Vanna Funk
About Vanna
Their own words###Registered Provisional Psychologist
#####I work with children (6+), teens (13+), and parents navigating challenging times in their children's lives. I also support adults (18+) dealing with mental health challenges and life stressors.
Working in mental health, especially with youth and teens, has always felt like my true calling. I’m passionate about learning about your unique situation and finding ways to ease the pain and discomfort you’re experiencing. Over the past 7 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with families in various settings, including hospitals, treatment centers, day programs, crisis lines, outreach, and now, private practice.
It’s common for families to describe their situation as ‘chaotic’ or ‘hostile’ when they first come in. Through our work together, we’ll find ways to create boundaries, transparency, and mutual respect. I provide a safe space to explore what’s troubling you, understand the pain you’ve experienced, and develop healthy communication and boundaries to help you live a more comfortable, fulfilling life.
#####I want to help transform your family and relational dynamics where you don’t feel stuck, isolated, and unable to navigate daily life.
I often include parents in the treatment process because I believe in the strength of the family unit and the importance of creating an environment where everyone can thrive. Many parents come in feeling unsure of how to support their child and confused about why their child is struggling. It’s common to experience guilt and anxiety when we don’t have the tools to navigate difficult situations. Parents often feel overwhelmed, unable to take time for themselves, and filled with doubt. My goal is to work collaboratively with families so that everyone feels heard, supported, and empowered as we work toward meaningful change.
While I specialize in working with children, youth, and families, my passion for counselling also extends to supporting adults facing a range of mental health challenges. These may include depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, substance use concerns, relationship difficulties, personality disorders, self-harm, and trauma.
I have a deep understanding of how our environments, relationships, work stressors, and life circumstances can shape our emotions, communication styles, attachments, and behaviors. I’m here to help you make sense of these experiences and find healthier, more effective ways to move forward.
#####I aim to help my clients better understand their struggles and develop effective coping strategies.
One of my favorite parts of this work is helping clients gain a deeper understanding of what they’re experiencing so we can get to the root of the problem. Being human today can feel more difficult than ever—pressures from finances, family, friends, work, intense emotions, and social media can be incredibly overwhelming. Without the right tools to manage these stressors, it’s easy to turn to unhelpful coping strategies like substance use, self-harm, or isolation. This is especially true for children, youth, and teens who are trying to navigate these challenges while still developing emotionally.
My goal is to help clients understand their struggles, build emotional awareness, and gain a sense of control over their behaviors and reactions. When you can recognize your emotions and use healthy coping tools, it becomes easier to return to your everyday activities without feeling held back by mental health challenges. This also creates an opportunity for better communication between parents who are seeking connection and youth or teens who are striving for independence.
#####I take a person-centered approach, meeting clients where they are and supporting them in getting to where they want to be.
So often, clients come to me feeling stuck, isolated, or hopeless that things can improve. Teenagers, like all of us, long to be understood, accepted, and free from the weight of their stress. They want to feel like they belong. At the same time, parents want to feel confident that their child is safe, supported, and making healthy choices—so they can finally breathe a little easier.
My approach to therapy is person-centered and grounded in compassion—free from judgment, blame, or shame. All emotions and experiences are welcome. Together, we’ll explore the challenges you’re facing and develop strategies to move through them, opening the door to new possibilities and meaningful goals for you and your family.
#####Let’s work together to help you achieve your goals and feel like yourself again.
Whether you're a youth, teen, adult, or parent reading this, I want you to know—you are not alone. Many people struggle in silence, believing their experiences are unusual or that no one will truly understand. What you're going through is valid, and you're not the only one. I see you, and I understand. Let’s work together to create the change you want—and deserve—in your life.
