Tya (Tea-ah) Pierce

Tya is currently waiting for her registration as a Provisional Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. Prior to going back to school to complete her Master of Counselling degree through City University of Seattle she worked as nurse for over 10 years in both antepartum and postpartum units.

This work provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between medical and psychosocial factors affecting individuals and families throughout the perinatal period.
Tya’s lived experience has further informed her clinical focus and therapeutic perspective. As a mother of four, she has personally navigated both birth-related trauma and profound loss.

At 34 weeks pregnant, doctors discovered that her baby had a brain tumor. A month later, despite the amazing care from a large team of specialized physicians, Tya and her family experienced the
heart wrenching grief that follows the loss of a child. This life changing event was what
precipitated her to step out of her career as a nurse and pursue a career as a psychologist. She
considers it a profound privilege to support individuals who have experienced hardship and to
walk alongside those navigating pain, adversity, and loss.

Both her profession and lived experiences has cultivated within her a deep sense of empathy and
a meaningful commitment to supporting individuals, couples, and families as they process
trauma, grief, and the multifaceted challenges associated with the perinatal period. Tya is
passionate about women’s health, and she holds a deep appreciation for the vulnerability and
strength inherent in this stage of life.

Tya’s therapeutic approach is grounded in an empathetic, trauma-informed, and client-centered framework. Tya is also an Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) certified
clinician and has Levels 1 and 2 of the Gottman Method Couples Therapy. With specialized
training in Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and
Emotionally Focused Therapy, she helps clients find empowerment while exploring and fostering
healing through identifying and building upon individual and familial strengths.

Incorporating mindfulness-based strategies and principles derived from Polyvagal Theory, Tya
supports clients in developing skills to remain within their window of tolerance, thereby
enhancing emotional regulation and reducing reactivity. She provides a consistent, attuned, and
supportive therapeutic presence, fostering an environment in which clients may engage in
meaningful processing and movement toward healing and wholeness.

Wherever you are in your journey, Tya is here to offer you the support you need.

Tya can offer support for both individuals and couples.

Areas that Tya supports:

Birth trauma
Medical trauma
Grief and loss

Perinatal and parental mental health (pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond)
Infant feeding-related stress
Support for dads and non-birthing parents
Parenting

Depression and anxiety
Stress and burnout
Caregiver fatigue

Relationship struggles and couples therapy

Self-esteem
Negative thought patterns and maladaptive cognitions

What does it mean to work with a Provisional Psychologist?

Working with a provisional psychologist offers clients access to a fully trained clinician who is in the final stage of professional registration. Provisional psychologists have completed their graduate-level education and are actively practicing while receiving ongoing supervision from a registered psychologist.

This means your care benefits from both independent clinical work and regular consultation, supporting thoughtful, ethical, and effective therapy.

Many clients appreciate working with a provisional psychologist because it offers:

A high standard of care grounded in established psychological training
A collaborative and engaged therapeutic approach
Ongoing clinical oversight and reflection
Often more flexible availability and reduced fee options

Working with a provisional psychologist can be a strong fit for clients seeking either short-term or longer-term therapy, including support with more complex or ongoing concerns.

If you are unsure whether working with a provisional psychologist is the right fit for you, we are happy to help you explore your options.