Peer Relationships Therapists in Medicine Hat, AB
Katie Harry
Registered Provisional Psychologist
Finding a therapist can be such an intimidating and daunting process so I’m glad you’re here! Therapy can be a useful tool in processing life events, learning new skills and information, and becoming more self aware. We can work together to understand what you’re struggling with, the patterns that keep repeating themselves, and the strengths you have within yourself already. I strive to create a …
Ariel Dasrath
Registered Psychotherapist
With so many elements that shape who we are and how we navigate the world, how can we expect mental health treatment to focus on only one at a time? Creating the space for nuanced conversations, MargINs Psychotherapy focuses on culturally responsive practices, primarily catering to intersectionally marginalized populations.
Melanie Zimerman
Canadian Certified Counsellor
I provide counselling to individuals aged 10 and above as well as I offer sessions in both English and Spanish. I have experience working with individuals who struggle with anxiety, trauma and PTSD, stress, low self-esteem, relationship issues, BPD, and more. I offer an integrative approach consisting of finding what is best suited for you and your needs. This includes Cognitive-Behaviour Therap…
Marissa Whalley
Registered Psychologist
I’m Marissa, a Calgary-based Registered Psychologist offering warm, approachable, and collaborative therapy for teens, adults, and couples. I specialize in trauma, anxiety, grief, communication, and holistic wellbeing, drawing on EMDR, DBT, and Gottman approaches. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space for clarity, healing, and growth.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Peer Relationships
What peer relationship difficulties does therapy address?
Therapy for peer relationship difficulties addresses a wide range of challenges: social anxiety that prevents connection, loneliness and isolation, difficulty reading social cues, conflict with friends or colleagues, bullying and its aftermath, social rejection, difficulty maintaining friendships over time, fear of judgment or exclusion, and the impact of autism, ADHD, or anxiety on social functioning. For children and adolescents, peer relationships are central to development and wellbeing; for adults, loneliness is increasingly recognized as a serious public health concern.
What causes difficulties with peer relationships?
Peer relationship difficulties often stem from a combination of factors: social anxiety (fear of negative evaluation or rejection), neurodevelopmental differences such as autism or ADHD that affect social processing, early attachment experiences that shape expectations in relationships, social skill gaps, low self-esteem or shame, depression or withdrawal, and the lasting effects of bullying or social trauma. Understanding which factors are most relevant for you is the first step in finding the right therapeutic approach.
What therapy approaches help with peer relationship difficulties?
CBT for social anxiety reduces the fear and avoidance that prevents connection. Social skills training — either individually or in group format — builds practical competencies in initiating, sustaining, and repairing relationships. Interpersonal therapy (IPT) specifically addresses relationship patterns and transitions. For autistic individuals or those with ADHD, therapists often combine social skills work with education about how neurodevelopmental differences affect social communication. Group therapy offers a uniquely valuable laboratory for practising social skills in a supported setting.
Can therapy help adults who struggle with loneliness or making friends?
Yes — adult loneliness and difficulty maintaining friendships are valid and increasingly common concerns. Therapy helps adults understand the patterns and beliefs that interfere with connection — including fears of vulnerability, perfectionism in relationships, mistrust from past hurt, or anxiety about being "too much" or "not enough." It also provides practical support for initiating and deepening relationships. The therapeutic relationship itself can be a place where clients experience a safe, boundaried connection and learn from it.
How long does therapy for peer relationship difficulties typically take?
Timeline varies considerably depending on the underlying cause. Social anxiety that is relatively uncomplicated may improve meaningfully in 12–16 sessions of CBT. Deeper patterns rooted in attachment wounds or trauma, or social difficulties connected to neurodevelopmental differences, generally benefit from longer-term work. Group therapy formats provide the social environment itself as a therapeutic tool, and are often run over 8–12 weeks. Many people engage in both individual and group therapy simultaneously for the best outcomes.