B.A. (Psychology), LL.B., Masters of Psychotherapy & Spirituality (Art Therapy Specialization), Grief Support Certification
Sandra is a registered clinical counsellor who works with adults dealing with a variety of concerns. Depending upon the needs and desires of her clients, Sandra offers both traditional “talk” therapy, as well as art therapy. Sandra brings her unique blend of qualifications to her clients which includes her early career as a family law lawyer and mediator, in which she assisted clients in working through complex legal issues during a particularly stressful time in their lives. Sandra’s experience in this area provides her with a strong foundation for assisting clients in managing their stress and strong emotions that often arise due to the uncertainty experienced in dealing with significant life events.
Having experienced a significant health issue herself, Sandra stepped away from the practice of law to focus on regaining her health. During this time, she began painting, without an appreciation of the important role creativity can play in one’s well-being. After regaining her health and making a permanent career change to become a commercial artist, Sandra was eager to gain a deeper understanding about the role of creativity in contributing to physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. To this end, she attained her Master’s Degree in Psychotherapy & Spirituality with a specialization in Art Therapy.
As a result of the significant transitions Sandra has navigated, she has a profound appreciation for the immense challenges people face in dealing with change and loss, but also recognizes the rewards that can be found in listening deeply to one’s inner voice and creating a life uniquely suited to one’s particular beliefs and values.
In both her traditional talk therapy and art therapy practices, Sandra draws from the following theoretical leanings: person-centered and existential therapy; acceptance and commitment therapy; internal family systems therapy; and, narrative therapy. At the core of her beliefs, is her view that all human beings have the capacity to lead deeper and more fulfilling lives through greater self-acceptance, self-knowledge, and by developing a framework for addressing their concerns by leaning into their strengths. With deep compassion and respect, Sandra assists her clients to find their unique pathway to address their concerns and to create a life of their own design.
Core Areas & Specialties (Adults)
- Life transitions:
- Health challenges
- Career change
- Retirement
- Aging
- Children leaving the home
- Separation and divorce
- Relocation
- Grief due to loss of a loved one
- Grief due to loss of a pet
- Grief due to loss of a friendship or important relationship
- Gaining self-knowledge and hearing one’s inner voice
- Depression and anxiety
- Burn out and fatigue
- Addressing core feelings of unworthiness, not being enough, feeling invisible, and similar feelings that somehow something is lacking in the individual
- Communication skills
- Dealing with conflict
- Setting healthy boundaries
- Aligning beliefs and values with behaviours and actions
Education / Certifications / Training
- Masters of Psychotherapy & Spirituality (Art Therapy Specialization), St. Stephen’s College, Edmonton, Alberta
- Bachelor of Laws, Osgoode Hall Law School, North York, Ontario
- Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Registered Clinical Counsellor with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors
- Grief Support Certification with Taking Flight International, Edmonton, Alberta
- Narrative Therapy Foundations of Theory and Practice with the Vancouver School for Narrative Therapy
Art Therapy
In art therapy, the therapist assists the client to engage in a range of creative practices and psychotherapy to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and approaches for addressing their problems. It is not necessary to have any art skills or knowledge about art making as Sandra will introduce you to the process and the materials and work along-side of you every step of the way. Before beginning any work with art materials, Sandra will begin the therapy process by getting to know you and gaining an understanding of your situation, and then discussing options for moving forward with either talk therapy, art therapy, or a combination of these approaches.
Life Transitions
For individuals experiencing a significant life transition including, but not limited to the following:
- Health challenges
- Career change
- Retirement
- Aging
- Children leaving the home
- Separation and divorce
- Relocation
- Grief due to death of a loved one
- Grief due to death of a pet
- Grief due to loss of a friendship or important relationship
With deep compassion and respect, Sandra will assist you to navigate the challenging transitions that you are experiencing. Both talk therapy and art therapy provide a wide range of possibilities for dealing with the uncertainty and wide range of emotions that can surface during significant transitions. Sandra will begin the therapy process by getting to know you and gaining an understanding of your situation, and then discussing options for moving forward with either talk therapy, art therapy, or a combination of these approaches.
