Sabrina Roach
Registered 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
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More About My specialties
[ Open All | Close All ]Children
...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
...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 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
...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
...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.
St. Albert Gazette interviews Sabrina Roach about wildfire smoke's mental health toll, highlighting eco-anxiety among youth due to climate change.