About Dr. Patricia Turner, Ph.D.

Registered Psychologist, Calgary

On being a psychologist

“I feel privileged to do work that is so important and that can have such a tremendous, positive impact on people’s lives.”

I’m a Registered Psychologist who offers counselling to talented and successful professionals in Calgary. I frequently work with oil and gas executives, accountants, financial specialists, lawyers, partners, directors, senior managers, entrepreneurs, and business owners, to name a few.

Since opening my private practice as a psychologist, I have had the pleasure to successfully help many people lead more fulfilling, happy and balanced lives, both at home and in the workplace.

I am passionate about my work. It is incredibly rewarding to know that my clients make improvements in their lives that will continue to positively impact them for years.

My mission as a therapist

My mission is to offer support and guidance in a confidential and supportive environment as we work to overcome challenges you face both at home and at work. My goal is to make your journey in life easier, as I help you address your problems in the best and quickest way possible.

My story: From engineer to psychologist

I studied engineering at university and then worked in a variety of settings for 12 years. I had to learn a lot to be successful in the environments I chose, and this knowledge strengthened my character as well as my skills.

My engineering experiences taught me about how to work with different groups of people, including those on the executive floor. I enjoyed supporting colleagues as they worked through issues that were impacting their performance. Over time, I increasingly questioned how I could help people meet their personal and professional needs most effectively.

Eventually, I decided to dedicate my career to helping others, and returned to school to earn my doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

Work experience as a psychologist

My 23-year-long psychology career began with me working at community-based mental health clinics. I completed half of my Ph.D. residency at a substance abuse treatment clinic, where I gained an understanding of how to help people who struggle with alcohol and drug dependence. I completed the second half of my residency at an inpatient psychiatric hospital, where I developed the skills to diagnose and treat people with major mental health disorders.

After graduating with my doctorate, I moved to Calgary where I was employed in an array of counselling settings, including five physicians’ offices, alongside 20 doctors. I saw people from all walks of life at these clinics, and, as a result, obtained invaluable experience treating a wide variety of issues.

I started my private therapy practice in 2009. I have a broad professional network and consult with a dynamic group of psychologists and other allied health care professionals including physicians, psychiatrists, and physiotherapists. This continuous interaction and learning helps to ensure my services remain of the highest calibre and my clients receive access to the highest quality of care.

Academic training and credentials

Psychology

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Psychology, McGill University
Master of Art (M.A.) in Clinical Psychology, Arizona State University
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Clinical Psychology, Arizona State University
Registered Psychologist (R.Psych.) with the College of Alberta Psychologists

Engineering

Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) in Engineering Chemistry, Queen’s University
Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Chemical Engineering, McGill University

About me personally

As an animal lover, I have three cats that keep me engaged and entertained. I am an active person who walks, swims, and cross-country skis. I practices yoga. I have a greenhouse and am learning how to garden in the shoulder seasons.