Dr. Jen Upshaw, PhD
Registered Psychologist, CPBC #2831
Hi, I’m Dr. Jen Upshaw -- and I’m really glad you’re here. Finding the right therapist is such an important part of the process, and the fit between us matters more than any single technique I use. Read on to learn more about me, my approach, and my training to see if I might be the right psychologist for you.
Meet Dr. Upshaw
I am a registered clinical psychologist specializing in individual psychotherapy for adult clients. I have training in both neuropsychology and general therapy, so I tend to approach treatment quite holistically, honouring the contributions of both the "head" and the "heart" in the pursuit of mental health and happiness.
I tend to incorporate a lot of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in treatment with my clients - this is because I have a strong appreciation for the power of thoughts, and the similar power that comes with reclaiming some control over the ways we think and behave. From this side of things, we'll learn a lot about how the brain and mind work, how thoughts influence feelings and behaviours, and strategies and tools to change patterns that aren't helpful to our wellbeing.
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From a more heart-centered place, I always bring the strategies of mindfulness, acceptance, and emotion-focussed therapy to my work. This is where we'll work to explore and make space for your emotional experience, find self-compassion, and understand yourself more deeply. My goal isn’t just to give you information or strategies (though you’ll get plenty of those). It’s also to create a safe, supportive space where you can explore your experiences, grow your strengths, and move toward what matters most to you. I deeply believe my clients are good people doing the best they can with what they’ve been given — and that everyone deserves a chance to thrive.
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Above all, I see therapy as teamwork. We’ll figure things out together, adapt as we go, and make sure the process always feels collaborative. It’s my privilege to walk alongside you in this work, while keeping you firmly in the driver’s seat of your own journey.
Education and Training
I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia Okanagan, my Master’s training in Clinical Psychology at Simon Fraser University, and my PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of British Columbia Okanagan. I then completed my residency through the Edmonton Consortium Clinical Psychology Residency Program, with specialized placements at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital (brain injury), the Kaye Edmonton Clinic (chronic pain), and College Plaza (general mental health and multiple sclerosis clinics).
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Over the course of my training and career, I’ve developed expertise in treating a wide range of concerns, including anxiety disorders, depression and mood difficulties, trauma, chronic pain, post-stroke and traumatic brain injury adjustment, stress, sleep problems, self-esteem issues, grief and loss, and weight management. My work has been recognized with awards and funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, the Kidney Foundation of Canada, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and the Canadian Psychological Association.
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Beyond academic and clinical training, I value being deeply connected to my community. I’ve collaborated with the Westbank First Nation to create and facilitate grief groups, contributed to an important provincial pilot project integrating psychologists into primary care roles through Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada, and delivered invited talks, workshops, and community presentations on mental health. Sharing knowledge and building bridges between psychology and the wider community is one of my favorite parts of this work.