Hello and welcome. I am a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists, a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCPA), and a Certified EMDR Therapist. I also serve as a clinical supervisor to numerous Provisional Psychologists.
My academic background includes a Doctor of Psychology from California Southern University, a Master of Counselling from City University in Canada, a Master of Science in Social Policy, and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. I am Associate Faculty at City University in Canada and have previously served as an Assistant Professor at Providence University College.
Current Clinical Focus
My practice centres on comprehensive psychological assessment, psychoeducational, ADHD, and autism assessments, and clinical supervision and consultation, alongside therapeutic work.
Areas of Practice
Assessment, Consultation, and Diagnostic Formulation
- Comprehensive psychological assessment across the lifespan
- Psychoeducational assessment of cognitive, academic, executive, and emotional functioning
- ADHD assessment and differential diagnosis
- Autism spectrum disorder assessment, including complex and late-identified presentations
- Trauma-informed assessment for individuals with histories of complex or developmental trauma
Areas of Clinical Practice
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorders
- Attachment and relational trauma
- Developmental Trauma
- Anxiety and depressive disorders
- Adoption and kinship care, including attachment challenges (blocked trust and blocked care)
- Abuse and neglect
- Parenting in the context of trauma, neurodivergence, and disability
- Living well with chronic illness and disability
Psychological Services Offered
Assessment Services
- Psychoeducational assessments (children, adolescents, and adults)
- ADHD assessments
- Autism assessments using standardized, evidence-based tools
- Comprehensive written reports with practical, strengths-based recommendations
I am trained in gold-standard autism diagnostic tools (ADOS-2, ADI-R) as well as the MIGDAS-2 sensory-based assessment. I have additional training in the assessment of autistic women.
Therapeutic Services
- Individual therapy for children, adolescents, and adults
- Family and parenting consultation
- Adoption- and attachment-informed therapeutic support
My therapeutic approach is grounded in attachment- and trauma-informed care and may integrate:
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Parts / Ego State approaches
My training includes Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (including direct training with Dr. Daniel Hughes), Theraplay, and the Marschak Interaction Method (MIM), which continue to inform my assessment and consultation work.
Outside of my work at Solasta, I love spending time with family and friends, practicing yoga, and exploring nature on walks.
Publications:
- McKirdy, G. C. (2022). The Lived Experiences of Adoptive Parents Experiencing Blocked Care. California Southern University.
- McKirdy, G. C., Roughley, R. A., & McKirdy, S. A. (2019). From Proving Perfection to Seeking Support: The Lived Experiences of Adoptive Parents in Alberta. Canadian Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy, 53(3), 276-295.
- McKirdy, G. C., & Roughley, R. (2018, October). The Experience of Adoptive Parents Accessing Support Services in Alberta: Implications for Counselling. Poster session presented at the Canadian Counselling Psychology Conference, Calgary, Alberta.
