"Some people feel the rain...
others just get wet."
ROGER MILLER
SERVICES
My clinical and research work over the past 16 years has focused on serving individuals living with chronic illness and/or going through life transitions. This makes me particularly well suited to address issues that arise with medical conditions and overlapping mental health concerns and/or mental illness. I am also a good fit to help support individuals navigate life in general or identify unhelpful habits and patterns in everyday life. My therapeutic approach prioritizes what is most meaningful and important to each individual and identifies workable methods to achieve those personalized goals.
Often the answers' to life's questions are 'it depends', it can be helpful to identify how you want to show up in life to help decision making feel more clear and meaningful. I aim to offer a safe and welcoming therapeutic environment for people so that we can explore what would be most helpful in working with life's challenges and savouring life's joys. Our initial appointment involves coming up with a plan, together, that makes the most sense for each individual's unique circumstances and encourages meaningful change.
I have training in various evidence based therapeutic approaches and work primarily in third wave cognitive behavioural therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP), Applied Mindfulness, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and Cognitive Processing Therapy.
GASTROPSYCH
I have developed expertise in working with people who have gastrointestinal conditions (e.g., Inflammatory Bowel Diseases [Crohn's Disease, ulcerative colitis], Celiac Disease, and Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction [irritable bowel disorder, cyclical vomiting syndrome, functional dyspepsia]). I also have specialized training in offering CBT-GI as well as gut directed hypnotherapy when indicated. When using gut directed hypnotherapy, I use the same protocols as those in the research studies and adapt if needed to personalize treatment. For more information, you can watch this video by Dr Sarah Kinsinger, PhD ABPP a psychologist at Loyola Medicine.
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AREAS OF FOCUS
Although I am trained and have experience working with individuals with a variety of concerns, my expertise in both clinical and health psychology make me particularly well suited to address issues of living with chronic illness, grief, or life transitions. I am a good fit for individuals struggling with:
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adapting and coping with a new diagnosis
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navigating life with illness (self or child)
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chronic illness management & burnout
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pediatric to adult healthcare transitions
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life stages and transitions (e.g., school, work, relationships, empty nesting)
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stress and perfectionism
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anxiety
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medical trauma
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grief and loss
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working in healthcare settings
INDIVIDUAL THERAPY
ADOLESCENTS & ADULTS
The majority of my career has been spent working with people navigating life with chronic illness. Depending on the age of the person and their specific context, families may be involved in their appointments. This includes supporting siblings. I strive to support people having a voice, young or old, in order to help them determine what is most important to them. By helping identify what truly matters I can support people in living life in line with their values.
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CAREGIVER COACHING AND SUPPORT
I am happy to offer parenting support to caregivers of children who may not be ready, interested in, or need therapy. I can also help support parents caring for a child with chronic illness. This may include emotional coaching for themselves or their children or support in managing their own emotions in the face of challenging caregiver contexts.
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Currently daytime weekday availability only
FEES
Psychological services are not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), however most extended health plans cover all or some of the cost of services provided by licensed psychologists. Any portion of the fee not reimbursed by your insurance provider can be claimed as a medical health expense on your income tax return.
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You will be provided with a receipt for each session that can be submitted to your insurer for reimbursement. It is recommended that you contact your insurer in advance to determine the amount covered and any requirements for reimbursement (e.g., some insurers require a physician’s referral for psychological services).
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My fees are based on the recommended guidelines of the Ontario Psychological Association (OPA) and vary depending on the type of service requested. Please contact me to discuss current rates. Payment is due at each session. As current sessions are provided virtually, payment is most easily submitted via email transfer. Contact Dr. Sara for information on setting up a brief 20 mins consultation to help determine fit - click here!