My Journey to Therapy
I’m Sandra, a midlife counselling therapist dedicated to supporting adults navigating life transitions, trauma recovery, and personal growth. I understand the unique challenges that come with midlife shifts—grief, loss, identity changes, relationships, and rediscovering purpose. My journey has led me to deeply appreciate the importance of healing, self-awareness, and meaningful change.
My Journey
Born and raised in Alberta, I have lived and travelled abroad, gaining a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and personal transformation. My experiences have shaped my understanding of resilience, self-discovery, and the power of embracing change—essential themes for many in midlife.
Before becoming a counselling therapist, I pursued a career in publishing, founding a small lifestyle magazine called routes, which celebrated the beauty of the Alberta foothills and the journeys of those who lived there. Through this work, I connected with individuals experiencing midlife reinvention, personal growth, and healing from past wounds. It was during this time that I realized my natural empathy for those struggling with self-doubt, anxiety, and unresolved trauma, especially among women facing midlife challenges.
My Healing Path
I know what it means to struggle with painful memories and emotional wounds for decades. Like many women in midlife, I reached a point where I felt stuck—burdened by past experiences yet longing for change. With the support of a compassionate therapist, I embarked on a healing journey in my 50s, working through childhood trauma and embracing personal growth.
I often hear from clients: “Am I too late to change in midlife?” My answer is always no—midlife is a powerful time for self-reflection, healing, and new beginnings. It is often in this stage of life that we finally give ourselves permission to prioritize our well-being, explore our deeper needs, and step into a more fulfilling and authentic version of ourselves.
The Routes to Wellness
Healing looks different for everyone. The routes to wellness are varied and abundant. For me, I find deep connection and inner peace when I stand in a forest or place my bare feet in a cold mountain river. For you, it might be through counselling, self-reflection, mindfulness, or creating space for yourself in new ways. What brings you to a place of deep peace? I look forward to joining you as you seek to discover your true self.
Let’s Connect
If you’re suffering through midlife and seeking emotional healing, clarity, or a renewed sense of purpose, I invite you to connect. Counselling can help you navigate midlife transitions, process past experiences, and build a fulfilling future.
Book a free 15-minute call to explore how we can work together.
I am a private practice counsellor/therapist serving clients in person and virtually in Canadian Alberta, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan and Yukon.
As your therapist, it is my priority to create a therapeutic atmosphere that promotes growth and positive change, for you. I look forward to working with you to addresses your challenges and realize your goals. Therapy is a process that can move you toward being the healthiest version of yourself and living the life you desire.
My Treatment Approach
I use a variety of approaches to address my clients unique needs. Many successful treatment plans will utilize a foundation of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) then quickly move toward a tailored treatment plan and approach that includes tools to help sustain the growth experienced in regular therapy.
Additionally, there is a growing body of research that supports the practice of self-compassion and mindfulness in psychotherapy. Neuroscience research reveals individuals that practice these techniques are happier, more resilient, and better equipped to heal painful memories from the past. It is my honour and mission to help my clients move past what’s blocking them from reaching their full potential individually and in their relationships.
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
Education & Credentials:
- Canadian Certified Counsellor License # 11246741
- Licensing Province: Alberta
- Practising since: 2024
Education
- Master of Arts Counselling Psychology, Yorkville University, Fredericton, NB – 2024
- Bachelor of Applied Communications (Journalism), Mount Royal University, Calgary, AB – 2007
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) – 2025
- Certified Acceptance and Commitment Therapist (ACT) – 2025
- Flash Technique Advanced Training – 2024
- Moving through trauma and disturbing memories quickly and without distress: https://flashtechnique.com/wp/research/
- Solution Focus Brief Therapy, Level 1, SFU, 2023
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Training – 2023
- Mental Health and Nutrition, Vicki Steine, 2024
- Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional (CIMHP) Training Course
- Nutritional and Integrative Medicine for Mental Health Professionals, Leslie Korn, 2024