Valerie Umscheid, M.A.
Registered Psychologist
Adults, Couples, Adolescents
“
When one door closes, another door opens
”
Philosophy and Approach
Valerie Umscheid is a registered psychologist with over 20 years of experience as a therapist. She embraces a therapeutic philosophy grounded in compassion, collaboration, and hope, believing that individuals have the capacity for healing, growth, and meaningful change even in the face of life’s challenges. Valerie recognizes that adversity is a natural part of life, and she works collaboratively with clients to help them navigate difficult experiences while strengthening resilience and wellbeing.
Valerie focuses on creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours openly. Through compassionate listening, validation, and evidence-based therapeutic approaches, she helps clients develop practical coping skills, gain insight, and work toward their personal goals. Her approach is client-centered and personalized, integrating a range of therapeutic methods to support each individual’s unique needs and journey toward healing and improved mental health.
Areas of Expertise
Valerie has extensive experience working with individuals, couples, and families across a wide range of concerns. She is a published author of “The Toolbox for Grief and Loss: Effective Healing Strategies” and is passionate about supporting clients as they navigate different forms of grief and loss. Her work includes helping individuals process loss related to death, suicide, dementia-related ambiguous loss, stillbirth and miscarriage, relationship loss, divorce, and career transitions. Valerie guides clients in learning practical strategies to process grief, heal, and rediscover hope for the future.
Valerie also works extensively with clients who have experienced trauma and uses EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to help individuals overcome the lasting effects of traumatic experiences. She has supported clients dealing with the impacts of abuse, bullying, motor vehicle accidents, traumatic loss, and work-related trauma, including first responders, military personnel, police officers, and healthcare professionals.
In addition to trauma and grief work, Valerie supports clients experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, PTSD, body image concerns, weight-related challenges, chronic pain, self-esteem difficulties, and relationship issues. She uses evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), EMDR, grief therapy, the Gottman Method for couples counselling, and clinical hypnosis to help clients develop effective coping strategies and improve both their mental and physical wellbeing.
Valerie also provides couple counselling and family therapy, helping clients strengthen relationships, improve communication, and reduce conflict. In couples therapy, the focus may include rebuilding trust after infidelity, improving intimacy, strengthening connection, or navigating separation and divorce. In family therapy, Valerie works with parents and family members to address challenging adolescent behaviours and develop healthier communication and parenting strategies.
Creating Meaningful Change
Valerie believes strongly in the resilience and strength of individuals and recognizes the courage it takes to face difficult life experiences. She is committed to supporting clients with empathy, compassion, and practical tools that promote healing and growth. Through collaborative work and evidence-based strategies, Valerie helps clients move forward with greater clarity, hope, and confidence in their ability to create meaningful change in their lives.
Education and Credentials
Valerie Umscheid is a Registered Psychologist with a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Gonzaga University. She is in good standing with the College of Alberta Psychologists, the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta, and EMDR Canada.
Presenting Concerns
ADHD
Adjustment Disorders
Anger Management
Anxiety
Body Image Issues
Burnout
Chronic Illness
Chronic Pain
Depression
Eating Disorder
Grief/Loss
Life Transitions
PTSD
Relationship Issues
Self Esteem & Identity Issues
Self Harm & Suicide Ideation
Stress Management
Approaches
Population
Adults (18+)
Adolescents (12+)
Couples
Families
First Responders
If you’re looking for a compassionate and experienced therapist to support you on your journey of healing and growth, Valerie at Journey Psychology is here to help.
Book Your Appointment Today!
Take the first step towards a healthier, happier you. Contact us today for complimentary 15 minute consultation to discuss your needs and how we can help.
