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Art of painting

Hi! I'm Allison McDiarmid.

Pronouns: she/her

I am passionate about supporting young people reconnect with their inner strengths, find outlets for self-expression, deepen insights into their challenges and strengthen connections with self and others. 

My name is Allison and I am a Registered Social Worker & Art Therapist with over 16 years specializing in therapy for children, teens and families.​

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My approach is holistic, person-centred and trauma-informed, meaning you and your family are honoured as you are. I meet you where you are at, and I walk compassionately and collaboratively alongside you at a pace that feels best for you. I strive to create and hold space for strong emotions, uncertainty, confusion, curiosities and new discoveries. Together we will explore your concerns, experiences and feelings and help bring you and your family towards what is meaningful for you in your lives.

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Using an integrative approach, I draw from several modalities to attend to each person’s unique needs and goals, including Art and Expressive Therapy, Attachment and Family Systems Therapy, Mindfulness, Somatic (Body-Focused) Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

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I look forward to learning about your unique strengths and supporting your journey towards self-discovery, healing and growth.

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My therapeutic journey has taken place in Child, Adolescent and Adult Mental Health Services, Pediatric Hospice, Children’s Hospital, as well as Community Based Organizations. Throughout this journey, I have maintained a strong focus on child & family therapy which has provided me with the skills to offer informed, researched-based and compassionate care.

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​Qualifications & Education

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​Registered Social Worker & Art Therapist

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  • Masters of Social Work - University of British Columbia (2010)

  • Degree in Social Work - University of Victoria (2007)

  • Advanced Post-Graduate Diploma in Art Therapy - Vancouver Art Therapy Institution (2015)

​Associations

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  • Alberta College of Social Work

  • Social Workers Association of Alberta 

  • Canadian Social Work Association

  • Canadian Art Therapy Association

Ready to Get Started?

Land Acknowledgement

In the spirit of respect, truth and reconciliation, I honour and acknowledge that I live and work on the traditional territories of the people of Treaty 7, which includes the Blackfoot Confederacy, consisting of the Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai First Nations, the Tsuut’ina First Nation, the Stoney Nakoda First Nations, including the Chiniki, Bearspaw and Wesley First Nations and the Metis Nation of Alberta, Region III. I am grateful for their stewardship and protection of these lands.

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