Hello! I'm Sarah
About Me
For more than twenty years, I have had the privilege of walking alongside children, youth, and families across community mental health, crisis response, and school-based settings. Throughout time, I have been continually moved by the healing that can emerge through authentic connection, play, creativity, and compassionate presence. Across my experiences, I have witnessed the innate wisdom and resilience within each person, and I believe that when people are met with safety, acceptance, and curiosity, growth and healing can unfold in their own meaningful way.
Today, I am grateful to serve as a school counsellor with the W̱SÁNEĆ School Board, supporting children from pre-kindergarten through Grade 7 at ȽÁU, WELṈEW̱ Tribal School. I provide individual counselling, facilitate therapeutic groups, and partner closely with caregivers and school teams to create environments where children feel emotionally safe, connected, and empowered to explore, express, and discover who they are. I am especially passionate about helping adults better understand children’s behaviour through a developmental, neuroaffirming, and trauma-informed lens, and developing and advocating for the supports children need to flourish both at school and home.
Before joining the W̱SÁNEĆ School Board, I spent many years working in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside supporting individuals navigating the impacts of trauma, substance use, and systemic inequities. This work deepened my respect for the innate capacity for healing and growth that people draw upon in the face of adversity and reinforced my belief that healing is fostered through relationships grounded in safety, dignity, and connection.
Alongside my clinical work, I supervise child and youth care practicum students from the University of Victoria, supporting future helping professionals as they develop thoughtful, anti-oppressive, and relationship-centred approaches to working with children and families.
I am currently completing a Master of Counselling and hold a Bachelor of Child and Youth Care from the University of Victoria, where I graduated with distinction. My areas of interest include supporting children with experiences of trauma through integrative Expressive Play Therapy approaches, creating trauma-informed and resilience-focused school communities, and therapeutic early years programming.
Outside of my work, I am most grateful to be a mom to two wonderful children, ages 9 and 14, one of whom is neurodivergent. Outside of work and school, I can be found adventuring around with family and friends.
It is a privilege to walk alongside children and youth as they discover their inner resources and to support the caregivers who love them in nurturing those qualities beyond the therapy room. I look forward to meeting you and answering any questions you may have.
My Philosophy
My counselling practice is rooted in Child-Centred, Expressive Play Therapy and informed by Synergetic Play Therapy and Narrative Therapy. I trust in children and youths’ innate wisdom and capacity for growth when they are met within a safe, attuned, and accepting therapeutic relationship. Through play, sandtray, storytelling, art, movement, and imagination, children and youth are given a language for experiences that may be too big, confusing, or painful to express with words alone. Through these expressive processes, they can begin to make sense of their experiences and reconnect with themselves.
My approach is relational, warm, and client-centred. I believe that meaningful change can be further nurtured when children are supported by the important adults in their lives. I enjoy collaborating with parents, caregivers, and educators, recognizing that each child exists within a larger story. I strive to create a space where children, youth and families can explore freely, discover their own inner resources and develop a deeper sense of resilience and connection.
I integrate Narrative Therapy and expressive arts approaches when they resonate with the child, youth, or family. Through storytelling, re-authoring conversations, and creative expression, I invite children and families to explore their experiences with curiosity, recognize their strengths, and develop richer, more hopeful stories that reflect who they are and who they are becoming. My hope is that every child and family leave therapy feeling more connected—to themselves, to one another, and to their own capacity for healing.
My practice is supported by more than 200 hours of specialized play therapy training, with a focus on Expressive Play Therapy, attachment, neurodevelopment, and trauma-informed practice. I am grateful to continue deepening my learning through ongoing clinical mentorship and supervision with Charlotte King-Harris, allowing me to remain grounded in curiosity, reflection, and growth.
Professional Affiliations
- B.C. Association of Clinical Counsellors: Student Member in Good Standing
- B.C. School Counsellors Association: Member in Good Standing
- Canadian Association for Play Therapy: Student Member in Good Standing
Trainings
Synergetic Play Therapy – Level I
Narrative Therapy Foundations – Levels I & II
Sand Play Therapy – Levels I & II, and special populations
Expressive Play Therapy for the Grieving Child
Expressive Play Therapy for Healing Complex Trauma
Theraplay & Marschak Interaction Method – Level I
Expressive Arts for Trauma-Informed Practice