Trauma Informed Providers

Meet Tya! (Tea-ya)

Tya Pierce is currently a Mental Health Therapist, awaiting registration as a Provisional Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. Prior to returning to school to complete her Master of Counselling degree at City University of Seattle, she worked as a 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 tumour. 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 professional and lived experiences have 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 as they explore and foster healing by 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. She offers support to individuals and couples on Wednesday evenings and Thursdays during the day.

Wherever you are in your journey, Tya is here to offer you the care and compassion you need.