A Day in the Life of a Psychologist: Insights from Airdrie Counselling Centre

Psychologist meeting with a couple for therapy.

Psychology is a fascinating and diverse field, and over the years, I’ve had many people—students, aspiring psychologists, clients, friends, family members, and even other professionals—ask me about my experience as a psychologist. What does a typical day look like? How do therapy sessions work? What does it take to succeed in this field?

While I’m always happy to share what the work is like, it’s important to note that my responses are general in nature. That’s because the work I do is also highly confidential, and I take great care to protect the privacy and trust of the people I work with.

In this post, I'll take you behind the scenes of my work as a psychologist—from therapy sessions to the responsibilities of running a practice. I’ll also share insights for those considering a career in psychology.

What Inspired Me to Become a Psychologist

My path to becoming a psychologist was shaped by a deep desire to help people. From early on, I found myself in roles where I supported others—through volunteering, church work, and jobs where people opened up to me about their struggles. I often recognized that someone was hurting or in need, but I didn't yet have the training to know how to help with their mental health concerns. That awareness planted a seed that would grow over time.

Before becoming a psychologist—and even throughout my undergraduate and graduate training—I worked in a variety of roles that deepened my interest in helping others. I worked casually in corrections and had considered policing as a potential path. I also spent several years working as an electrician. During that time, I served as a volunteer and paid on-call firefighter, as well as an emergency medical responder (EMR). These frontline roles gave me the opportunity to support people in urgent, high-stress situations—experiences that were both humbling and formative.

Even in my work as an electrician, people would often strike up meaningful conversations when they found out I was studying psychology. They asked thoughtful questions about human behaviour—things I wasn't yet equipped to answer—but those conversations revealed just how much people long to be heard and understood.

Whether through church work, emergency services, the trades, or community service, I saw firsthand how people often carry invisible burdens, and I wanted to be someone who could meet them with compassion and the tools to genuinely help.

Psychology offers a unique way to combine purpose with meaningful, lasting impact. It allowed me to explore how people think, feel, and change, and to support them through that process. Over time, I saw psychology as the perfect fit. In this profession, I could be both a scientist and a practitioner—using evidence-based knowledge to make a real difference in people's lives.

What Does a Typical Therapy Session Look Like

Therapy sessions can vary depending on whether they are an initial session, ongoing treatment, or a final session. However, there are common elements across all sessions.

First sessions focus on building rapport, discussing confidentiality and consent, and exploring what brought the client to therapy. We gather background information, identify goals, and begin developing a treatment plan.
Ongoing sessions involve reviewing progress, discussing any changes in symptoms or challenges, and working through thoughts, behaviours, or patterns that may be affecting the client. Some sessions are more process-focused, while others use structured therapeutic techniques.
Final sessions are about reviewing progress, consolidating learning, and preparing clients to move forward with the tools they’ve developed in therapy.

A therapy session is ultimately collaborative, shaped by the client's goals, needs/issues, and readiness for change. I work to meet clients where they're at, whether that involves problem-solving, self-reflection, or skill-building.

How I Tailor My Approach for Each Client

My approach to therapy depends on several factors, including the client's goals, preferences, and presenting concerns. Some clients come in specifically looking for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or Solution-Focused Therapy, while others are unsure of what they need.

For individuals, I primarily draw from CBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, strength-based, and person-centered approaches, adapting based on what best supports the client. I also use Socratic questioning, help clients explore their thoughts and behaviours, or follow their narrative to guide our work, depending on what they need in the moment. In addition to these core methods, I integrate a range of other evidence-based approaches as appropriate, tailoring the process to fit each client’s unique situation and goals.

For couples, I frequently use The Gottman Method, integrating other evidence-based approaches where appropriate. Each session balances structure and flexibility to ensure therapy remains effective and responsive to the client’s needs.

Beyond Therapy: Running a Practice and Business Responsibilities

Many people don't realize that being a psychologist—especially in private practice—involves much more than just therapy. As one of the clinic owners, my responsibilities extend far beyond client sessions.

