Dr. Jesse McElheran, PhD

Dr. Jesse McElheran is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. She holds a Doctorate and Master of Education in Counselling Psychology from the University of Alberta, and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology and Women’s Studies from the University of Regina.

With over 15 years of training and clinical experience, Dr. McElheran has worked across a wide range of mental health settings, including addictions services, acute mental health, sexual assault centres, and operational stress injury and trauma programs. She has developed particular depth in health psychology, with specialized expertise in grief counselling, end-of-life care, and psychological support for individuals navigating cancer. She works with adults across the lifespan — from young adults to seniors and elders. At UPsilon Clinic, Dr. McElheran offers virtual appointments across Alberta.

Dr. McElheran’s clinical approach is integrative, meaning she draws from a diverse therapeutic toolkit to craft a personalized experience matched to each client’s unique needs and goals. Her practice is grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Existential Therapy, and Self-Compassion-based frameworks, supporting clients in building psychological flexibility and finding meaning through even the most difficult seasons of life. She has specialized training in trauma-processing modalities, including Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and has completed comprehensive training in bereavement care.

Clients describe Dr. McElheran as warm, compassionate, and principled — a clinician who creates a safe and grounded space for people to explore their experiences and move toward the life they want to live.

Areas of Focus

Dr. McElheran provides virtual psychotherapy in Alberta for adults (18+) and seniors facing:

• Depression
• Anxiety — including Generalized Anxiety, Social Anxiety, and Health Anxiety
• Grief, Loss, and Uncertainty
• Life Transitions (marriage, parenthood, divorce, retirement)
• Perinatal Mental Health
• Fertility Concerns
• Psychological Support for Cancer Patients, Survivors, and their families

Therapy Modalities

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
• Mindfulness-Based Therapy
• Somatic Therapy
• Existential Therapy
• Hope-Focused Counselling
• Self-Compassion
• Integrative Approach