Our Coalition of Psychologists
Danielle Carl Registered Psychologist
MACP
Helping youth and adults manage problems of daily living, trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, and family of origin issues is Danielle's specialty. Danielle is a Registered Psychologist, registered under the provincial regulatory body, the College of Alberta Psychologists. She is primarily an emotion-focused and attachment-based therapist. From this theoretical perspective, she tries to find the root of difficulties that underlie the symptoms you are experiencing so that healing and growth can occur. Therapeutic work often focuses on the use of insight-based techniques, analysis and evaluation of relationships and previous experiences, the expression and processing of emotion, and the use of sensorimotor techniques to access trauma held in the body.
Danielle uses a variety of different therapeutic techniques drawing from multiple therapies including attachment-based, mindfulness, trauma-informed, cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, internal family systems, emotion-focused, parts work, and somatic techniques.
Danielle’s fascination with psychology began in high school with an interest in people and the motivations behind their behavior. During her undergraduate degree at the University of Alberta she had the opportunity to learn about a variety of different branches of psychology, participate in research studies, and volunteer at a distress line for those in crisis.
After her undergraduate degree, while trying to decide which area of psychology to pursue graduate studies in, Danielle began working for Children’s Services in frontline child protection. This work was very difficult but also very rewarding. Helping people who were struggling and experiencing some of the hardest times in their lives was enlightening and powerful. It was through this work that Danielle realized how passionate she is about working with children and youth. Witnessing the resilience of children and youth who could endure life’s most difficult experiences and still persevere sparked Danielle’s desire to do more to directly help these children and youth heal.
"It turns out that life is hard sometimes. I truly believe that everyone can benefit from therapy and come to understand themselves so that they can live the life they want."
-Danielle Carl
In pursuit of this urge to help in a different way, and after eleven years of work in the child protection field, Danielle decided it was time to return to psychology. Danielle then completed her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology degree through Yorkville University. Through practicum placements, Danielle found her theoretical bearing in attachment and emotion-focused work with children, youth, and their parents.
Work completing formal psychological assessments on an inpatient psychiatric unit solidified a suspected calling to helping parents to understand and be better equipped to support their children and also to help youth understand themselves. After working in both community mental health and private practice Danielle realized a deep affection and passion for helping teens and adults realize their potential, create connections, and reacquaint themselves to their inner knowing and self. It is these wonderful youth and young adults who prompted the development of Danielle’s own private practice, DC Psychological Services as well as the inspiring community-building network of Sister, Sister: A Community Coalition Corporation.
Danielle is happy to call Red Deer home and is excited about enriching the community by supporting youth and adults to find the courage to unlock the power within themselves so that they can live their truest and most beautiful lives. When she isn’t involved in therapy, activism, or community-building, she enjoys travel, interior design, and spending time with her friends and family.
Nancy Davis-Patsula
MACP, RSW, MSc
Registered Psychologist
Nancy has been working in the helping profession since 1988. She brings a wealth of knowledge from her experience working in many spectrums of community and social life. Through her own experience of loss, she was drawn to working with a trauma and attachment lens. After receiving training in these techniques, the desire to help others grew and she began working in the corrections system. Here she was exposed to all sides of trauma, hearing men's stories of violence as both survivors and perpetrators. She went on to work in the school system, child welfare, and children’s services, before settling into working in mental health-based settings. Nancy has worked with people from all walks of life and of all ages including children, teens, and adults. She also gained valuable insight into the importance of holistic healing from her experience working with members of Indigenous communities.
Nancy has always been drawn to psychology, with her dream to become a psychologist starting at a young age. The desire to achieve her goal grew as she experienced both the benefits and the negative impacts that life experiences can have on one's mental health. She witnessed the effect that growing up during various generational periods can have on one's mental health, including differential beliefs around understanding and expressing emotions. Despite differing belief systems, it was inspirational to see how meaningful connections are a common impactful thread amongst all groups. It is through these life experiences that Nancy's passion for the helping profession grew, leading her to move into private practice, joining DC Psychological Services.
Nancy is a lifelong learner. She completed her Masters in Science in Family Life Education at the University of Alberta in 1995. Wanting to expand her knowledge, she completed her Masters in Counseling Psychology in 2016 at Yorkville University. She registered as a social worker with the Alberta College of Social Workers, and later became a registered psychologist in 2022 with the College of Alberta Psychologists.
"Life can be uncertain, and it is in these difficult moments that connecting with others is essential. Reaching out for support takes courage and can be overwhelming. You are not alone.
-Nancy Davis-Patsula
Nancy utilizes a number of client led, evidence-based therapeutic techniques including cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, positive psychology through a trauma informed and attachment lens, and providing therapy with a family systems perspective. She uses a collaborative approach to therapy, meeting clients where they currently are in order to build a powerful, positive, therapeutic relationship that supports clients on their journey of self-healing. Nancy's areas of specialization include anxiety, depression, grief and loss, compassion fatigue and burnout, working with trauma, self-care, and self-compassion. Areas that are of particular interest to Nancy are helping professionals experiencing compassion fatigue and burnout, grief and loss, medical based trauma and grief, and trauma.
Nancy is proud to call Red Deer home, where she lives with her husband of almost thirty-three years and their two dogs and cats. When she is not immersed in her job or volunteer work, she loves to spend her time with her two adult children or other family, and friends. You can often find her reading or watching movies with family. She enjoys spending time at the lake or just getting outdoors walking and hiking. Nancy loves travelling and exploring new places, and going to live stage musicals.
