Have you ever experienced or witnessed a problematic event in a medical setting that left you feeling overwhelmed, fearful, or unsettled?
Have you been given a diagnosis by a medical professional that was challenging to process or navigate?
Are you a medical professional who has been exposed to vicarious trauma?
Do you experience chronic pain or daily/ weekly difficulty with chronic Illness?
Do you need a space to unpack your perinatal experience?
Are you struggling to feel like yourself again after a medical procedure?
Our Mission
Welcome! Kick off your shoes, grab a cozy blanket and show up as you are. Everyone is welcome here in this inclusive space. Medical Trauma Psychology is a non-judgemental, neurodiverse, body-positive, culturally responsive space. We cultivate supportive spaces for adults, teens, children over the age of 8, and couples to explore their emotions and health, both mind and body, improve their relationships, and work toward personal growth.
Our Philosophy
At Medical Trauma Therapy, we understand that every client's therapeutic journey is unique. That's why we combine various evidence-based therapeutic techniques and customize each session to meet the client's specific needs. We believe everyone deserves support during life's challenges, and we're here to help you navigate through whatever life may throw at you, including life transitions, processing past medical trauma, and burnout. Our goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your feelings and work towards achieving your personal goals.
At our core, we believe in treating everyone we support with respect, autonomy, and empowerment. These values guide everything we do and help us create a positive and inclusive environment for all.
About
Natalie Mereniuk
(She/Her)
Registered Provisional Psychologist
I am dedicated to providing an important service that isn't always openly discussed, but many people experience it. I aim to create a safe and supportive environment for individuals who have experienced vicarious medical trauma, as well as medical professionals and patients. In the therapeutic space, clients can unpack difficult situations or events that may have caused them distress and find a sense of grounding and peace in both their mind and body. By providing a space for individuals to process their experiences, I help clients move forward with greater clarity and emotional stability.
My Background
I have enjoyed working in health care and the mental health field for over 15 years. I have experience working in various environments, including, but not limited to, hospital settings, in-home palliative care, nursing homes, assisted living, outreach programs supporting neurodiverse individuals and their families, school and academic environments, and abroad on medical missions in underprivileged areas. My background has always been routed in both medicine and psychology. I have a tremendous passion for learning about the human body and helping others, and I have an academic background in sciences and a specialization in neuroscience.
My passion and experience have allowed me to support individuals from all walks of life while fostering an inclusive and safe space for all.
What to Expect When You Come to Therapy
I offer both virtual and in-person therapy. Both of my office locations offer free parking at the front of the building. At Mendable, take the stairs to the second floor to our welcoming office. At Creating Solutions, choose from elevator or stairs to our second-floor locations. Both offices offer a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Upon arrival, I will personally greet and invite you into my office, where I strive to create a comfortable and inclusive environment. We will work collaboratively with your therapeutic goals through a customized approach that suits your needs and long-term hopes for therapy.
Therapy can help individuals of all ages, couples, and families through various events and situations. When it comes to medical traumas a person may experience, therapy can help individuals work through unresolved and difficult emotions, traumatic events and experiences.
1
Provide a safe space to process emotions
3
Gain insight into behavioural patterns while learning more tools & resources
5
To have someone entirely on your team and supporting & guiding you throughout
2
Develop healthier coping
strategies
4
Challenge perspectives, to see
things in a different light
6
Develop a stronger mind-body
connection
7
Strengthen relationships & set healthy boundaries
What is Medical Trauma
& How We Can Help
Medical trauma is a psychological and/or physiological response to pain, injury, illness, medical procedures, or frightening treatment experiences.
Below is a list of the areas of Medical Trauma in which we offer specialized support to our clients
Chronic and Acute Pain
Surgical Traumas
Dental & Medical Trauma
Difficult procedure or anxiety associated with going to the dentist or doctor
Beauty & Societal Stigmas
Cosmetic and reconstructure surgery,
familial, community & societal pressures
Working in Heath Care
Whether you're a nurse, doctor, PT, OT, work in a hospital, clinic setting, or at home setting with paliative care or respite
Vicarious Trauma
Experincing a loved one, or another person, or group of people experince a traumatic event (I.e: a medical trauma)
Birthing & Perinatal
Trauma
Medical Diagnoses
Autoimmune Diseases, Chronic Illnesses, Cancer Diagnosis, Brain Injuries
Other Areas We Support Clients in:
-Anxiety
-ADHD & neurodiversity
-PTSD
-Stress & burn out
-Self-esteem & confidence
-Somatic symptoms (i.e: abdominal pain, fatigue or headaches)
-Sexual intimacy & sexuality
-Career and life transitions and balance
-Mindfulness & mind-body connection
-Relationship Issues & boundaries
Populations
- Women's Health and Wellness
- Men's Health and Wellness
-LGBTQ+2S
-Couples
-Health Care Workers
-Children & Teens Ages 8+
-Golden Agers
-Group therapy
Our Theraputic Approach
We believe there shouldn't be a one-size-fits-all approach because each of us is unique and makes the world beautiful. Our approach matches this perspective, and therefore it is eclectic! As such, we tailor our approach to the client we are supporting. Some of the therapeutic approaches we utilize include
Building secure attachment relationships, often addressing past trauma or relationship patterns to improve current connections and emotional well-being.
Narrative therapy helps individuals reshape their identities and experiences by exploring and reauthoring the personal stories they tell about their lives.
Focuses on understanding and valuing each person’s background and culture, while offering support, respect, and acceptance to help them grow and feel more confident in themselves.
Support individuals in building confidence, recognizing their strengths, and taking control of their lives, especially in the face of social or personal challenges.
Emphasize personal growth, self-awareness, and the inherent potential for individuals to lead fulfilling, authentic lives through a supportive and non-judgmental therapeutic relationship.
Helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours, promoting healthier emotions and more effective coping strategies.
For both couples and individuals, the aim is to identify and address unhelpful emotional patterns, fostering deeper emotional connections and promoting healing in relationships.
"Our wounds are often the openings into the best and most beautiful part of us.”
— David Richo
Start Your Journey to Wellness
Contact us:
For a free 15-minute consultation call:
587-507-8727 or email medicaltraumatherapy@gmail.com
For Individual Adult, Couples Counselling, and Therapy for Children and Teens
In-person & Online
Phone
Address
#208, 17420 Stony Plain Rd
Edmonton, Canada AB T5S 1K6