Dr. Michelle Emmerling

Dr. Michelle Emmerling Registered Psychologist. Red Tree Psychology Founding Partner. Emotion Focused Skills Training Clini

At Emmerling Psychology, we focus on helping people make sense of what’s happening beneath the surface—not just managing...
04/21/2026

At Emmerling Psychology, we focus on helping people make sense of what’s happening beneath the surface—not just managing symptoms, but understanding the emotional patterns that drive them. Our work is grounded in a relational, evidence-based approach that looks at the whole person within the context of their life, relationships, and history.

We have a strong focus on supporting men’s mental health, creating space for men to explore emotions, stress, identity, and connection in ways that often haven’t been accessible or encouraged. We also specialize in working with women navigating menopause and midlife transitions—helping make sense of the emotional, psychological, and relational shifts that can come with this stage of life.

For families, we offer Emotion-Focused Skills Training (EFST) for parents and caregivers, equipping them with practical tools to better understand and respond to their child’s emotional world, strengthen attachment, and feel more confident in their role. Our family therapy work supports healthier communication, repair, and deeper connection across relationships.

Across all of our services, the focus is on building awareness, strengthening emotional capacity, and helping people feel more grounded, connected, and equipped to navigate life in a meaningful way.

We often say, “they triggered me.”But what if we shifted the question to:When that happened… what did it activate in me?...
04/17/2026

We often say, “they triggered me.”

But what if we shifted the question to:
When that happened… what did it activate in me?

Because the truth is — our reactions don’t come from other people alone. They come from the meaning our nervous system and past experiences make of what just happened.

When we begin to notice our patterns — what activates us, what emotions show up, what stories follow — we gain something powerful: awareness.

And with awareness comes choice.

Instead of being pulled by automatic, often maladaptive emotional responses, we can pause, understand, and respond in a way that actually aligns with who we want to be.

This isn’t about blaming yourself.
It’s about understanding yourself.

And that understanding builds confidence in navigating relationships, setting boundaries, and showing up with intention — not reactivity.

That’s where freedom lives.

What if the most powerful way to support your child isn’t changing their behaviour… but learning how to navigate their e...
04/15/2026

What if the most powerful way to support your child isn’t changing their behaviour… but learning how to navigate their emotions?

At Emmerling Psychology, we use Emotion-Focused Skills Training (EFST) to help parents:
✨ Understand and respond to their child’s emotional world with confidence
✨ Recognize what gets in the way of setting clear, supportive boundaries
✨ Strengthen their own “boundary muscle” — so limits feel grounded, not reactive
✨ Learn how to repair relationship ruptures in a way that actually leads to healing

Because it’s not about getting it perfect.
It’s about knowing how to come back, reconnect, and rebuild.

When children feel seen, safe, and understood — real change happens.
And when parents feel equipped and supported — relationships transform.

Less conflict.
More connection.
Stronger, more resilient relationships.

Last night in Calgary, 10,000 people gathered for a sold-out evening with Gabor Maté — a powerful reminder that this wor...
04/08/2026

Last night in Calgary, 10,000 people gathered for a sold-out evening with Gabor Maté — a powerful reminder that this work matters.

A key takeaway that deeply resonates with the work we do at Emmerling Psychology:

We are not separate from our experiences.

Our emotions, our relationships, our environments, and our early life experiences shape who we become. What goes unprocessed doesn’t disappear — it shows up in our mental health, our physical health, and the way we relate to ourselves and others.

He also spoke to something deeply important: that many of the ways we cope — even the ones that no longer serve us — were once intelligent adaptations. At one point, they helped us belong, feel safe, or navigate environments where our needs may not have been fully met. There is nothing “wrong” with us — there is wisdom in how we learned to survive.

This is at the heart of The Myth of Normal — the understanding that what we often label as “symptoms” are actually meaningful adaptations to our lived experiences.

It also speaks directly to EFST and the work we do every day:
Supporting clients in becoming more aware of their emotional world, understanding how their upbringing has shaped them, and learning how to respond to themselves with compassion rather than criticism.

At Emmerling Psychology, we take a biopsychosocial approach because healing isn’t one-dimensional — and neither are you.

When we begin to integrate all parts of our story, we move closer to our authentic selves.

And that’s where real change happens.

04/04/2026

Easter can be full of connection, tradition—and sometimes, a lot of pressure.

At Emmerling Psychology, we want to gently remind you: you don’t have to do everything.

Family dinners, gatherings, and events can be meaningful, but they can also stretch your emotional and physical capacity. It’s okay to pause and ask yourself what you actually need this weekend.

Consider:
🌿 Choosing the events that feel most important to you
🌿 Setting gentle limits around time, energy, or conversations
🌿 Giving yourself permission to leave early or say no altogether
🌿 Taking breaks to reset when things feel overwhelming

You are allowed to show up in ways that feel sustainable—not just expected.

Supportive holidays aren’t about doing it all—they’re about staying connected to yourself while connecting with others.

This Easter, let there be room for both presence and protection.

03/13/2026

In a world that rarely slows down, finding moments of quiet can be an act of care for yourself.

These small pauses give us space to notice what we’re feeling, what we need, and where our boundaries might need strengthening. When we allow ourselves this time, boundaries begin to take shape—not as walls, but as supports that help create steadiness, clarity, and self-respect.

Sometimes the most meaningful step toward wellbeing is simply giving yourself permission to slow down and listen inward.

03/10/2026

Meeting Our Inner World with Curiosity

For many of us, the voice we turn inward with is not curiosity — it’s criticism.

We analyze, judge, dismiss, or try to shut down what we feel. We tell ourselves we’re overreacting, too sensitive, or that we should “just get over it.”

