Postsecondary Students
Sara has worked with postsecondary students at the University of British Columbia's Psychological Services and Counselling Training Centre and Simon Fraser University's Health and Counselling Centre. Issues have included anxiety, depression, relationships, stress, career, identity, and transitions. As a student herself for many years, she can relate to postsecondary students' needs and stage of life. She strives to work with each unique student, identify their goals, strengths, and areas of development. Her work also includes working with mature students.
Therapists (Counselling & Music Therapy)
As both a registered clinical counsellor (RCC) and certified music therapist (MTA), Sara offers mentorship to students who are developing to become therapists themselves. Areas of work can include evolving professional identity, development in clinical work, career exploration, and personal growth. If interested, the use of expressive arts, such as music, drawing, and metaphor can be part of the work. Sara is also a music therapy supervisor.
Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)
Sara works with individuals who are highly sensitive individuals or who have sensitive qualities. Dr. Elaine Aron is a psychologist who has done extensive research on this trait. She describes highly sensitive individuals as "a person who has a sensitive nervous system, is aware of subtleties in their surroundings, and is more easily overwhelmed when in a highly stimulating environment." (Aron, 2023) People with this trait may have a rich and complex inner life, experience emotions deeply, and is moved by beauty and the arts.
Healthcare Workers
Sara can relate to the unique needs and circumstances of healthcare workers as she is a healthcare worker herself and she has family members who work in the healthcare field. Issues can include burnout, stress, balancing family life with the demands of work, boundaries, and implementing self-care. The work can include exploring personal strengths, values, meaning in caregiving work, finding resources, and creating time for oneself.
Caregivers
Caregiving for a loved one can be both rewarding and challenging. Sara works with caregivers who may need extra support, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic. Issues can include burnout, stress, fatigue, feelings of guilt/shame, boundaries, and self-care. Sara has worked with caregivers for seniors with dementia, parents and children with autism, and other caregivers.
Children & Teens with Autism & ADHD
Using music and the expressive arts can be an effective way in connecting with children and teens with autism and ADHD. The work can include emotional expression, communication, building relationships, identity, self-esteem, and building confidence. Ways of working can include learning communication skills, identifying emotions, and relating with the therapist. The use of expressive arts can include improvising, play, learning an instrument, drawing, and movement.
Seniors with Dementia & Alzheimer's Disease
Using a combination of music and verbal counselling can be an effective way of reaching a person with dementia or Alzheimer's. The work can include gathering the individual's and family's history, understanding the needs of the person, using familiar music, and creating art. Issues can include anxiety, depression, feeling lonely, identity loss, life transition, and finding meaning. Sara has worked with seniors with dementia & Alzheimer's as a music therapist in long-term care homes and hospitals.
People with Disabilities
Sara recognizes that people with disabilities may have specific needs when coming to therapy. Therefore, she aims to customize her approach to meet those needs. Sara has experience working with people with disabilities including visual impairment. Please contact Sara for an initial consult to customize care that is best suited for you.