Charlene Barva – PHD, R. Psych

Dr. Charlene J. Barva is a Registered Psychologist (and Certified Teacher) with more than 24
years of clinical experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. Dr. Barva
graduated from the University of Calgary in 2005, and holds a PhD in Clinical, School &
Community Psychology in addition to a Master of Science degree (1998, University of Calgary),
a Bachelor of Education degree (1990, University of Lethbridge), and a Bachelor of Arts degree
(1984, University of Alberta). Dr. Barva has years of experience providing psychological
assessment (cognitive and social-emotional testing) for children, adolescents, and adults and
has an educational background in diverse, and multicultural issues. In her assessment
capacity, she was also responsible for the training and supervision of graduate students in the
provision of psycho-educational services in a school based setting.
In addition to assessment, her training also includes providing mental health services for
children and adolescents in a large public school system in Western Canada with a wide range
of mental health issues including anxiety and panic disorders, depression and other mood
disorders, trauma and PTSD, attention deficit disorders, anger management, identity
transformation, self-esteem issues, and eating disorders. Dr. Barva uses a strengths-based
neuroscience-driven approach, one that provides assistance and guidance while focusing on
the resources, strength, and problem-solving potentials of both the individual and the family.
She believes that change is possible for every child and family with hope, belief, and consistent
purposeful micro actions. She also believes that therapy can take a lot of work, but that the
work is worth it.
Dr. Barva has served on various professional committees and Boards, has presented at a
number of conferences nationally and internationally, and she is a member of the College of
Psychologists of BC, the College of Alberta Psychologists Association, the PEI Psychologists
Registration Board, and the Canadian Psychological Association. When she is not working, you
can find her outdoors in nature enjoying sports like running, hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and
skiing; reading; and/or hanging out with her significant other and beloved two furry companions,
Ryeli and Jaspr.