Andrea Thrift, MSW, RSW

Therapist for Children, Teens & Families​


About Andrea

I am passionate about working with children age 6+ and families. I believe that engaging in a collaborative therapeutic process helps individuals live happier, healthier, and more rewarding lives.

In my work with individuals, families, and schools, I apply a collaborative, trauma-informed, solution-focused, and strength-based perspective that informs my approach.

I help children with a variety of needs to better comprehend and deal with oppositional behaviour, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, school avoidance, and problems with challenging situations. I also work with neurodivergent children, youths and their families. I offer young people with a supportive space to explore their strengths and challenges. I also provide a warm, safe, accepting and free-of-judgement setting. 

 I look forward to connecting with you and your children. 

My Professional Experience

I have had the honour of spending more than 15 years working with families and young people. During this time, I have helped these young people’s meet their behavioural, social-emotional, and academic goals in school.

I worked in partnership, with families, guardians, outside organizations, and school staff, providing social-emotional support and instruction. Along with assistance in locating and utilizing local agencies and resources, I also provided advocacy and one-on-one counselling.

I put a lot of value in collaborating with a diverse range of experts including; social workers, psychologists, nurses, occupational therapists, job coaches, and physicians. I have experience working with the community of non-profits, schools, and rural communities.
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Education and Training

I graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Community Rehabilitation (BCR) Degree
and I have a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work with a clinical specialization in Community-informed practice for health & well-being from the University of Calgary.  I continue to seek ongoing professional development and have completed or am currently enrolled in the following trainings:
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  • Emotionally Focused Family Therapy  Level 1 and Level 2
  • Unified Protocol: A Transdiagnostic CBT Treatment 
  • Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics- Calgary, Alberta
  • Brain Story Certification- Calgary, Alberta
  • Triple-P Parenting Program Practitioner - Standard and Enhanced – Calgary, Alberta
  • Collaborative Problem-Solving Tier 1  - Calgary, Alberta
  • Response Based Therapy Training  - Calgary, Alberta
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Training – Calgary, Alberta
  • Ethics Training  - Calgary, Alberta
  • Green Stream Certificate (Therapeutic Play Accreditation) – Calgary, Alberta
  • Solution Focused Therapy – Calgary, Alberta
  • The Unified Protocol (Ongoing) – Online
  • As a social worker, I am registered with the Alberta College of Social Workers under RSW # 18041

Location for Services

  • In Person: Okotoks, AB.
  • Virtual (Video & Phone): Alberta, Nunavut, Yukon
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Fun Facts

I am a wife and mom to two amazing children. I enjoy running, camping and spending time at a lake with my family. In my free time, my husband and I like going to our kids' sporting activities to support our favourite athletes. Over the years, I have learned how important it is to spend time with loved ones.
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