Welcome! My name is Sara and I provide online counselling at Seahorse. I have Master’s in Counselling and Psychology and am a Certified Canadian Counsellor. My background as an experienced educator, and my daily interactions with students as a teacher, have given me a deep and rich experiences. I always wanted my students to be the best they can be, and I understand their goals of self-improvement. As a professional counsellor, my hope is to recognize and cultivate potential in others. I believe that all people aspire to be the best person they can be, and it is experiencing obstacles in life that help us learn and develop into our fullest selves. My life experiences in growing up the oldest child, to a sister with physical limitations, have led me to a place where I never judge and only try to understand. It also has led me to receive my certificate in Inclusive Education, and love and value for human uniqueness and individuality. I approach counselling with an open mind, intense value for all human life and a desire to live in the moment.

I also have a special education certificate and have taught as a learning resource teacher and an English and Psychology teacher over the last fifteen years.

My therapy philosophy is client-centred in which you create goals, determine the direction we take, and set the pace. This is your journey!

You can find my schedule online through Jane.

I work with -Teenagers -Families -Individuals -Gender Diverse populations -Students -Marginalized populations

Areas/Issues • Those affected by eating disorders, anxiety, depression, non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), PTSD, Substance Use • Those wanting clarity with their career paths, or working through life transitions (careers, marriages, births, empty nest, illness/injury, death)

Therapeutic Approaches: -Internal Family Systems Therapy -Solution-Focused Brief Therapy - Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - Person-Centred Therapy - Narrative Therapy

Certification/Training: -Master’s in Counselling and Psychology -Bachelor of Education - Certification in Special Education - Licensed with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association –BC Association of Clinical Counsellors

Welcome! My name is Sara and I provide online counselling at Seahorse. I have Master’s in Counse... Read More

If you are struggling and life feels difficult, you are not alone. Many of us suffer for years from challenges with our thoughts, feelings, behaviours, health, work, or relationships. We might even begin to believe that something is wrong with us, that we don’t belong, or that things will never get better.

I believe that regardless of what we have been through or how long we have struggled, we can connect with our innate capacity to heal and overcome adversity. This belief stems from my personal journey to resolve mental health challenges and almost two decades of professional experience researching and teaching in the field of psychology.

The key for me was finding someone I felt safe to talk to, who could help me connect with my inner strengths and resources. I’ve learned that holistic therapy modalities that help us reconnect with the wisdom of our bodies and our authentic selves are what lead to deep and lasting change. My goal is not just to help you cope with symptoms so you can survive, but to heal the root cause so you can thrive.

My clients describe me as warm, compassionate, and non-judgmental. I aim to create a safe space for you to feel seen, heard, and respected. We’ll work together to help you heal old wounds, resolve present challenges, and live a more harmonious, connected, and fulfilling life. You can book a free consultation with me to explore if we’re a good fit.

Credentials

Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP)

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)

Certified Dynamic Attachment Repatterning Experience (DARe) Therapist

Internal Family Systems - Level 1

Certificate in Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration

Certificate in Psychedelic Integration Therapy

Professional Associations

BCACC Registered Clinical Counsellor (#21106)

CCPA Professional Member (#11247369)

If you are struggling and life feels difficult, you are not alone. Many of us suffer for years fr... Read More

I work with individual adults experiencing a wide range of problems such as stress, anxiety, phobias, depression, anger, motor vehicle accidents, trauma, complex trauma, childhood developmental trauma (including sexual harm), chronic pain, relationship difficulties, self-confidence, self-criticism, indecision, personal growth, etc.

My goal is to help you explore and progressively release the constraints that limit your natural capacity for greater inner balance - allowing you to become less reactive and more resilient to the inevitable stresses of life.

I often use the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model. I have completed the level 3 training and understand the profound benefits of this non-pathologizing form of therapy. From an IFS perspective, all our difficulties are there for a good reason, even when that seems highly unlikely! I also use mindfulness techniques, which can be a great first step towards healing and are very compatible with IFS.

I am also informed by a number of other evidence-based psychological theories and models such as attachment theory and humanistic counselling. I completed EMDR training and am a member of the EMDR Association of Hong Kong.

I am available exclusively through video or phone calls for afternoon and evening sessions only as I live in New Zealand, which has quite a big time difference from BC (online booking times are all local BC time).

I work with individual adults experiencing a wide range of problems such as stress, anxiety, phob... Read More