Judy Bergman
Judy Bergman is a Registered Social Worker with a background rich in experience, providing compassionate psychological counselling services at Maloney Elkassem Wellness in St. Albert, Alberta.
Education:
Judy's journey into counseling began later in life, enriched by a wealth of diverse experiences. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops and her Master of Social Work with a clinical specialization from the University of Northern British Columbia. These academic pursuits, combined with her ongoing professional training and widely varied professional experiences, have profoundly shaped her practice. Judy is a member in good standing with the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW).
Experience:
Judy Bergman's extensive background in social work uniquely equips her to provide empathetic and effective support at Maloney Elkassem Wellness. Starting her career in child protection, she quickly learned to navigate the complexities of family dynamics, working closely with foster families to ensure the emotional, social, and physical well-being of children. Judy's commitment to furthering her expertise led her to earn a Master of Social Work, during which she worked with an Indigenous organization in both a rural addiction recovery center and as a mental health counselor on reserves. This experience allowed her to develop a deep understanding of community health needs and culturally sensitive counseling practices.
Throughout her career, Judy has worked in collaboration with a wide range of healthcare professionals, from teachers to doctors, which has broadened her understanding of integrated health approaches. As the world shifted online during the COVID-19 pandemic, Judy seamlessly transitioned to virtual counseling, providing support to a diverse range of adults through an Employer's Family Assistance Program. Her adaptability and broad experience make her exceptionally skilled at helping clients manage a variety of mental health issues, navigate life changes, and improve their overall well-being.
Judy Bergman specializes in several therapeutic techniques, including Solution-Focused Therapy, the Grief Recovery Method, and Brainspotting (BSP). She also integrates a variety of methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, and Expressive Play Therapy, which involves creative activities like coloring, games, clay modeling, and even using Jenga blocks to visually map out a client's journey.
Judy's diverse techniques are tailored to each client, ensuring a culturally sensitive, compassionate, and trauma-informed approach. This not only promotes personal growth and achievement but also enhances overall well-being.
Additionally, Judy incorporates simple mindfulness practices and gratitude journaling into sessions to help clients manage stress and focus on the present, fostering a sense of calm and mindfulness in their daily lives.
Judy works with adults across the lifespan, with extensive experience in:
* Impact of Trauma, & PTSD
* Depression/Anxiety,
* Loss & Grief,
* Stress & Burnout,
* Healthy Relationships challenges
* Work /work related issues
* Mindfulness & Self Awareness.
Philosophical Belief:
Judy firmly believes that within each individual lie inherent seeds of strength, resilience, and wisdom. Often, these qualities become obscured by the 'storms' of life's challenges, which can feel overwhelming. Judy's role is to help you uncover and nurture these inner resources, enabling you to navigate through difficulties and emerge stronger.
Approach:
Judy recognizes that each client's journey is deeply personal and unique. She believes that your decision to seek therapy is an important step toward healing and growth. In her practice, Judy focuses on building a strong therapeutic relationship grounded in respect, safety, and understanding. Together, you will explore your concerns and challenges in a supportive environment. This collaborative process is designed to help you rediscover and harness your inherent strengths and resilience, enabling meaningful changes and personal growth.
Judy employs a holistic and integrative approach that recognizes the crucial connection between body and mind. Her method is strength-based and compassionate, aimed at actively collaborating with you throughout your therapeutic journey. By sharing effective tools and strategies, Judy facilitates the discovery of new meanings and insights as you navigate your path to wellness. She creates a space where all emotions are welcome—whether they manifest as tears, challenges, or laughter, acknowledging that each response is a natural part of the healing process. "That's OK!" Judy reassures, emphasizing that every expression is valid and important.
In her personal life, Judy values balance, enjoying time with family, both nearby and via Skype, walking her adopted Irish Wolfhound mix, exploring new places, and engaging with her faith community. Judy’s approach to therapy is as dynamic and multifaceted as her life, reflecting her commitment to helping clients navigate their paths to recovery and wellness.