But self-criticism rarely begins as cruelty.
For many people, it began as protection.

At some point, being hard on ourselves may have felt safer than feeling vulnerable emotions. Criticizing ourselves might have helped us stay in control, avoid rejection, or make sense of overwhelming experiences. In that way, self-criticism often develops as a coping strategy — one that tries to keep us safe from the parts of our inner world that feel confusing, painful, or scary.

So it makes sense that approaching ourselves with curiosity and openness can feel unfamiliar, even uncomfortable.

Curiosity asks us to slow down and listen.
To notice what we feel without immediately trying to change it.
To ask: What might this emotion be telling me? What do I need right now?

This doesn’t mean abandoning accountability or ignoring growth. It means creating an inner environment where understanding comes before judgment.

When we begin to relate to our inner world with curiosity instead of criticism, something shifts. Our emotions become less threatening, and we create space for compassion, insight, and meaningful change.

And like any new way of relating to ourselves, it takes time, practice, and patience.

Your inner world deserves to be met with understanding.

— Emmerling Psychology

03/08/2026

On International Women’s Day, we are reminded that creating a better world requires women — standing together in solidarity and community.

A world that is truly supportive of women must be inclusive of all women. Regardless of race, ethnicity, body size, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or background, every woman deserves to feel seen, valued, safe, and empowered.

Today is also a time to continue raising our collective voice about the realities many women face: violence, inequality, systemic barriers, and powerful societal pressures around appearance, productivity, and worth.

At Emmerling Psychology, we believe in the power of community, compassion, and advocacy. When women uplift and empower one another, we challenge harmful narratives and create space for strength, healing, and change.

May we continue to support each other, listen deeply, and stand together — today and every day.

03/06/2026

At Emmerling Psychology, we believe the space you walk into matters.

Therapy can feel vulnerable, and having an environment that feels calm, comfortable, and welcoming can make it a little easier to settle in and be yourself. Our space was thoughtfully created to feel warm, inviting, and safe — somewhere you can take a breath, slow down, and focus on what matters most: your wellbeing.

Soft lighting, cozy seating, and a peaceful atmosphere help create a setting where meaningful conversations and healing can happen.

We’re proud to offer a space that feels less clinical and more human.

Because feeling comfortable is an important part of feeling supported. 🤍

Understanding Your Emotional World MattersSo often, we move through life pushing down what feels uncomfortable. We tell ...
03/01/2026

Understanding Your Emotional World Matters

So often, we move through life pushing down what feels uncomfortable. We tell ourselves we’re “fine.” We stay busy. We override our needs.

But our emotional world doesn’t disappear just because we ignore it.

When emotions are repeatedly suppressed, the body often carries what the mind avoids. This can show up as anxiety, irritability, exhaustion, headaches, muscle tension, digestive issues, sleep disruption, or feeling chronically overwhelmed.

Developing awareness of your inner emotional experience is not indulgent — it’s preventative care.

When you begin to:
• Notice what you’re feeling
• Name it without judgment
• Understand what it’s connected to
• Respond to it with care

…the nervous system can settle. The body doesn’t have to work so hard to hold what hasn’t been processed.

Increased emotional awareness is linked to decreased psychological distress and, for many people, a reduction in stress-related physical symptoms. When emotions are acknowledged and integrated, the body no longer needs to “hang on” to unmet or unspoken needs.

Your inner world deserves attention.

Therapy can be a space to slow down, tune in, and build a deeper understanding of yourself — safely and at your own pace.

— Emmerling Psychology

02/21/2026

The world feels heavy right now.

For many of us, it can feel like everywhere we turn there’s something overwhelming, upsetting, activating, stressful, or scary. News cycles move fast. Social media is constant. Conversations feel charged. Even the ordinary can feel like “too much.”

When the outside world gets louder, it becomes more important than ever to check in with your inner world.

How is all of this actually impacting you?
What’s happening in your body?
Your sleep?
Your patience?
Your hope?
Your nervous system?

Awareness is not weakness — it’s regulation.

Sometimes caring for yourself in heavy seasons means tightening your incoming boundaries:
• Limiting news or social media exposure
• Stepping away from conversations that escalate
• Being intentional about when and how you engage

Sometimes it means increasing your outgoing care:
• More rest
• More connection with safe people
• More grounding practices
• More compassion toward yourself

You don’t have to absorb everything to care about it.
You don’t have to stay activated to stay informed.
And you don’t have to push through overwhelm to prove resilience.

It’s okay to adjust.
It’s okay to protect your energy.
It’s okay to tend to your emotional needs.

In heavy times, tending to your inner world isn’t avoidance — it’s sustainability.

Valentine’s Day can be about romance — but this year, it feels like it needs to be about something bigger.There is so mu...
02/14/2026

Valentine’s Day can be about romance — but this year, it feels like it needs to be about something bigger.

There is so much heaviness in the world right now. So much anger. So much suffering. So much polarization.We don’t need to deny that reality. We don’t need to pretend everything is fine.

But what we do need — more than ever — is love.

Not performative love.Not toxic positivity.But steady, grounded, courageous love.

The kind that listens.The kind that makes space.The kind that protects the vulnerable.The kind that says, “I don’t have to agree with you to treat you with dignity.”The kind that checks our own privilege and asks how we can show up better.

At Emmerling Psychology, we believe love looks like:• community over division• curiosity over certainty• compassion over shame• accountability over defensiveness• care that includes everyone

Love does not erase suffering.But it can hold it.It can sit beside it.It can create safety in the middle of it.

Today — and every day — may we choose to be people who widen the circle.

More love. More support. More community.

Address

620, 10055 106 Street
Edmonton, AB
T5J2Y2

Telephone

+17803992229

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