Kevin Alderson, PhD
Registered Psychologist in Alberta and Ontario
About Me
I’ve known that I wanted to help people since I was a teenager. These feelings were validated when a career interest test scored highest in counselling, guidance, and psychology. As I completed my university degrees, I grew to understand myself better and overcome the trauma I experienced in my early years. Studying psychology was not just fascinating to me. It became and remains my most profound passion.
My career spans decades, and the more I have learned and helped others, the more I want to be recognized as an outstanding therapist and leader in counselling psychology. I have met and worked with some of the biggest names in the field. Two of my 12 published books are major textbooks used in postsecondary schools throughout Canada and the United States. I have not lost my humility, however. I still play like a six-year-old with children (and my adult children, who remain playful like me).
My biggest hobby is writing, which has consumed endless hours of sometimes arduous labour. I am working hard at convincing myself that going to the gym is something I enjoy. Hiking and walking are my true friends; every encounter with wild animals is my greatest joy. I am still looking for the lovebird who will eat from my hand. For this to happen, I know that I must first show it the kind of love that every living creature deserves from me (except maybe annoying mosquitos who take more than they give back!).
Additional Details
- Professor Emeritus, Counselling Psychology, University of Calgary
- Author of 12 books, including the textbook, Counseling Today: Bridging Art, Science, and Practice (Cognella Publications)
- Editor in Chief of the Canadian Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy from 2008 until 2020. This is the only national peer-reviewed professional journal in the counselling profession in Canada
Additional Credentials
- Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association – Member since October 2006
- American Counseling Association – Member since June 2012
- International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP) – Highest level of membership (Drug Demand Professional) since 2020
- Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC) – Member since 2019