Jenn Kruger

I am a Registered Psychologist in Alberta with many years of experience in the area of Mental Health and Addictions. I have provided psychological services in a variety of settings with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. Given this, I have worked with a broad range of psychological issues, including but not limited to: depression, anxiety, anger management, self-esteem, emotional regulation, work-related stress, life transitions, substance addictions, behavioral (sex, gambling, shopping, food, body image) addictions, grief and loss, physical/sexual abuse, trauma, PTSD, intergenerational trauma, family of origin issues, parenting/blended family struggles, childhood attachment difficulties, infidelity/affairs, and relationship concerns.

      

As a Registered Psychologist trained in Marriage and Family Therapy, I view interpersonal relationships from a systemic perspective and bring with me specific knowledge regarding couple and family systems. I believe that we, as individuals, are interconnected with those around us and are part of a much larger system; including our families, communities, social networks, and work groups. Consequently, when any of these systems get stuck in unhelpful patterns, the individual(s) within that system can be left frustrated and trapped within a feedback loop that perpetuates and escalates their problems. I believe that people do not function alone in life, and our difficulties can be addressed by looking at the dynamics of the groups we are part of. For example, interpersonal concerns (“my partner is selfish”) are reframed into interactional or relational terms (“we have a pattern of communicating that causes my partner to pull away, which results in me feeling unheard”). Moreover, I believe in cause-and-effect interactions over time and that past interactions can create unhelpful reactions in our present. As a systemic therapist, I seek to troubleshoot and solve problems. What is causing this individual/couple/family to be stuck? What nudge could create new movement in the ways they relate and interact?  

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While I enjoy working with individuals, I have a special interest in helping couples and adult families reconnect. Couple dyads (intimate partners, parent-child, siblings, etc.) often develop spoken and unspoken contracts, communication styles, and patterns of addressing and avoiding conflicts. These concerns are the most easily observed and generally the reason someone seeks professional support. On the other hand, the deeper-rooted intergenerational influences we experience are often hidden and serve as the driving force in keeping our difficulties active until they can be examined. During this exploratory process I do not take sides, I do not judge, and I will not tell you what to do. In our sessions, we will work collaboratively to uncover and change patterns of communication that leave you feeling disconnected so you can work your way back to a mutually satisfying relationship.   

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Although my therapy style tends to be direct, I strive to provide a safe, nonjudgmental, and accepting environment that encourages people to reach their goals. I believe in using an integrative approach to therapy as each person’s needs are unique and different. I draw from several therapeutic modalities including Structural Family Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), Mindfulness-Based approaches, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and the Gottman Method.   

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Whether or not this is your first-time meeting with a counsellor, attending therapy can be a difficult process. Finding a therapist that you feel relaxed with is an important, and at times challenging, procedure. You want someone you feel comfortable sharing your story to but can also provide you with direction or tools to move forward. You want someone who feels like the right fit for you. I also feel this is extremely important as a strong relationship with your counselor is pivotal for therapeutic success. I strive to provide you with an experience that is both warm and caring, but also enlightening and knowledgeable. Please feel free to contact me for a 15-minute consultation if you have any further questions.

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I look forward to meeting you!