We Have Moved

Loving Choices is pleased to announce that we have moved to:

203, 9148 23rd Ave NW Edmonton, Alberta T6N 1H9

Our office telephone number has not changed.

Booking Appointments with Dr. Jason Jones

Jason is NOT currently accepting new couples, individuals, or consults.

To book an appointment as an existing client, please call ‭(587) 498-9750‬ or email admin@lovingchoices.ca

Booking Appointments with Johnathan Bown

Johnathan is currently accepting new individual clients at this time.

Current couples of John can book appointments by calling (587) 498 9750 or email admin@lovingchoices.ca

Booking Appointments with Karen Kirkpatrick

Karen is currently accepting new couples and individual clients at this time.

Psychological Services

"Counselling psychology is a broad specialization within professional psychology concerned with using psychological principles to enhance and promote the positive growth, well-being, and mental health of individuals, families, groups, and the broader community. Counselling psychologists bring a collaborative, developmental, multicultural, and wellness perspective to their research and practice.... Read More

"Counselling psychology is a broad specialization within professional psychology concerned with using psychological principles to enhance and promote the positive growth, well-being, and mental health of individuals, families, groups, and the broader community. Counselling psychologists bring a collaborative, developmental, multicultural, and wellness perspective to their research and practice. They work with many types of individuals, including those experiencing distress and difficulties associated with life events and transitions, decision-making, work/career/education, family and social relationships, and mental health and physical health concerns. In addition to remediation, counselling psychologists engage in prevention, psycho-education and advocacy. The research and professional domain of counselling psychology overlaps with that of other professions such as clinical psychology, industrial/organizational psychology, and mental health counselling" (Canadian Psychological Association, 2009).


Clinical Consultation/ Supervision

Clinical consultation, or supervision under evaluative conditions, supports trainee mental health professionals by offering oversight and support from a more experienced provider. Therapy is both an art and a science. While it’s possible to learn the basic scientific principles in school, the art of therapy can prove challenging. Dr. Jones provides consultation for short-term questions as well ... Read More

Clinical consultation, or supervision under evaluative conditions, supports trainee mental health professionals by offering oversight and support from a more experienced provider. Therapy is both an art and a science. While it’s possible to learn the basic scientific principles in school, the art of therapy can prove challenging. Dr. Jones provides consultation for short-term questions as well as supervision for Sex Therapy and individuals pursuing registration with the College of Alberta Psychologists. Johnathan Bown provides supervision for practicum students.

Inspiration

For as long as Jason can remember, he was always passionately curious about the world and the nature of human relationships. He was fascinated by their complexity and how integral they are to our lives. His search for truth led him to study human sexuality, obesity, and family dynamics during separation and divorce. He found that they all have the common thread of the importance of relationships. He was drawn to practice counselling psychology to effect real change by focusing on talking to people, learning from them, and being on the front line of effecting change for individuals, couples and families.

Education

Dr. Jason Jones completed a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology degree at NorthCentral University. He has also completed a Master of Counselling degree at the University of Calgary, as well as numerous post-graduate certifications and workshops related to sex therapy, couples counselling, family therapy, and weight management. He is a Certified Sex Therapist and Certified Sex Therapy Supervisor with the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT).

Philosophy

Health and wellness must be addressed on a holistic basis that focuses on the whole person, including their relationships, cultures, and contextual experiences. Jason seeks to treat individuals, couples and families with a focus on the whole system that they exist in. Jason does not believe in pathologizing behaviour, as all behaviour can be understood within a systemic and cultural frame. He believes that health is about physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual experiences within our minds and bodies, and between individuals.

>I help people navigate through some of the more difficult aspects of life, the most vulnerable, and the most Important. These are very sensitive issues that I honour and respect with deep understanding and empathy. I’m here to listen and help. I will guide you through this process with warmth, safety, and good humour.

