About Ron

Ron WoodsOpened in August of 2013, Woods Psychological Services is a counselling practice privately owned and operated by Ron Woods, a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists.

Ron has a very diverse background which provides him the life experience to identify with people from many different walks of life. Before going into private practice Ron worked four years at a counseling agency in Sherwood Park which provided him a great deal of experience in working with couples, individual adults and, less frequently, teens. Prior to that he worked on his Master’s Degree while completing a year-long practicum at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in the Psychiatric Unit and Outpatient Pastoral Psychology Department. During this time he worked full time as a Child and Youth Care Worker for two agencies, for a total of 6 years.

Other Professional Experience

In 2008-9 he worked for Boyle Street Group Homes, and prior to that, for approximately six years, Bosco Homes, at an intensive treatment centre for troubled youth. Ron has also worked in various positions in a wide variety of fields, including; Biological Sciences as a Fisheries Technician, a Laboratory Technician, Sales, Food Service Industry, Automotive Parts Industry, various Service Industries, Construction, a small Business Owner, in addition to a number of other occupational experiences that provided him a practical understanding of people in their various occupations.

Education

Ron has a diverse educational background that includes biological sciences, psychology and theology. Ron graduated with a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from from City University of Seattle. He also studied Pastoral Counselling at Taylor University and Briercrest Seminary. Ron earned a Bachelor of Religious Education from Vanguard College, and a Diploma in Biological Sciences Technology from N.A.I.T. As part of Ron’s education he spent some time volunteering as a Hospital Chaplain and was involved in an inner-city church outreach for 6 years. Ron grew up in various parts of Alberta, living in both urban and rural communities, which exposed him to the values and lifestyles of many different people.

Ron’s Approach

As a Registered Psychologist Ron encourages health and wholeness in people, relationships and families.

Ron works from a holistic/wellness approach utilizing effective psychological treatments based on current research on the mind/body connection in order to improve emotional, relational and physical health. Ron is a prolific reader and researcher and consistently strives for personal growth. This helps Ron to remain up-to-date with current research and to constantly grow as new therapy approaches and interventions are developed and refined.

Ron believes that each person has significance, value and potential to achieve great things, and that psychological, emotional, relational, and sometimes spiritual, problems can prevent people from attaining all they were meant to be. Therapy is about being allowed to journey with people and become part of their story, and that is a great honour. Through counselling and hard work it is possible for people to not only endure, but to grow through the most difficult seasons of their lives. This is facilitated by having a safe, supportive environment, where clients are encouraged to freely express themselves in order to achieve their personal therapy, and life, goals.

Qualifications, Training, and Professional Memberships