Penelope (Penny) Yen
Registered Provisional Psychologist
Registered Provisional Psychologist
Thank you for considering me in your mental health journey! I’m a Chinese South African Canadian who has been around several blocks so to speak when it comes to life, mostly during my time growing up in South Africa. These days, I’m grateful to be not only alive but thriving with my husband, two dogs, and African Grey parrot. Scroll down for a quick rundown.
Timeline
2006
Bachelor of Arts
I obtained my Bachelor of Arts majoring in Psychology and Law from the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa.
2007
Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
I obtained my BA (Hons) in Psychology from the University of the Witwatersrand, where I conducted research on the correlation between working memory and spelling ability. I also focused on personality disorders and other psychopathology.
2007-2011
Piano Teacher, Copywriter, Recruitment & Optimisation Specialist
I did the corporate grind for a while, during which I developed my skills in career counselling and process improvement.
2012-2020
Canadian Permanent Residence to Citizenship
I immigrated to Winnipeg, Manitoba from South Africa in 2012 and volunteered extensively in online community support for various groups. I obtained Canadian citizenship in 2020.
2021-2022
Move to Alberta
I moved to Calgary, Alberta in 2021, where I volunteered at the Distress Centre and worked towards my master’s degree. I completed additional training in Motivational Interviewing and founded Mindweaver Therapy in 2022.
2023
Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology
I obtained my MACP with distinction from Yorkville University, Canada.
2024
Registered Provisional Psychologist
I obtained my licence as a Registered Provisional Psychologist and completed additional trainings in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy.