Milena Meneghetti

Trainings & Certifications

I have the following certifications and training experiences that help inform my work:

• ShiftGrit Core Method™ training
• Hypnosis Certification
• Psychotherapy training/
• New Ways for Families by Bill Eddy of the High Conflict Institute, for helping high-conflict couples
• "Men &" Safety & Repair Workshop
• Best Practice Standards and Multi-disciplinary Collaboration for Trauma Recovery, focusing on workers' abilities rather than restrictions
• Prolonged Exposure for Treating PTSD certification
• PVRS training
• PAA-hosted by WCB: Clinical Considerations When Formulating Return to Work Recommendations
• What's New in the DSM-5-TR
• Brain Story Certification through the Alberta Family Wellness Organization
• National Institute of Clinical & Behavioural Medicine training on working with shame and the trauma of racism
• Psychological Health & Safety Advisor training and certification
• Process and Content Group Training
• Group Facilitation Training
• Non-Suicidal Self-Injury training
• Crisis de-escalation
• Risk management for suicidal ideation

Specialized Experience

In addition to private practice, I have experience with the Workers' Compensation Board as a treating counsellor, in an Employee Assistance Program, and with Alberta Health Services/Recovery Alberta.

ShiftGrit Core Method™ & Clinical Approach

How I integrate the ShiftGrit Core Method™

The ShiftGrit Core Method™ integrates well with several modalities that I use regularly. Narrative therapeutic approaches lend themselves well to identifying limiting beliefs. A blend of the Core Method with behavioural therapy is ideal for addressing problematic behaviours that are otherwise not directly addressed. Hypnotherapy approaches may also assist with identifying key non-nurturing events in a person's life.

Personal Background & Story

Before becoming a psychologist, I

Worked for international organizations, including in the oil and gas sector and in banking, as a human resources professional. This gave me insight into how things work in the real world.

A perspective clients might not expect from me is

That I may use hypnosis to assist within the reconditioning phase of ShiftGrit's Core Method. Resurfacing a century-old approach to mental health has its place for some individuals at certain times.

Personality & Connection

What grounds me

Writing and learning really ground me. Creative activities such as creating art.

Something personal about me

I am a Netflix binger, but only when I've found a series that really captures my imagination. I'd really rather be by the warm ocean with a cool breeze than anywhere else.

If I weren't a psychologist, I'd be

A journalist. I love asking great questions, meeting interesting people, and exploring interesting topics.

Therapy Style & Client Experience

A transformation I love to witness

Over the course of therapyI love to witness a client's slow but steady move from victim to survivor; from living in fear to taking charge, from accepting status-quo, to self-fulfillment.

How I balance warmth and strategy

You'll find that I balance warmth and strategy by being clear about your concerns, planning your treatment based on what matters most to you, and watching for good outcomes.

What I hope clients walk away with

Clients walk away after therapy with me with an ability to make sense of the root causes of their most important concerns, and a renewed sense of power in their own lives.

Passions, Inspirations & Favorites

The most impactful book I've read is

Mind's Eye by Mari Swingle.

A quote or mantra I live by is

"Things never change; until you do."

A psychology topic I can't stop exploring is

How artificial intelligence and a surveillance culture are affecting mental health.

Clinical Interests & Specialties

I have a special interest in working with adults because

My life experiences can be useful to them. I've seen or experienced firsthand the impact clinical concerns have on people's well-being and their lives. Working preventatively with non-clinical concerns before they become clinical concerns just makes sense.

My additional areas of expertise include

Training and facilitation.

Growth & Professional Development

A professional challenge I overcame

Changing careers and then weaving my graduate studies with work and being a married mom to two children was perhaps my biggest career challenge. I saw then how systems and policies come together to make this possible.

Another major growth point in my career was

Shifting to online service provision during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was exciting, fun, and exhausting, but well worth the time.

A future specialization I'd like to pursue

I'd like to research and understand how the ShiftGrit Core methodology could be adapted for couples.

Looking ahead

In the future I'd like to teach the ShiftGrit Core methodology to others, as it provides a treatment framework for long-term therapy that is very effective.

Free Form

I'm a kind, sometimes serious, thoughtful, curious person. I enjoy beautiful spaces, music and silence, and great food.

A lesson I've carried from my personal life is that dignity and respect are human rights, trust is earned, intelligence is overrated, and love is a very, very special thing.