The Work of Therapy

re-connects us to our sense of self

Liz Massiah Edmonton PsychologistLiz Massiah

A registered psychologist in Edmonton, who began her career as a clinical social worker. Liz Massiah considers the impact with social, cultural, familial economic, educational, and other influences. As well as the more individually focused work of psychology to her therapy practice.

Liz has practiced since 1983 here in Alberta. She worked in child welfare, family violence, and home care before joining a half-time position at the Operational Trauma and Stress Support Clinic at Edmonton Garrison. While Liz was there, she dealt mostly with serving military members with trauma-related concerns. Liz has now retired from the Garrison as of December 2018.

In her private practice, she continues to work extensively with trauma-related issues with veterans. One client said, “You’re a quiet lady but you pack a big punch”. She works with both male and female survivors of sexual abuse and assault. She has run groups for both men and women who have been sexually assaulted as children.  She deals often with people diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, as well as complex PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

Support Group for Veterans

She founded Old Boots Veterans Association, a support group for Veterans with trauma-related issues. She donates her time and expertise, along with board members, to recognize the sacred trust we have with our military members. Members call her an ‘honorary veteran’ as she understands more about their issues than many ‘civvies’.

Civil Rights Activist

Liz has a long history as a civil rights activist in the lesbian and gay community or the ‘queer’ community as it is now known. She stands against oppression in its many forms.

Liz believes that each of us knows what we need, but life events disconnect us from that knowledge. The work of therapy is to re-connect us with our sense of self so that we can be as content and healthy as feasible.


Liz Massiah, R. Psychologist

MSW, RSW