Chanda McFadden (she/her)

(Pronounced Shan-da)

While I’ll always consider myself to be a small-town Saskatchewan girl, I chose Calgary as my home in 2017. In the wild, you can find me lifting heavy things at the gym and complaining about it, or facetiming my nieces and nephews (sometimes they even answer). I’m always up for an open and vulnerable conversation. I typically fill my cup by surrounding myself with the people I really care about. My loved ones would probably tell you that I’m curious, thoughtful and that I spend way too much money at Winners!

For the past 10 years I’ve been a passionate social worker with diverse interests. I’ve almost always had two jobs, and this has allowed me to broaden my experience with diverse populations and circumstances. I’ve facilitated numerous groups and co-authored several qualitative research publications in cardiology and equity, diversity, and inclusion.

My Therapy Style is Curious, Compassionate, Warm, Humorous & Relatable.

Guest Therapist, MSW BSW RSW

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Specialities:

Location: Okotoks, AB — In-Person & Online

Licensed to serve in Alberta & Saskatchewan.
Accepting new clients.

admin@kindredroots.ca

Infertility & Pregnancy Loss
Postpartum Depression
Relationship Changes
Women’s Health

Couples
Emotional Dysregulation
Families
Interpersonal Concerns

Office Hours:
Saturdays 9am - 5pm (willing to be flexible if needed)

My “Go-To” Therapy Models

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

Focuses on attachment science and helps people understand their feelings and the feelings of those around them, leading to healthy and fulfilling relationships.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Encourages embracing your thoughts and feelings, focusing on the present, and taking meaningful action to improve your life.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Focuses on transforming negative thoughts and behaviors into positive outcomes for better emotional well-being.
Mindfulness

A practice that focuses on being fully present in the moment, helping to reduce stress and increase emotional regulation.

My career began in family reunification and preservation, and this experience was fundamental in establishing my practice framework of systemic therapy. For almost 8 years, I’ve worked in health care, primarily under the portfolio of Women’s Health (unintended pregnancy/transition to motherhood/supporting NICU parents/perinatal loss and infertility).

I’m in the process of completing my final course of a two-year post master’s certificate in family and couple therapy, expanding my expertise even more! While I’ve had a significant amount of formal training and education, bearing witness to others suffering and resilience has been my greatest teacher. I am constantly in awe and admiration of the individuals that I have the privilege of supporting. Should you choose to share your personal story with me, my intention will be to honor and acknowledge your vulnerability and create space for you to heal from past experiences while also empowering you to learn skills and strategies to move forward and make meaningful change.

My practice includes a variety of evidence-based modalities and a safe, empathetic, and nonjudgmental space where I intend to walk alongside you while you navigate some of life's difficulties and uncertainties.

My Professional Background

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Montreal Cognitive Assessment, MoCA, Certification, February 2024
Understanding and Applying the DSM-5 in Healthcare Practice, September 2023
Suicide Prevention, Risk Assessment and Management, September 2023
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy Externship, ICEEFT, November 2023
Assisting Individuals in Crisis and Group Crisis Intervention Course, September 2021
ACT for Grief & Loss Certification, Institute for Better Health, July 2021
ACT for Beginners Certification, Institute for Better Health, June 2021
Post-Masters Couple and Family Certificate Level 1, University of Calgary, Alberta 2022-2022
Post-Masters Couple and Family Certificate Level 2, University of Calgary (2023-In progress)
Master of Social Work, University of Regina, Saskatchewan 2015-2017
Bachelor of Social Work, University of Regina, Saskatchewan 2004-2009
Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers
Alberta College of Social Workers
Authorization to Perform Restricted Psychosocial Interventions, ACSW,
Approved Candidate for the ACSW Clinical Registry (in process)
Pursuing Registered Marriage & Family Therapist (RMFT) designation (in process)
Team associate member of Canadian Adult Congenital Heart Network
Committee member, Libin Cardiovascular Institute (LCI), Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)