Karla Reimer - Psychologist in Calgary, Alberta

My name is Karla Reimer, and I have been a psychologist since 2014, working mostly with adults. I completed my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University in 2012, and have been registered with the College of Alberta Psychologists since May 2014. My

past work experience has been at the Calgary Counselling Centre for two years and in private practice for nine years. The focus of my training has been primarily in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, guided by Dr. David Burns’ TEAM therapy model.

One of the things I’m most thankful for are the ups and downs of my life that has led me to the privileged opportunity of working with people as a therapist. My priority in working with clients is to give them a space of non-judgement and compassion, where their thoughts and feelings can be heard, cared for, and understood.

I’m a fan of the indoors, but will happily camp, hike, or ride bikes with my husband and kids. I enjoy documentaries and biographies, and I love neuroscience, volunteering at my

kids’ school, and drinking tea.

I work primarily from a Cognitive Behavioural approach (usually referred to as CBT), though also draw on pieces from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, and

Dialectical Behavioural Therapy.

In a counselling session, this usually looks like helping clients become aware of their thoughts. Often times we can be unaware of the internal dialogue we have with ourselves, and CBT works to draw those thoughts to our awareness, allowing us to examine them with objectivity and

compassion. Looking at our feelings is a central route to learning about our thoughts. Once thoughts are identified, we can work together to shift thoughts and beliefs that are unhelpful, learn to be kinder to ourselves, or grow a healthier relationship with our ever-present inner-

critic. Not all thoughts need to be changed. Some thoughts and feelings can be painful but still “healthy”, and learning to sit with these feelings is an important aspect of the work I do with clients.

Thought work is the main focus of my work, but addressing behaviours is another important element that helps bring change. I show clients different tools and strategies to deepen their thought work. Homework is often part of this but my approach varies in how structured our

work is, depending on client preference.

The combination of behavioural and thought work can help clients move towards their goals. Together we can identify where you might be feeling stuck, needing clarity, or support. My goal is to guide you through challenges into a deeper understanding of yourself and to help you untangle and sort through your pain.