Vision

Dr. Jones has been a Registered Psychologist since 2012 and founded Loving Choices Psychology in 2017 to serve individuals, couples and families in navigating challenging and sensitive issues in life with warmth and compassion. His vision is to create a safe space for expert counsellors to offer support and provide tools to help people live happier lives.

Dr. Jones specializes in the following areas:

Sex Therapy

  • AASECT Certified Sex Therapist
  • AASECT Certified Sex Therapist Supervisor
  • AASECT provider of Continuing Education credits

Separation and Divorce

  • Member of AFCC and AB chapter
  • Training and experience with Practice Note 7 Evaluative and Therapeutic Interventions
  • Training in the Overcoming Barriers approach for Parent-Child Contact pProblems
  • Expert Witness Testimony experience in Provincial and Court of Queen’s Bench
  • Training and experience in Mediation of Family and Divorce Conflicts, including mediation where personality disorders are involved

Couples Counselling

  • Training and experience with Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
  • EFT Edmonton Community Collegium Member

Body Acceptance

  • Advocate for Fat Studies, Health At Every Size, and Body Positive Approaches
  • Holds a Post-Graduate Certification in Obesity Management from the University of Alberta

General Individual and Family Issues

  • Registered Psychologist since 2011
  • Uses Attachment-Based and Interpersonal Neurobiology models
  • Training and experience with Trauma

Inspiration For as long as Jason can remember, he was always passionately curious about the world... Read More

Inspiration

Johnathan is fascinated by human consciousness and is passionate about helping people. He believes that one of the most meaningful and fulfilling acts we do in our lives is helping another person in their time of need. He was attracted to working as a psychologist because it’s a compassionate career that is personally uplifting. He believes that human relationships are one of the most important aspects of our well-being. As a result, he chose to work with admirable and expert psychologists to support individuals and couples in living happier lives.

Education

Johnathan completed a Master’s of Education degree in Counselling Psychology at the University of Lethbridge. He has also completed EMDR level 1 training, as well as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EMT) level 1 training. He is a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) and a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists.

Philosophy

Human beings have a natural tendency towards healing and well-being. Johnathan practices a holistic approach towards empowering his clients to heal and to identify any mental, physical, cultural, social, and environmental factors that may be interfering with their health. He believes that behaviours or feelings are not problems, as they all serve a distinct purpose. He dedicates himself to each client he meets and seeks to understand them with the same energy and enthusiasm as his first day.

>I approach every client as a unique person who is valuable, admirable, and capable of achieving their goals. You are not alone in this; you are deeply cared for; we are here for you.

Vision

Johnathan helps his clients alleviate anxiety, depression and stress. He has years of experience in primary care public health clinics and has specialized training to help people with trauma, grief, insomnia, career, relationship dynamics, sexuality, and sexual health. He is currently completing his training to become a Certified Sex Therapist.

Publications

Bown, J. & Gackenbach, J. I. (2019). The influence of media understood through video game play. In R. J. Hoss & R. P. Gongloff (Eds.), Dreams: Understanding Biology, Psychology, and Culture (Vol 2, pp. 712-714). Santa Barbara, CA: Greenwood, an imprint of ABC-CLIO, LLC.

Gackenbach, J. I., Bown, J. (2019). The effects of media on dreaming. In K. Valli & R. J. Hoss (Eds.), Dreams: Understanding Biology, Psychology, and Culture (Vol 1, pp. 219-223). Santa Barbara, CA: Greenwood, an Imprint of ABC-CLIO, LLC.

Gackenbach, J. I., & Bown, J. (Eds.). (2017). Boundaries of Self & Reality Online. San Diego, California: Elsevier Academic Press.

Bown, J. & Gackenbach, J. I. (2015). Video games, nightmares, and emotional processing. Emotions and Technology: Communication of Feelings For, With, and Through Digital Media (pp. 3-14). London: Elsevier.

Gackenbach, J. I. & Bown, J. (2011). Mindfulness and video game play: A preliminary inquiry. Mindfulness, 2(2), 114-122.

