Sarah Smith (She/Her)
POSTGRADUATE FELLOW
MCP, RCC – Registered clinical counsellor
Clinical Supervisor: Diana Sadat, RCC, CST
Location: Vancouver, BC & Online
Availability: Tues, Thurs, Fridays
Session type: In-person & virtual
Current availability for bookingAccepting clients for weekday daytime & evening
Areas of Support:
Sexual Confidence
Low Desire & Desire Discrepancy
Embracing Sexual Identity
Anxiety
Sexual Trauma
Approaches in Therapy
Emotion-Focused Therapy
Somatic Approaches
Trauma-Informed Practice
Session Fees
All fees exclusive of GST
Individual
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Individual
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Initial Couples
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Couples
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Session fees may be paid by Credit Card, E-transfer, Cash (exact change only), or Cheque (Cash & Cheque available for in-person sessions only).
Click here to see information on cancellation policies, insurance coverage and more
Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here.
Beginning therapy can be a daunting step, and you may feel fear, anxiety, and some avoidance of the issues you want to tackle. As someone who has experienced all of this myself, my aim is to make the transition into working together as smooth as possible, and to remain steadily alongside you as we pave a path towards your goals.
The relationship that we build will form the foundation of the work we do together, and will allow us to sit with the parts of your experience that can feel the hardest to carry on your shoulders alone. As we navigate the painful parts of life, I will follow the course you set out for us, while supporting you and guiding the steps we take to get there. While this may sound simple, the path to achieving your goals won’t always be linear, so I aim to hold a balance of space where we can work through the hard moments, and also celebrate your wins together. My approach to our relationship will always be non-judgemental, authentic, and respectful.
Sex and sexuality can be activating and uncomfortable to talk about, as our society tells us often that we shouldn’t. I aim to break this pattern and create a space that feels open and accepting of any issue you bring. Your sexuality is your own, and talking about sex and sexuality in a healthy way can rebuild confidence and empower you to embrace the parts of yourself that you may have set aside, or about which you feel embarrassed, ashamed, or abnormal. I believe that sexuality plays a significant role in our identity, and challenges related to our sexuality can interfere in our relationships with others, and with ourselves.
I practice primarily from an Emotion-Focused approach, through a trauma-informed and sex-positive lens. This means that I focus on how we experience our emotions, how we make sense of them, and when they might inform us that we need to take action and make a change. All of this is done through a fundamental respect for all aspects of your sexuality, and with intentional awareness to ensure your personal agency throughout the process.
Outside of therapy I am a partner, sister, and friend, who seeks out the little moments of joy and connection in the day-to-day of life. I am a white, cisgender woman who continues to learn about how my identities inform my experience of the world.
Professional Licensure & Degrees
- Registered Clinical Counsellor, BC Association of Clinical Counsellors
- Master of Counselling Psychology, Adler University
- Bachelor of Arts, Simon Fraser University
Professional Trainings & Experience
- Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy Externship, International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy
- Developmental Model for Couples Therapy, Sue Diamond
- Gottman Couples Therapy Level 1: Bridging the Couples Chasm, The Gottman Institute
- 8-Month Intern Counselling & Sex Therapy Training Program, Allura Sex Therapy Centre
- The Sexually Competent Therapist [Foundations]: Integrating Sex Therapy Into Your Practice, Diana Sadat via Allura Sex Therapy Centre
- safeTALK: Suicide Alertness for Everyone, Crisis Centre
- Using Yoga In Your Work, Yoga Outreach