Like our physical health, we all need to be aware of and caring for our mental health as well. I have spent nearly 15 years supporting the people of Central Alberta with their mental health. The human being is always evolving and experiencing. There are ups and downs and many feelings along the way. All parts of our journey shape us and impact the next steps we may choose to take in our lives. ​My goal is to support people who are in a variety of places in their journey. A child who has experienced a traumatic event, an adult going through a difficult separation, a teen trying to figure out who they are and who they want to be. The honor of hearing the story of another person’s life, and joining them, however brief, in navigating the moments, big and small, truly brings me joy.
At my core I am a person-centered therapist. The basis of my work comes from the systems of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Attachment Theory. I use a very conversational style in my therapeutic process and will often suggest something for clients to try and work on between sessions. I have training in a variety of modalities and have taken pieces from each to form my own toolbox of techniques. Especially with children and teens, but sometimes with adults as well, art can be incorporated into sessions, as I have additional background in art and play therapy.
I have spent the majority of my career servicing Rural Central Alberta. This means that I am familiar with the special needs of the farming community as well as small town populations. I have also spent much of my career working with colleagues and clients from First Nations Communities.
Active resilience happens when people who are vulnerable find resources to cope with stress and bounce back, and do so in a way that leaves them stronger, ready to handle additional stress, in more adaptative ways.

– Huda Aki

Areas of Expertise

  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Depression & Mood Disorders
  • Trauma
    • Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
    • Acute Stress
    • Complex Trauma, Relational Trauma,
    • Emotional, Sexual, Physical Abuse
  • Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • Emotional Regulation
  • Executive Functioning
  • Preteen & Teen Concerns
  • Adjustment Disorders
  • Life Changes
  • Attachment Concerns
  • Self Discovery
  • Behavioural Difficulties
  • Parenting Support
  • School Issues
  • Stress
  • Grief, Loss & Bereavement
  • Anger Management​

Therapy Approaches

Online Adult Assessments

  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Depressive Disorders
  • Trauma & Stressor Related Disorders
  • Personality Disorders​

Communities

​First Nations, Metis, & Inuit
2SLGBTQIA+
Parents & Caregivers
Survivors of Abuse
​Rural & Agricultural Communities
Veterans & First Responders
​(Veterans Affairs Canada, CAF, RCMP)
​
Children (6+)
​Preteens & Teens
​Adults

A little about me.

My name is Tammy Auten-Dye. I am a Registered Psychologist, but I am also a mom to 2 amazing preteens. I love spending time with my family, our two dogs and our cat. I love having a latte and a visit with a good friend and wandering through the forest for family time and grounding. Fall is my favorite season. I enjoy wearing fun socks and participating in arts and crafts activities. I often incorporate art and nature into my work with clients as well.
Education
  • Master of Education in Counselling Psychology, Lethbridge University (2009)
  • Certificate of Career Development, Concordia University College of Alberta (2007)
  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of Calgary (2004)
In the Media
Virtual Youth Bullying Presentations is Providing Awareness for Parents
Rahma Dalmar, 2022 | Lakeland Today
“'Bullying is really prevalent, and we have to support our children.'...'When I was a kid—before cell phones— bullying ended when I left school for the day and I got a break. But bullying never ends now because it follows you home and follows you around on your devices, so there is never a break from that person,' said Dye... 

​'I worry about cyberbullying and I have to admit I’ve been oblivious to the fact that I’m going to have to deal with that, and so are they,' said Cardinal who took part in the virtual session with her kids watching too... 

Although, finding pathways to address bullying is not easy, to provide safe spaces and know what kids are going through—whether they are being bullied ...or are the bully — is important, said Dye.  'It’s a shameful thing for families, especially if your child is the bully, we might feel full of shame, we might feel defensive as well. There is a multitude of feelings that can arise. It’s a tough topic but a really important one.'

Regardless of the situation, she says the root of the problem is that children are hurting, and the community of support around them needs to work together." (Dalmar, 2022)

Read more here.​
What is Resiliency and How do We Cultivate it in Children?
Tammy Auten-Dye, 2020 | Institute of Child Psychology
"We all face challenges in life and when difficult situations, thoughts, emotions, or feelings pop up, we need to find resources to help us bounce back and overcome the obstacles in our way. Nurturing resilience in our children will help them be equipped to cope with, adapt to, and have the courage to persevere through tough times.

When difficult experiences pop up, our bodies' stress response becomes activated by the amygdala, which plays a key role in regulating emotions, like fear and anxiety. Stress can also temporarily shut down the prefrontal cortex which helps with our ability to make decisions and think logically. So, what is resiliency?" (Auten-Dye, 2020).

​Read more here.
What Does it Mean if Your Child is Considered 'Highly Sensitive'?
Kim Smith, 2019 | Global News
As many as 20 per cent of children are considered "highly sensitive." However, despite its prevalence, some parents say their kids are often misunderstood. 

“A lot of her anxiety comes off as disrespectful sometimes to people who don’t understand where she’s coming from, when that’s not what she’s intending to do,” Megan Finnamore said of her 10-year-old daughter, who is highly sensitive. 

​Highly sensitive children are described as more attuned to their environment than the people around them, according to registered psychologist Tammy Auten-Dye (Smith, 2019).

​Read more here.