARANIESKI |REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST
ABOUT
ME
As a psychologist, I strive to create a spirit of inquiry as I invite you to seek self-knowledge, to identify fundamental truths, and to interrogate your actions and most deeply held beliefs. Therapy is a place to feel understood and accepted wholly; a place where we can rationally examine every aspect of your life in a safe and judgment-free space. I am committed to helping people work through what is most important to them and in ways that increase positive emotions, change harmful habits, and improve relationships.
Through the use of evidence-based therapies such as mindfulness-based cognitive behavioural therapy and prolonged exposure, clients are empowered to practice new ways of thinking and behaving. I hope that through therapy you will have developed new skills to use in future challenges.
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COVID-19 RESPONSE
Online Counselling
During this strange time, we can still connect online. Using any device, online sessions are encrypted and calls are never recorded or stored.​
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Fully compliant with College of Alberta Psychologists' Practice Guidelines, you have assurance that our calls are secure.
MY APPROACHES
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Developed through research, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most popular approaches and helps a wide range of issues.
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It is a type of talk-therapy that has a structured approach to develop a mindful awareness of our emotions, thoughts and behaviours.
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With this approach, your way of thinking is challenged so that you can view situations more clearly and respond to them in a more effective way.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
Traumatic events from our past can often stay with us and prevent us from living in the present.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) is an effective form of psychotherapy that has helped people recover from traumatic experiences.
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It does not require talking at length about the distressing events or challenging thoughts and behaviours. Instead, EMDR allows the brain to reprocess the events in a natural and healing way.
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Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)
Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) was developed by Edna Foa, PhD, Director of the Centre for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety. PE significantly reduces symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anger, and anxiety in trauma survivors.
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It is a form of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and has two main treatment protocols - imaginal and in vivo (real life) exposures.
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The goal of this treatment is to reduce distress and avoidance connected to trauma reminders.
Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP)
Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP) is a type of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) used to treat Obsessive Compulsion Disorder (OCD). It refers exposing yourself to thoughts, images, situations, and objects that make you anxious and/or trigger your obsessions.
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After exposure, you then make the choice to not engage in the compulsive behaviour for longer and longer periods of time. Over time, you will feel a drop in your anxiety level - this is called habituation.
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SPECIALTIES
As you are looking for a psychologist, you are taking steps towards growth and guidance in positive change.
You are not alone.
I have worked with individuals within Edmonton from all walks of life. The moments I live for are the 'ah-ha's' where we can work together to make progress.
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Our sessions could be as short as a couple of weeks, but I have others that will continue for years. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. You are unique and our approach will be as well.
SPECIALTIES
Anxiety
Depression
PTSD
OCD
Specific Phobias
Life Transitions
LGBTQS2+
Gender Identity
Motor Vehicle Accident
Ages 16+
