Kimberly Eckert
Registered Psychologist, Executive Director, M.Sc.
Services Offered: Counselling and Assessment
Client Focus: Families – Children, Teens, Parents; Psychologists – training and mentorship
Types of therapy: EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment Informed Therapy (Circle of Security-P)
How would you explain your style and approach to therapy when working with clients?
I support families where one member has complex needs (e.g., down syndrome, brain injury) or is neurodivergent (e.g., Learning Disabilities, ADHD or ASD). My involvement includes parent support sessions, individual therapy with one or both parents, individual therapy with the child, teen or young adult who experiences complex needs or is neurodiverse, and when needed, individual therapy sessions for the siblings within the family. I seek to create a safe space where every member of the family feels seen and heard. You will experience me as kind, highly attuned, calm, and curious. When needed, I also know when to bring levity to hard moments. Clients experience me as invested in their families and their well-being.
What is a psychoeducational assessment?
A psychoeducational assessment can identify learning challenges in students of all ages, from young children to adults.
Learning disabilities, ADHD, ASD, anxiety, or depression often stay hidden and impact a student’s performance and behaviour both in and outside of the classroom. Gifted students may find themselves under stimulated and once identified, can receive enriched programming.
A psychoeducational assessment identifies areas of strength and weakness in a student’s learning profile and provides a deeper understanding of their educational abilities. It can also identify Gifted Abilities, Learning Disabilities, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Intellectual Disabilities, reading (dyslexia), writing (dysgraphia) and mathematic (dyscalculia) challenges and other mental health issues that can interfere with learning.
We pride ourselves on providing comprehensive assessment services. Myself, and my team of experienced psychologists utilize state-of-the-art assessment tools, provide clear written reports, and ensure our clients have a positive experience during the whole process.
Our reports act as a road map for adult learners, parents and/or teachers, providing clear ideas on learning strategies, social/emotional supports, academic accommodations, and assistive technology needed to help the student thrive.
What training and expertise do you bring to your sessions?
I am a Registered Psychologist and the Founder and Executive Director of Eckert Psychology & Education Centre. I hold a B.A. Honors Psychology degree, obtained from Trinity Western University in 1989, and a M.Sc. School/Community Psychology degree, obtained from the University of Calgary in 1994. At the beginning of my career, I primarily provided psychoeducational assessments and learning intervention services to children, teens, and adults through the public school system and nonprofit sector. I then broadened my focus to including counselling services for children and teens, along with parenting support and education. I also specialize in trauma informed therapy for children and teens (but I also love to do the same kind of work with their parents). I am a certified facilitator of Circle of Security – Parenting, which is an evidence based, relationship based, parenting program. I welcome you to tune in every Wednesday morning on 88.9 Shine FM for Parenting Moments with Kimberly.
My current focus in my practice is supervision and mentorship of my amazing team of psychologists and counsellors. I also provide expert witness assessments for the courts. When young people have experienced a personal injury that has impacted their psychological and educational functioning, I bring my expertise in education and trauma to provide an assessment of impact and a recommended treatment plan.
What are your proudest accomplishments?
Professionally: After six years in private practice, I recognized a need for Calgary families to have just one place to come and find the services they needed to support their mental wellness, relationships, and educational endeavors. When Eckert Psychology & Education Centre opened its doors in September 2001, it was a time of great celebration. Over the course of the last two decades, my journey as a business owner, coupled with my training and experience in psychology, has resulted in a unique and interesting career. I am particularly grateful to my husband and my parents for their support and belief in me, and for my exceptional team at Eckert Centre who have an unwavering commitment to our vision and mission – together we have built a place that really does “share the light of hope and courage” with all who walk through our doors.
Personally: Becoming a parent does not neatly fit into the arena of ‘proudest accomplishments,’ but for me, it has brought me the most joy and the most wisdom. My daughter has been my greatest teacher. Being a parent has also developed within me a spirit of humility as I support other parents in their journey of being “good enough” parents.
Outside of your therapist role, what are some ways in which you express your uniqueness as a person?
I LOVE learning. I read books on a wide variety of topics and listen to podcasts that focus on my faith, nutrition, psychology, and business. Summer is my favorite season and hot tropical holidays with my family make my heart sing!
I LOVE to compete. Pickleball is my latest sporting passion. I am like a dog with a bone – I pursue experts and learn from them so that I can master my game.
Really, I love sweating and reading – but not at the same time, of course!
Finally, my faith inspires my work as I know that each and every one of us are created with infinite worth and have a specific purpose that is ours to fulfill.