Compassionate therapy for couples and men navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, self-criticism, perfectionism, burnout, and relationship challenges, helping you understand the patterns that keep you stuck and move toward healthier connection, confidence, and emotional balance.
Therapy to Transform Your Life and Your Relationships
Are persistent issues like chronic anxiety, depression, or relationship struggles weighing you down?
It’s common to feel isolated, overwhelmed, and helpless when you struggle day after day without relief.
Whether it’s ongoing sadness, excessive worry, difficulty sleeping, or constant relationship conflicts, it’s exhausting and heartbreaking to deal with these intense feelings day after day.
But with an experienced therapist, there is hope…
250+
Clients Supported
25+
Years of Professional Experience
You Can Get Support With
Men & Individual Therapy
You can feel more in control and develop a brighter outlook on life.
Couples Therapy
You can have a relationship that is better than you could have imagined.
Anxiety Relief & Burnout Recovery
Reclaim your energy, motivation, and a sense of calm groundedness in daily life.
Trauma & PTSD Healing
Heal from trauma and regain emotional balance with safe, supportive care.
Ready to start the journey?
We offer a free 15-minute consultation to ensure we're the right fit for your needs. No pressure, just a conversation about how we can help.
Our Approach to Healing
Therapy isn't about fixing what's broken, it's about understanding the terrain, gathering the right tools, and finding a path forward that aligns with your values.
What sessions feel like:
Warm, calm, and non-judgmental
Clear explanations of what we’re working on
A steady pace matched to your comfort
Emotional insight combined with practical tools
Focused on root-level healing, not just coping
About Derek Van Dalen,
I’m an Experienced, Caring Therapist Who Can Help You Heal and Create the Life and Relationships You Want.
Your life can improve with the right therapy approach and a compassionate, experienced therapist.
I specialize in getting to the cause of complex issues that often develop because of traumatic or distressing experiences.
I have over 25 years of experience in helping roles. In addition to my training as a psychologist, I was a pastor for many years.
I’m a skilled and patient listener dedicated to helping you heal.
As a therapist, I’ve helped people overcome relationship problems, depression, anxiety, ADHD, chronic pain, complex trauma, PTSD, and suicidal thoughts.
Using science-based approaches customized to meet your unique needs, you can achieve greater well-being and have more rewarding relationships.
02
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – incorporation into sessions to provide a forward looking focus
01
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – ongoing training and implementation.
03
Strengths-Based and Collaborative Approach – Client-centred therapy that builds on your existing resilience and resources.
04
Attachment-Based Therapy – Understanding how early relationships shape current patterns and emotional experiences.
06
Relational Life Therapy – helps couples break old patterns, rebuild trust, and grow deeper more resilient relationships.
05
Compassion-Focused Approaches – Cultivating self-compassion and reducing shame-based inner dialogue.
07
EMDR – Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing - safely process overwhelming experiences so you can move forward with clarity and calm.
08
Gottman Level 2 Training – to help couples develop skills for deeper connection.
Training & Modalities
Common Questions
Everything you need to know before getting started.
The free 15-minute consultation is a chance for us to connect and discuss what brings you to therapy. We'll talk about your goals, answer any questions, and determine if we're a good fit to work together. There's no pressure or commitment.
Because every individual and relationship dynamic is unique, there is no one-size-fits-all timeline. The duration depends entirely on your specific background and objectives.
- Practical & Goal-Oriented: Sessions focus on understanding emotional patterns and building actionable skills rather than abstract exploration.
- Regular Adjustments: We continuously assess your progress to ensure you are gaining practical benefits and feeling a greater sense of clarity and connection at a pace that respects your comfort level.
Yes. Highwood Psychology provides fully secure, encrypted telehealth (online video conference) sessions for clients throughout the province of Alberta. You receive the exact same high-quality, dedicated care online as you would at our physical office in Calgary. Many clients prefer the flexibility of online sessions to save on travel time and fit therapy into busy professional schedules.
We utilize science-based couples therapy approaches designed to stop the destructive cycles of arguments and emotional distance. Rather than simply managing surface-level conflicts, our approach focuses on:
- Breaking the Loop: Identifying the negative communication patterns that leave you feeling unheard or stuck.
- Expressing Core Needs: Helping you and your partner safely navigate big underlying emotions.
- Rebuilding Connection: Cultivating a secure emotional attachment to restore physical and emotional intimacy, trust, and mutual security.
Absolutely. Your privacy is legally and ethically protected. As a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists, all communication, session notes, and personal data are kept strictly confidential. The only standard exceptions involve situations with an immediate risk of serious harm to yourself or others, which will be transparently reviewed during your initial intake.
Fees are fully transparent and align with standard professional guidelines for Registered Psychologists in Alberta. Services are frequently covered in full or in part by extended health insurance benefits. Take a look at our fees in detail by visiting our booking page.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Book a free 15-minute consultation to see if we're the right fit. No pressure, just a conversation.
Helping you navigate life's toughest moments with clarity, strength, and understanding.
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