Tessa Wihak is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists.

She holds a Master’s degree in Psychology from Boston University (2016). Tessa has extensive experience working with families impacted by neurodevelopmental and mental health disorders. She has trained and worked within outpatient mental health clinics, special education settings, and non-for-profit organizations.

Tessa works within a client-centered and strengths-based framework to emphasize areas of accomplishment, while supporting areas of growth. Additionally, her experience working in pediatric pain clinics has influenced the way she integrates the biopsychosocial model into treatment.

Tessa uses evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. With children and youth, she uses play, art, and games to make therapy fun and engaging.

Tessa’s goal is to create a safe and welcoming space where children and teens can express themselves openly. She excels at working with children and collaborates with their support networks to encourage new ways of framing and dealing with challenges. Tessa has worked primarily with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, and learning disabilities. She provides counselling to children and teens at Maliya.

Tessa provides assessments in the following areas: Learning Disabilities, ADHD, Intellectual Disabilities, Giftedness, mental health, adaptive functioning, and executive functioning.