####Educational Background
- Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) - Yorkville University
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) with Sociology and Psychology Major - University of Victoria
####Presenting Concerns
- Abandonment
- Addictions and Compulsions
- ADHD/Inattention, Impulsivity, Hyperactivity
- Adjusting to Change
- Adolescent Issues
- Adoption/Foster Care
- Alcohol and Drugs
- Anxiety
- Attachment Issues
- Body Image
- Borderline Personality
- Bullying
- Caregiver Issues/Stress
- Child/Adolescent
- Codependency
- Communication
- Complex Posttraumatic Stress (C-PTSD)
- Coping
- Dependency Concerns
- Depression
- Drug and Alcohol Addiction
- Dysregulation
- Emotional Abuse
- Emotional Intelligence
- Emotional Regulation
- Executive Functioning/ Dysfunction
- Faith Based
- Family Problems
- Family of Origin Issues
- Fear
- Forgiveness
- Helplessness
- Identity
- Impulsivity
- Jealousy
- 2SLGBTQIA+ Identities
- Life Challenges/ Transitions
- Mood Swings
- Neglect
- OCD/Obsessions and Compulsions
- ODD/Oppositional and Defiant Behaviour
- Parenting
- Personality Disorders
- Posttraumatic Stress (PTSD)
- Power/Control
- Self-Care
- Self-Harm
- Self-Love
- Social Anxiety/Phobia
- Stress
- Substance Use
- Suicide/Suicidal Ideation
- Teenage Issues
- Trauma
- Trust Issues
- Worthlessness
- Young Adult Issues
####Approaches Used
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Emotionally Focussed Therapy (EFT)
- Humanistic
- Mindfulness
- Motivational Interviewing
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Trauma Focused
####Additional Training
- Client and Family Centered Care
- Cultural Safety and Humility
- Indigenous People in Alberta
- Mental Health First Aid
- Naloxone Training
- Suicide Risk Assessment
- Understanding Consent
- Violence Prevention
####Professional Associations/Regulatory Board
- College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP)
- Often treats
- AddictionADHDAdoptionAlcohol AbuseAnxietyBody ImageBorderline Personality Disorder (BPD)BullyingCodependency
+16 moreShow fewer
CommunicationDepressionDrug AbuseEmotion RegulationEmotional AbuseFears / PhobiasObsessive- Compulsive (OCD)Oppositional Defiance (ODD)ParentingPersonality DisordersPost-traumatic stress Disorder (PTSD)Social Anxiety DisorderStressSubstance UseSuicidal ThoughtsSuicide - Sees
- Adults (18+) · Children (under 12) · LGBTQ2+ · Teens (13-17)
- Trained at
- Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) - Yorkville University · Bachelor of Arts (BA) with Sociology and Psychology Major - University of Victoria
- Credentials
- Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (M.ACP.)
- Member of
- College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP)
ADULT First SessionNew patient
“This session is for NEW CLIENTS.
Session includes 50 minutes of direct counselling and 10 minutes of indirect therapy time (e.g. notes, resources, research).”2 optionsADULT SessionFollow-up
“This session is for RETURNING CLIENTS.
NEW CLIENTS please book a FIRST SESSION to start.
Session includes 50 minutes of direct counselling and 10 minutes of indirect therapy time (e.g. notes, resources, research).”2 optionsCHILD 6+ First SessionNew patient
“This session is for NEW CHILDREN (6+) CLIENTS.
Session includes 50 minutes of direct counselling and 10 minutes of indirect therapy time (e.g. notes, resources, research).”CHILD 6+ Session
“This session is for RETURNING CHILDREN (6+). NEW CLIENTS must book a First Session.
Session includes 50 minutes of direct counselling and 10 minutes of indirect therapy time (e.g. notes, resources, research).”INTRODUCTION MeetingNew patient
“Please contact to book.”2 optionsYOUTH First SessionNew patient
“This session is for NEW CLIENTS.
Session includes 50 minutes of direct counselling and 10 minutes of indirect therapy time (e.g. notes, resources, research).”2 optionsYOUTH SessionFollow-up
“This session is for RETURNING CLIENTS.
NEW CLIENTS please book a FIRST SESSION to start.
Session includes 50 minutes of direct counselling and 10 minutes of indirect therapy time (e.g. notes, resources, research).”2 optionsOpenings checked 1 hr ago
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