Gackenbach, J. I. & Bown, J. (2011). Video game presence as a function of genre: A preliminary inquiry. Loading…, 5(8), 4-28.

Gackenbach, J. I., Rosie, M., & Bown, J., & Sample, T. (2011). Dream incorporation of video-game play as a function of interactivity and fidelity. Dreaming, 21(1), 32-50.

Presentations

Hrushka, C. & Bown, J. (2016). Kinky Boots: The Psychology of Some Unusual Sex Practices and Other Kink. Presented at the 12th Biennial Western Canadian Conference on Sexual Health, Calgary, Alberta.

Hrushka, C. & Bown, J. (2015). Talking About Sex Addiction. Presented at ASPSH 2015 online workshop for health professionals.

Bown, J. & Gackenbach, J. I. (2010). Mindfulness and video game play: A preliminary inquiry. Poster presented at Towards a Science of Consciousness, Tucson, AZ.

Rosie, M., Gackenbach, J. I., Bown, J., & Sample, T. (2010). Dream Incorporation of Video Game Play: Interactivity, Fidelity and Presence. Poster presented at the 27th Annual International Association for the Study of Dreams, Asheville, NC.

Dopko, R., Gackenbach, J.I., Bown, J., Le, H. & Rosie, M. (2009). Video Game Play, Dream Bizarreness and Creativity. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the International Association for the Study of Dreams, Chicago, ILL.

Bown, J. & Anderson, N. (2009). The role of wakefulness on visual adaptation. Poster presented at the Banff Annual Seminar in Cognitive Science, Banff, AB.

Inspiration Johnathan is fascinated by human consciousness and is passionate about helping people... Read More

Inspiration

Being a “people person”, Karen has always been fascinated by the human experience, and became deeply curious about the factors that contribute to individual flourishing. She began her career as a teacher, but after a journey of self-reflection and discovery, she decided to become a Registered Psychologist.

Education

Karen completed a Bachelor of Education degree as well as a post-bachelor diploma in Inclusive Education at the University of Alberta. She completed a Master of Counselling Psychology degree at Athabasca University. She’s also completed additional training in EMDR Level 1 and 2, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Gottman Couples Counseling Level 1 and 2, Intensive Sex Therapy through Guelph University, and is currently completing training to become a Certified Sex Therapist.

Philosophy

Karen believes that we are the sum of our experiences, the environment, our families, our relationships, our personalities, and the culture we find ourselves in. Therefore, it’s important to understand how these factors and barriers contribute to our health and wellness. As we evolve and change throughout our lives, so do our needs and the type of support we require. Making small changes can enhance several areas of your life. During your counselling sessions, you can expect authenticity, collaboration, and genuine curiosity in understanding you and the experiences that have shaped you.

>“I believe everyone has the ability to change and create the life they desire. I can offer you a new perspective, and I like to provide clients with resources and activities to enhance the changes or coping strategies they are working towards. I welcome feedback and incorporate it into our work together. Being able to witness change and share space for healing and recovery is an enormous privilege and one I feel honoured to share with my clients.”

Vision

Karen collaborates with you to create a relationship built on mutual respect, empathy and comfortability. She believes that humour has a restorative quality and she uses it appropriately in her work. Karen specializes in treating body image concerns, such as weight discrimination and/or fat-phobia, eating disorders and disordered eating, anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship struggles and stressors, pre-marital counselling, sexuality and gender exploration, sexual difficulties, grief and loss, stress and burnout, low confidence and difficulties with emotional regulation, as well as trauma. She practices from a Health at Every Size approach, and has training as a Body Trust provider. Karen is a sex-positive, LGTQIA, trans and poly friendly therapist.

Inspiration Being a “people person”, Karen has always been fascinated by the human experience, an... Read More

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Located at: 203, 9148 23 Ave NW, Edmonton
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