Psychology

Support for the Emotional Side of Injury and Recovery

Coping with injury, chronic pain, or illness often brings changes that go beyond the physical, including shifts in work, relationships, and daily routine, and our registered psychologist provide collaborative, rehabilitation-focused support, working alongside your broader care team using evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioural strategies, pain reprocessing therapy, mindfulness, and nervous system regulation training.

Services We Offer

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Pain Reprocessing Therapy

Mindfulness and Nervous System Regulation Training

Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)

Acceptance and Values-Based Strategies

What We Hleap With

Neck and Shoulder

What We Help With

Our registered psychologists support patients working through the mental and emotional impact of pain, injury, and rehabilitation, including:

Anxiety, low mood, and stress
Chronic pain and stress-related conditions
Sleep challenges and emotional regulation
Trauma and grief
Adjustment to injury, illness, or major life changes
Difficulty staying engaged and motivated in rehabilitation

Support is available on its own or alongside your physiotherapy, physiatry, or other care at Access Orthopaedics.

Meet Your Psychologist

Our registered psychologists provide dedicated support for the emotional and mental side of recovery.

Sharla Zalmanowitz
MEd

Registered Psychologist
Pain, Stress, Trauma, Rehabilitation Psychology

Sharla Zalmanowitz

What to Expect

At your first appointment, your psychologist will take time to understand your background, current concerns, and goals, and then work with you to develop an approach grounded in evidence-based methods such as CBT, pain reprocessing therapy, or ART, coordinated with your broader care team where appropriate.

No referral is required to book an appointment with one of our registered psychologists.

Connected Care for Better Movement

Referrals

We welcome referrals from physicians, physiotherapists, chiropractors, and other members of your care team with a valid practitioner ID.

Please note that a referral is not required to book with one of our psychologists.

Specialized Assessment

Our licensed psychologists take time to understand the full picture, including how pain, injury, or reduced mobility is affecting your mood, sleep, confidence, and daily life. Our goal is to understand not just what you are managing, but how it is affecting you.

Comprehensive Treatment Plan

Your psychologist develops an approach to care tailored to your individual needs, concerns, and goals, using evidence-based methods such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

From your first session onward, we provide the support for a successful recovery.

Connected Care

Psychology, assessments, diagnostic imaging, physiotherapy, pain management, surgical coordination and other allied services are all available at Access Orthopaedics. Your psychologist can coordinate with your broader care team where appropriate, so your mental and physical care stay aligned.

Financial Coverage

Coverage for psychology services varies depending on your plan and circumstances. Some sessions may be covered through Alberta Health or extended health benefits, and we recommend confirming your coverage details when booking.

Please note we are unable to accept WCB patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral to see a psychologist at Access Orthopaedics?

No. You can book a psychology appointment directly, without a referral.

Is psychology covered by Alberta Health or my extended benefits?

Coverage for psychology services varies by plan. Some services may be covered through extended health benefits, and we recommend confirming your coverage before your first appointment.

What is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and how does it help with pain?

CBT is an evidence-based approach that helps you identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours. In the context of pain and rehabilitation, it can support practical strategies for managing pain, easing anxiety, improving sleep, and engaging more confidently with your recovery.

What is pain reprocessing therapy?

Pain reprocessing therapy is an approach grounded in the connection between the nervous system, pain, and healing. It can help retrain how the brain and body respond to pain signals, supporting a reduction in pain-related distress.

Is seeing a psychologist a sign that my pain is not real?

Not at all. Psychological support is recommended because living with pain, particularly chronic or complex pain, carries real emotional and psychological weight of its own. Addressing this alongside your physical care can support better outcomes overall.

Can I access psychology alongside my other care at Access Orthopaedics?

Yes. Psychology is offered as part of our multidisciplinary care model, so your psychologist can work alongside your physiotherapist, physiatrist, or other members of your care team.