Dr. Lisa French

PhD, Registered Psychologist

Ph.D., School/Applied Child Psychology (McGill University); Ed.M., Human Development and Psychology (Harvard University); B.A., Psychology (Boston College)

Virtual and In-Person Sessions Available

Lisa has over 15 years of experience conducting comprehensive pediatric psycho-educational assessments, providing treatment services to children and adolescents, and consulting with parents and teachers. Lisa’s expertise and special interests include the assessment and management of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), learning disorders and giftedness, treating mood and anxiety disorders in children, and encouraging parents’ self-care.

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 Lisa’s Main Specializations

Lisa specializes in completing professional assessments for children and adolescents including psychoeducational assessments, ADHD assessments, Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessments, and giftedness (IQ) assessments.  After completing her graduate studies, she served as a psychologist in school boards in Montreal, then conducted clinical research through the ADHD (adolescent and adult-focused) and ASD clinics at the Montreal Children’s Hospital. During the same period, Lisa taught undergraduate and graduate level courses in teaching exceptional learners and conducting psychoeducational evaluations at McGill. Upon moving to Calgary in 2014, Lisa worked at an organization focusing on educating and supporting individuals with ASD and behavior disorders, emphasizing both parent consultation and intervention. In 2017, Lisa entered private practice, focusing in equal parts on evaluation and treatment across a broad range of presenting concerns.

  • ADHD Assessments

    ADHD

    Lisa specializes in the assessment and management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). She helps her clients improve their ability to stay focused, control their impulses, and manage time effectively.

  • Giftedness Assessments

    Giftedness Assessments

    Lisa completes comprehensive giftedness (IQ) assessments for children and adolescents that are needed for admission into gifted programs, or to augment their learning within their current educational programs. With over 15 years experience, Lisa is able to identify giftedness in a variety of situations.

  • Psychoeducational Assessments

    Psychoeducational Assessments

    Lisa administers standardized assessments of your child’s cognitive, developmental, social, emotional and behavioural functioning. It provides you with a comprehensive report on your child’s strengths and weaknesses.

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder

    Lisa has experience assessing and treating autism spectrum disorder in children and teenagers. She has worked with children who are both verbal and nonverbal, as well as those who present with a range of other difficulties in addition to autism.

  • Mood Disorders

    Lisa works with children and adolescents who are struggling with anxiety and depression. By working with kids and their parents, she helps them understand and work through complex feelings, so that they can get back on track with school, home life, and everything else in between.

  • Learning Disabilities

    Lisa has years of experience diagnosing and treating individuals with learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia. She believes that every child deserves a chance to realize their full potential, regardless of past challenges or setbacks.

Lisa’s Therapy Approaches

Lisa’s therapeutic approach is eclectic, incorporating cognitive-behavioral as well as humanistic, solution focused and family systems-based theories and strategies. Lisa strongly believes in the importance of identifying one’s values and strengths, and focusing on confidence building using motivational interviewing techniques, with children and parents alike.

More About Lisa

Outside of her work at the clinic, Lisa has served as a board member at her children’s school to support mental health efforts therein. In her free time, Lisa enjoys music, film, and travel. She enthusiastically supports her son’s and daughter’s extracurricular endeavors; competitive soccer fills the family’s weekends and brings everyone great joy. Along with her husband, Lisa prioritizes spending time together as a family, including their beloved dogs.  Lisa seeks to enrich the lives of her children and the lives of her clients through compassion, acceptance, play, and a healthy dose of humor—something she values as a critical, therapeutic life tool.