Dr. Maria Farrell
Psychologist and burnout Expert
I have had the privilege of sharing my expertise in burnout syndrome on a global scale, with features in Time Square, ABC News, Authority Magazine, and Dentons Global, in addition to contributing to numerous podcasts aimed at advancing public awareness and understanding of burnout syndrome.
Guiding my clients toward greater happiness, resilience, and well-being is both a privilege and a passion I hold with deep gratitude each and every day.
Through my work, I strive to facilitate real, lasting changes in my clients’ lives, and to contribute to a more compassionate and connected world.
Credentials
Practice Registrations - Active
- Registered Psychologist, College of Alberta Psychologists
- Registered Psychologist, College of Health and Care Professionals of BC
- Registered Psychologist, Government of Yukon
Affiliations
- Canadian Psychological Association
- American Psychological Association
- Canadian Association of Cognitive & Behavioral Therapies
- Golden Key International Honours Society
Degrees
- Doctor of Psychology – California Southern University. Supervised by Dr. Carolyn Ortega, Yale University School of Medicine
- Masters of Counselling – City University of Seattle, Edmonton, Alberta
- Bachelor of Arts, Major in Psychology – Grant MacEwan University, Edmonton, AB
Continuing Education
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – Anxiety and Depression, CBT Canada – Accredited by the College of Family Physicians of Canada
Unified Protocol: Transdiagnostic CBT Treatment 6-week course
- ACT – Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, online via Psychwire
- The Unified Protocol – Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders: Introductory Workshop. Boston University
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Level 1 and 2 training with EMDR Consulting
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) with Dr. Kathleen Chard
- (Many more unlisted here…feel free to ask).
Who Am I outside of work? Learn more here.
Personality
I’d describe it as outgoing, bubbly, straightforward, and passionate. I don’t have the quiet therapist face and definitely don’t hide who I am in sessions.
My humour leans dry, with a particular proclivity towards the lighter side of dark humour.
Favourite Animals
Hanoverians/Friesians, Crows, Dogs, Cats
Interests
My personal interests and hobbies are selective – I either like something 100% or I don’t. The core themes are horses, golf, piano, and surfing. I find a lot of happiness in developing mastery, and those activities is where a lot of my personal time goes to!
Daily Life
I don’t just talk about preventing burnout—I really do live it, and switch things up when I need a change. I carve out time to play piano and walking weekly. I am constantly practicing my golf swing (aiming to drive 250 consistently for 2026) and I have recently taken up running. I take time away from practice regularly, about every 2-3 months to reset.
Secret Skills
Surfing – I am not bad considering I only go a few times a year! Balance and coordination from years of competitive horseback riding has transferred well. I explore new surf spots about twice a year, with my most recent being Bali. Algarve and Costa Rica are next up.
What I’m Terrible At
Cooking. That is offloaded to my partner and/or DoorDash. Walking in a straight line. Cleaning and keeping things tidy.
My office is not an accurate representation of the rest of my house.
Burnout education and Consulting
Dr. Maria Catherine P. Farrell is approved by the Canadian Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists.
Questions?
Congratulations on taking this big step!
I am here to help make it the best experience possible for you.
I will get you booked in for a 15-minute complimentary consultation. This is to determine if I am the best psychologist to help you with what you’re seeking therapy for.
Then, we will find a time that works best for your schedule. The first session typically involves an intake assessment, an orientation to therapy, completion and discussion of informed consent, and an opportunity answer any questions you may have. In the first session, we will set goals together that will guide us in your treatment.
I direct bill to Alberta Blue Cross, ASEBP, Greenshield, and Medavie/VAC.
YES
Outside of a few very specific and important considerations (we will discuss all this together so there are no surprises!), therapy is private and confidential.
This is one of the most precious and beautiful thing about therapy – it is a safe, warm and non-judgmental space for you to disclose those problems that you wish to not reveal to anyone else, and to provide you with the support that you need.
GREAT question…Therapy can range from short, brief counselling or it can take many sessions for you to see improvements for the concerns you have and the areas of your life you want to address.
We will discuss the typical course of treatment and pacing together in the intake session.
I take great pride in managing my practice so that everyone has timely access to treatment – best case scenario, I can get you booked in within a few days to one week after our initial consultation.
Fees are $250.00 per 50-minute therapy hour. Fees can be paid by credit card via our secure online portal or by Interac eTransfer.
The first step is to determine if we are a good fit to work together! This begins with a free 15-minute consultation. Bring any questions you may have to the consultation – it is an opportunity to determine if we jive, and if my approach and tele psychology is the best fit for your needs. Call 780-686-9684 for a consultation
When You’re Ready
Online therapy is available to clients located in Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick.
Dr. Farrell specializes in treating work-related stress, burnout syndrome, anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress management.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation to meet Dr. Farrell!