Monica Arnold
Registered Psychologist, EMDR Trained, HAES Aligned
Existing Clients Only
New clients can wait list themselves by leaving their information here.
St. Albert
Monica's Rate: $200/hour
Hello! My name is Monica (she/her), and I am so happy you have found yourself here. I encourage you to connect with me through a complimentary 15-minute phone consult to see if we are a good fit for one another. You are a unique individual with personalized needs, so it is important that whoever is supporting you in your journey of positive change is the right fit for YOU!
Direct Billing to:
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Medavie Blue Cross
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Alberta Blue Cross
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Green Shield
Reimbursed by:
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Sunlife
Are We a Good Fit?
I have training and experience working specifically with youth (12+) and adults to address various mental health concerns. I have specialized training in, and a passion for working with folks who are experiencing disordered eating/exercise, eating disorders, and body image concerns.
Working with parents to support their own emotional blocks and challenges with supporting their children is another special interest of mine.
Youths (12+)
Adults
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I may also be a good fit to support you if you are looking for a therapist to work through:
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Low self esteem
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Anxiety
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Attachment concerns
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Depression
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Difficulties regulating emotions or accessing emotions
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Enhancing/maintaining positive change
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Interpersonal concerns
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Life transitions
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Perfectionism
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Self-criticism
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Trauma
If you are interested in working with me, but are unsure if we would be a good fit, I encourage you to book in a complimentary consult call!
Creating Change
I am centered in the belief that we are all unique human beings who have found a way to survive this wild ride we call life. I view all symptoms, concerns, and difficult emotions as a map to understanding how you have learned to survive (and potentially, flourish!). This means that I am here to work with your natural capacity to navigate your life, while establishing new ways of meeting your needs (ie. belonging, safety, control) in an empowering and healing way. Something tells me that if you are reading these words, there is a part (or all) of you that recognizes you deserve to experience something different or more than what this wild ride has provided you so far.
Working with Eating Disorders
If you are reading this section of my bio, there are two very important things to consider. There is never such thing as “sick enough” to receive help. There is no body size, shape, weight, or “look” that makes you deserving of support. If you think you are struggling with your relationship with food and/or your body, you deserve to explore those experiences in a supportive space.
I hold so much compassion for folks who are experiencing eating disorders, disordered eating/exercise and/or body image concerns. I recognize how confusing and helpless eating disorders can be, as they often start out as a way to feel safe and have control, until they end up causing hurt and controlling you. This really speaks to your inherent capacity for survival.
Eating/body image concerns have likely shown up in your world as a way to cope with or navigate something challenging. Knowledge can be incredibly freeing in the recovery process; the more you come to understand the various experiences that have contributed to disordered eating, and how these symptoms are currently working as a way to cope with life’s challenges, the more empowered you become.
I recognize there are barriers and biases that may be impacting your recovery or comfortability accessing support, including diet-culture, anti-fat biases, gender norms and cultural/familial perspectives on food/weight/bodies. If this resonates with you, I am happy to hold space as we un-pack and re-evaluate these constructs together.
My Therapeutic Approach
I recognize the privilege associated with joining you in your journey through emotional healing and am committed to working collaboratively with you to find a therapeutic fit that aligns with your needs. With that being said, I like to actively incorporate you in the treatment planning process, so that you have an understanding of how I am making sense of your experience, and how I intend on supporting positive change.
I am formally trained in Emotion-focused interventions, EMDR, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Clinical Hypnosis, and integrate aspects of Solution Focused therapy with most clients. As we get to know one another, and I gain an understanding of what your best hopes are for therapy, I will suggest a course of action that aligns with your best hopes. You will always be the person ultimately in charge of the therapeutic process (this is YOUR life!), so I welcome questions and requests to modify how we are approaching therapy at any time.
Fun Facts About Me (I promise I am a human too-not just a therapist!)
I have enjoyed a unique work history, supporting women in the criminal justice system, children and youth in residential care, and children and youth with developmental challenges in a school setting.
In my spare time, I enjoy running, making anything and everything with my Cricut, baking, and being with nature (hiking and floating down the river are some personal favourites!)
I am a mother to a wonderful human child, and two fur babies with four legs! Only one of them stands still long enough to capture photos with.
I truly LOVE my job, and the opportunity to connect with people as they begin (or are continuing) the process of healing and growth. I look forward to connecting with you!