Meet Sarah
I am a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists in Ontario (CRPO) - License # 13211.
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I am passionate about psychotherapy because I know what it feels like to be the client. I know how it feels when you are told to do more yoga, go for walks, take bubble baths and sip herbal tea for self-care- as if that will cure your sadness and overwhelm. But that is not self care. Instead I want to help people become more grounded, feel less alone and reduce the negative symptoms and emotions associated with depression, anxiety and grief. I love helping people process negative emotions or memories, while helping them reduce the negative side effects of what it's like being a human in these hard and uncertain times.
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My experience includes front-line mental health counselling for community agencies. I know that every client comes with a unique story and experiences that shape who they are today. This includes recognition of the social determinants of health and cultural competency which influence a person's sense of self. I see each client through a holistic lens to understand them fully and offer empathic reflections and unconditional positive support.
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In my spare time, you can find me hiking with my rescue pup Kacey, going for coffee with friends or bingewatching my favourite mindless television series.
My Approach
My goal is to make therapy a down-to-earth environment to explore feelings and experiences. Past and current experiences can impact a person's sense of self, relationships, wellbeing and mental health. In working with me, I will support you by creating a safe space to share, explore, validate, grow and learn. I want you to feel seen and heard, that's why my therapeutic space offers nonjudgmental, empathic support for all human experiences.
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My specialities include working with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, and trauma from childhood experiences. I have a passion for working alongside clients who are experiencing grief. Grief can occur for a variety of reasons - death of a loved one, loss of a friend (human or furry), end of romantic relationships or friendships, unmet expectations, miscarriage, infertility or diagnosis of illness. I believe grief can also result from disappointment or feeling held back by past experiences. I work collaboratively to understand the client's unique experiences and help them navigate new beginnings and move towards healing.
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My approach is tailored to each client's unique needs and goals. I work with most concerns that create unease, with specialized training in trauma, grief and various experiences of loss. I work collaboratively with my clients mainly through a trauma-informed approach using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, EMDR, and trauma processing. This means we focus on thoughts, emotions and actions, while building resilience against external factors creating distress. I may also pull from other therapy types as necessary including Behavioural and Psychodynamic approaches to reflect on the impact of past experiences.
Areas of Practice
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Depression
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Anxiety
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Grief and loss
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Life transitions
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Trauma
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Burnout
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Stress management
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Chronic illness
Education and Training
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Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology - Yorkville University.
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Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology - Western University.
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Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Women's Studies - Western University
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Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist (Individual) - Arizona Trauma Institute.
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EMDR Basic Training: EMDRIA Approved
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Advanced Grief Counselling Specialist Certification - in progress.
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Megan Devine's Grief Care Professional Certificate Program - in progress.
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Living Works Suicide identification and prevention training.
Professional Memberships
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College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) - Qualifying member in good standing.
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Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) - member in good standing.
Contact
Please contact me with any questions you may have or to book a free 30 minute appointment.