Lainie Wareham
MACP
Registered Provisional Psychologist
Lainie has always had a desire to work in the helping profession. After seeing the benefit of therapy in her personal and professional life, she knew that becoming a psychologist would be a great career fit for her. Throughout Lainie’s undergraduate degree, she took a variety of psychological courses which deepened her interest in why people behave in certain ways, specifically, the way in which life events, even those that seem small, can have a lifelong impact. She now like to lead others towards insight and healing through therapy.
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Lainie prioritizes relational alchemy, knowing the inherent healing and growth potential in the dynamic of the relationship. Collaboration between Lainie and her clients ensures each person’s therapeutic journey is personalized and optimized to ensure healing and growth. Lainie works with each client through a trauma-informed lens and uses client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, solution-focused therapy, and mindfulness to help meet therapeutic goals. Working with youth and adults who are struggling with anxiety, anxiety disorders, and trauma are Lainie’s favorite areas of practice, but she also assists individuals to navigate depression, stress, relational issues, self-worth, transitions, and problems of daily life.
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Lainie completed her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology through Yorkville University in 2022 and is a registered provisional psychologist through the College of Alberta Psychologists. Lainie loves to learn and keeps adding new areas of specialization as she encounters clients whose experiences warrant unique approaches.
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Lainie was born and raised in Red Deer and is happy to have recently moved back after completing her educational journey in Calgary. She is excited to work in and help the community that she grew up in. Lainie lives with her husband and their cat. In her free time, Lainie enjoys reading, going for walks, baking and spending time with friends and family. Lainie also loves to travel and hopes to keep exploring as new opportunities arise.
“I believe that everyone could benefit from therapy at one point to help them achieve the life they want. It is important for people to understand that they are not alone in their struggles and that everyone needs extra support from time to time.”
-Lainie Wareham
Ashley Rietmann
MC
Registered Psychologist
Ashley believes every person deserves a safe space to process emotions, explore relationship difficulties, and navigate life's ups and downs. With the right support, growth and change can feel a little less daunting. Ashley has always wanted to be in the helping profession and first gained interest in psychology during a high school option class. She went on to receive her undergraduate degree in Psychology with the University of Alberta, her Master of Counselling through the University of Calgary, and is now a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists.
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Ashley's approach focuses on helping individuals navigate challenges through exploring the roots of problems, fostering acceptance, and uncovering unique strengths and values to help cultivate a more meaningful life. She utilizes evidence-based therapies to fit each person’s needs, such as cognitive-behavioural, emotion-focused, mindfulness, creative arts, the Gottman Method for couples, and holds a special interest in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
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Working with children, youth, and families for the past ten years has provided Ashley with a unique skill set. Her work experience includes supporting youth in group homes, being a Family Wellness Worker in rural schools, and providing individual and group therapy at inpatient and outpatient mental health clinics. She is most drawn to supporting teens and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, burnout, life/career transitions, self-esteem, ADHD, self-harm, parenting struggles, and interpersonal relationship issues.
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Ashley strives to bring a sense of calm to her sessions and listens with curiosity, compassion, and empathy. She enjoys working with all types of clients and aims to be a culturally sensitive and 2SLGBTQ+ affirmative therapist. Ashley genuinely looks forward to connecting with her clients and establishes a strong therapeutic relationship as the foundation of therapy.
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Growing up in a small, rural community influenced her emphasis on values
and deepening connections in our relationships. Rural Roots Psychology was born out of the idea that our roots provide us strength and resilience and there is always room for growth. When she isn't working, you can find her reading, spending time with family/friends, or on nature walks with her husband and three cats. She is also an avid traveler and foodie.
“There is strength in vulnerability and asking for help when we need it. Life throws us all kinds of obstacles and having someone to support us through difficult times and celebrate our wins can make a world of difference.”
-Ashley Rietmann
Katharina Gette
MCP
Registered Psychologist
Tina’s journey into psychology was shaped by a series of meaningful life experiences that fueled her desire to help others. She began her career in 2016 with a non-profit organization, where she worked with adults facing a variety of challenges, including developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, and addictions. In this role, Tina gained invaluable insights into the complexities of human behavior, developing both empathy and a deep understanding of the needs of vulnerable populations. Building on this experience, Tina transitioned into a counselling role within the school system, where she supported students and their families, helping them navigate academic pressures, social challenges, and emotional/behavioural struggles. She further expanded her skills at a walk-in clinic, where she had the opportunity to provide therapy to individuals, couples, and families dealing with a wide range of problems. Tina now works in a community mental health setting in addition to her private practice, where she continues to apply her experience and passion for helping others.
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Katharina specializes in addressing social-emotional concerns such as anxiety, identity, trauma, and relationship difficulties. She collaborates with clients using a trauma-informed approach, helping them reframe experiences and recognize their strengths. Her therapeutic methods draw from a variety of approaches, including attachment-based emotionally focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness-based techniques.
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​On a more personal note, Tina was born in Mexico and raised in a small Canadian town. Her first language is Plattdeutsch (Low German), though she is also familiar with High German. Tina comes from a large, close-knit family—she is the youngest of 6 siblings and has a total of 10 nieces and 5 nephews.
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Outside of her professional life, Tina has a wide range of interests. She loves to travel and enjoys connecting with nature, whether through outdoor activities or simply spending time in natural settings. She also enjoys staying active and thrives in environments where she can challenge herself physically or be competitive. In addition, Tina has a passion for interior design and loves creating beautiful, functional spaces. When she’s in the mood to unwind, she can often be found watching the occasional reality television show or diving into a thrilling novel. Tina also enjoys hanging out with friends—sending memes to each other, sharing laughs, exploring new activities, or simply enjoying each other's company.