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Sabrina Roach

Registered Provisional Psychologist

Life is about finding the perfect balance. It is about reflecting on your successes and faults in a way that adds perspective and enhances your experiences. It takes courage to seek professional help, and I applaud you for making it this far. 

Counselling can help you navigate this transitional period in your life. We arrive at points when we feel slightly stuck or completely lost. Talking with someone about these experiences can help foster a greater understanding of ourselves and our relationships. I believe that we all long for a secure base from which to explore life’s challenges, and by finding someone who offers reassurance and validation can promote a sense of security, confidence, and resilience. 

My approach

I work collaboratively with my clients toward healing and enhanced self-worth by facilitating an affirming and supportive dialogue. My approach is sex-positive and inclusive of all sexual and gender minorities and other marginalized groups and communities. I relate to individuals and couples through an attachment-focused lens creating an avenue for connection and relational recovery. I also use aspects of cognitive behavioural, dialectical behavioural, emotion-focused, solution-focused, and mindfulness-based approaches to identify the appropriate therapeutic milieu for my clients. 

My experience

I began my human services career as a care worker at a women’s shelter while studying psychology at the University of Alberta. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science, I helped support children and youth in various group homes around Edmonton. For the past 12 years, I was employed as an Advanced Care Paramedic and delivered emergency medical care to individuals and families in crisis. Finally, over the past year, I offered counselling services to youth, adults, and families here at River’s Edge Counselling Centre while completing my Master of Counselling Psychology. 

My credentials

  • Bachelor of Science Specialization in Psychology – University of Alberta, 2008

  • Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic diploma – NAIT, 2015

  • Master of Counselling Psychology – Athabasca University, 2023

For more information,
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More About My specialties

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Children
Our children are our future. As adults, we should guide them to build emotional security and learn positive ways to regulate big emotions. Since we are not born with these coping skills, this is where therapy can benefit both you and your child in learning ways to self-soothe and co-regulate. ...read more

...I approach my work with children similarly to how I approach all of my clients, through an attachment-based framework. I have a deep respect and curiosity when children interrelate and communicate through interactive play. It takes time and maturity for the brain to develop and integrate complex experiences into the psyche.
I currently see children eight years and older. The first few sessions should be close together to gain an alliance with the child. Following that, I can assess the child’s needs and work with the guardians to create a collaborative plan to help the client develop and utilize skills they can use at home and within public settings.



Teens
Adolescence is an incredibly important and experiential time of passage. I believe that our childhood experiences have a substantial impact on who we become in adulthood. ...read more

...Our teenage years are filled with exploration, identity formation, and relationship building that helps integrate us into society. I provide a secure base for my clients to feel safe and accepted during challenging stages of their lives. I strive to build a strong therapeutic alliance with youth to facilitate a positive therapeutic experience.



Couples
I provide support for couples experiencing difficulties in communication and connection. ...read more

...I meet you where you are in your relationship and work with you toward a collaborative goal. I offer an accepting and non-judgmental space for you to be open and vulnerable; this will help support you through your challenges and give you the courage to continue working on yourselves and your connection. I am inclusive and support all types of relationships including co-parenting, sexual minorities, ethical non-monogamy and polyamory.



Trauma
With years of practice as a first responder, I understand how traumatic experiences can create a disconnect between you and your life goals. ...read more

...There are multiple forms of trauma, and these experiences can surface differently depending on the person. I provide care through a trauma-informed lens focused on safety and well-being. Whether you have an extensive trauma history or a single episode, trauma can affect us in an insurmountable number of ways. It is my job to create an environment where you feel heard and accepted. We will work through the negative experiences by taking a body-focused approach to help regulate your nervous system to take control of your life.



2SLGBTQ+ and gender identity
If you identify as a sexual or gender minority, I want to provide a supportive environment where you feel acknowledged and safe to be your authentic self. ...read more

...Whether your challenges arise from internalized stigma, externalized negativity, or marginalization stemming from a heteronormative society, exploring these feelings in an inclusive and accepting space is important. I identify as an ally and acknowledge my privilege and influence within the therapeutic realm. I take a compassionate, sex-positive, affirming approach to all of my clients and strive to improve my knowledge of the 2SLGBTQ+ culture with additional training.


Webinars and interviews by Sabrina