Some of the key tasks I manage include:

Supervising and supporting associates
Overseeing administrative staff and answering operational questions
Policy and practice development for the clinic
Marketing and advertising efforts to ensure our services reach those who need them
Managing clinic finances and accounting tasks
Reviewing and updating clinical forms to align with regulations
Consulting with lawyers, accountants, and other professionals to keep the business running smoothly

I'm also actively involved in hiring and onboarding new team members, ensuring they're well-supported as they transition into their roles. I often lead or collaborate on decisions around clinic systems and secure communication tools, helping to maintain smooth operations and quality care.

From time to time, I explore grant opportunities or other funding avenues that support the growth of our services—whether that’s expanding into new treatment areas or enhancing our digital infrastructure. I’ve also been directly involved in developing new programs or service lines, such as working towards assessment offerings and exploring innovative approaches to therapy delivery.

In addition to those internal responsibilities, I prioritize community outreach—a vital part of keeping mental health services visible and accessible. This can include:

Offering workshops on topics like burnout, stress, or relationships
Speaking at local schools about psychology careers
Collaborating with other clinics to support a strong local mental health network
Engaging with the Airdrie Regional Chamber of Commerce and the City of Airdrie on initiatives that raise awareness around mental health and wellness

There's always something to do beyond clinical work—and it’s this mix of responsibilities that keeps the role dynamic, challenging, and rewarding.

How I Prevent Burnout and Take Care of Myself

Therapy is emotionally demanding, and self-care is essential to sustaining this work. Fortunately, continuing education, peer connection, and strong boundaries help maintain balance.

Continuing education is not just a requirement—it's something I genuinely enjoy. I'm naturally curious, and I prioritise staying up to date with current research and treatment models.
Peer consultation is invaluable. We hold monthly case consults at our clinic, and because I work in a group practice, I can often consult informally with colleagues throughout the week.
Scheduling and boundaries are crucial. I do my best to maintain a manageable caseload and ensure space in my life for rest and reflection.
Physical and mental well-being are non-negotiables. I stay active through martial arts, spend time with my family, enjoy nature, participate in faith and community activities, and make time for hobbies and learning.

Practicing what I encourage my clients to do—prioritizing wellness and staying connected—is key to thriving as a psychologist.

Advice for Aspiring Psychologists

If you're thinking about becoming a psychologist, here's what I'd recommend:

Explore the different branches of psychology. I work in counselling psychology, but the field is broad—health psychology, neuropsychology, industrial-organizational psychology, and others may also resonate with your interests.
Do your research and talk to people in the field. Try connecting with professionals in different specialties to get a sense of what each role is like.
Understand the registration requirements. That means getting familiar with the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) and what's required to register in Alberta.
Develop your communication and empathy skills. Especially in clinical work, being present, listening well, and showing care is foundational.
Be open to self-reflection. Psychology training will challenge you to explore your values, biases, and beliefs. That's part of the growth.
Stay curious. A love of learning will take you far in this field. Connecting with organizations like the Psychologists' Association of Alberta (PAA) can also be a great step.

Most importantly, remember this: if you feel drawn to this field, you likely have something unique to offer. Whether it's your life experience, perspective, or personal strengths, there's a place for you in psychology if you're committed to doing the work.

Final Thoughts

Being a psychologist is a rewarding, complex, and dynamic career. It involves more than just therapy—it’s about growth, learning, and being part of people's journeys toward change.

If you're considering a career in psychology, take the time to explore the field and connect with psychologist near you. And if you're someone seeking therapy, I hope this post gives you insight into how psychologists work and what you can expect.

Psychology is all about understanding human behaviour, emotions, and change. That's what makes it such a meaningful profession.

Would You Like to Learn More?

If you have questions about psychology, therapy, or mental health, feel free to reach out. I'd love to help.

Regards,

Clayton Falk M.A.,

Registered Psychologist &

Canadian Certified Counsellor

About the author of the article:

Clayton Falk, MA, Registered Psychologist & Canadian Certified Counsellor

Clayton is a Registered Psychologist in Alberta who one of the founders and co-owners of the Airdrie Counselling Centre. If you would like to see Clayton’s profile or book an appointment with him, please click on the link below.

A Day in the Life of a Psychologist: What It’s Like