Jennifer Raymond
Registered Psychologist- Alberta and BRitish columbia
Jennifer Raymond is a registered psychologist with over 25 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults and their families. She is the founder and director of Purple Couch Psychological Services and has been in private practice for 25 years.
Adults
Jennifer draws on her expertise in attachment theory, developmental trauma, cognitive behavioural therapy and child development to support adults experiencing distress in their lives. Jennifer believes that strategies and skill development are most effective when applied through an understanding of our childhood and growing-up. Often behaviours and beliefs learned as children serve us well at that time, but cease to be functional once a person reaches adulthood. Common referral concerns include: depression, anxiety, OCD, relationship issues, grief/loss, trauma (including complex trauma), dissociation, sexuality, addiction and attachment.
Teens, Children and Infants
When our children are struggling, we want the fastest and most effective ‘fix’. Sometimes this means individual therapy for a child or young person, but often the most effective route is to work directly with parents. YOU are the most important person to your child and learning how to better connect and support your child is invaluable for their mental health. Jennifer will help you decide what will be the most effective approach, as she often combines individual therapy with parenting therapy. When possible, the initial intake session is for parents only and from there a treatment plan is developed. Common referral concerns include: behaviour issues, anxiety (OCD), anger outbursts, sibling challenges, divorce/loss, school issues, peers/relationship concerns, disordered eating, body image, self-harm, emotional sensitivity, sensory sensitivity, special needs, sexuality, defiance, addiction and attachment.
Parenting
The most difficult job in the world! Research demonstrates that infancy and childhood are extremely formative years and our connection with our child significantly influences their future mental and physical health. Sensitive and tuned in responding to a child’s distress is key in supporting children to grow into well-regulated, confident and capable adults. Yet, many things can negatively impact our ability to offer secure attachment to our children, despite how much we love them. Intergenerational trauma, parental anxiety/depression, relationship conflicts and previous parental trauma can all inadvertently disrupt a parent-child connection. Jennifer works with all parenting issues from the most simple to the most complex.
Couples
Jennifer works with couples experiencing conflict- both those aiming to remain together and those trying to separate amicably. Jennifer approaches couples counselling from an attachment theory perspective and aims to support each partner to discover their own contribution to the relationship dynamic. In combination with developing insight, Jennifer works with couples to learn new strategies for managing conflict, strengthening communication and maximizing empathy. Purple Couch welcomes couples of all genders and orientations.