After more than 25 years in the field of psychology, Dr. Cheryl Gilbert MacLeod has learned that great care is rarely delivered in isolation. As a registered psychologist and co-owner of The Family Psychology Place in Calgary, she has built her career around one guiding belief: people do their best work when they are supported, connected, and allowed to focus on what they do best.
Dr. MacLeod began her career in tertiary healthcare settings before moving into private practice. Over time, she became deeply aware of how lonely clinical work can feel when practitioners are working alone behind closed doors. That realization helped shape the culture of The Family Psychology Place, which has grown into one of Alberta’s larger multi-disciplinary clinics, serving children, adolescents, adults, and families across two locations.
Why Specialization Matters
One of the defining strengths of the clinic is its focus on specialization. Rather than expecting clinicians to be “good at everything,” the team is encouraged to develop deep expertise in specific areas. Dr. MacLeod herself specializes in working with children, adolescents, and young adults, particularly those with Tourette’s disorder, OCD, and anxiety.
This approach allows families to be matched with clinicians who truly understand their needs, while also creating opportunities for consultation and shared problem-solving among professionals. When questions arise, there is almost always someone nearby who can offer insight, support, or a fresh perspective.
Building a Culture of Mentorship
Mentorship and supervision are central to Dr. MacLeod’s leadership philosophy. She believes learning should never stop, no matter how long someone has been in practice. Senior clinicians benefit from the energy and new perspectives of younger professionals, while newer clinicians gain confidence through guidance, feedback, and shared experience.
This ongoing exchange of knowledge helps maintain high standards of care and fosters a workplace where people feel safe asking questions, sharing challenges, and celebrating wins—both professional and personal.
Lessons Beyond the Therapy Room
Dr. MacLeod is also candid about the challenges of running a business in a profession that rarely teaches business skills. She encourages early-career psychologists—and professionals in any field—to seek mentorship, learn the basics of business, and surround themselves with trusted advisors, from legal experts to financial planners.
That same forward-thinking mindset has led to exciting new projects, including the launch of Family Psychology Magazine, a publication focused on providing practical, accessible mental health information for families, workplaces, and schools.
Learn More
To learn more about Dr. Cheryl Gilbert MacLeod and the services offered at The Family Psychology Place, visit www.familypsychologyplace.com.
You can also listen to the full interview, “The Clinical Specialist Advantage with Dr. Cheryl Gilbert MacLeod,” on the True North Success Podcast on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-north-success-podcast/id1845286985
If you prefer video, watch the episode on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/HdDh9o41g3k
