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about me

i'm sydney

My name is Sydney (she/her), and I am a Registered Psychologist. I have a Bachelor of Sciences, Majoring in Psychology from the University of Alberta and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Athabasca University.

I have experience working with children from as young as preschool to youth making the transition to adulthood. I gained this experience by working in residential care, school systems, and non-for-profit organizations. Currently, I work as a child and youth counsellor at the Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton and have done so for the past three years.

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Across the ten years of my career supporting children, I have formed the understanding that children grow and heal within community and not in isolation. I view my role as a counsellor as having the honour of being a part of that community.

The impacts of adversity and stress in life can be far reaching and overwhelming for both a child and their support system, and navigating these impacts can be complicated. Working together in a way that is both compassionate and meaningful is always a goal I work towards. My approach is based in attachment theory and play therapy, which means that I approach exploring these challenges by forming strong relationships and creating opportunities for self-expression.

I want to recognize that accessing support for your child can be an intimidating thing, and it can be even harder in a world that offers constant criticism to caregivers. Even the action of looking is a brave step, and I’m so happy that you’ve taken it, regardless of the outcome. If it feels like my approach might be a fit for you and your family, please reach out to me here.

Sydney

Cheers,

Areas Of Focus

Supporting Children Navigate Separation/Divorce

Interpersonal Trauma & PTSD

Child Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence

Emotion Literacy and Regulation

Attachment

Professional Development

(2022) Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

(2022) RMPTI Green Stream Foundation of Play Therapy

(2020) Fostering Emotion Regulation, From Fears to Tears Certificate - Institute of Child Psychology

(2022) Treating Complex Trauma with Internal Family Systems (IFS)

(2023) EMDR Institute Basic Training with Supplemental Information on Children & Adolescents

(2023) Indigenous Resiliency Model & Indigenous Healing Approaches to Compassion Fatigue and Vicarious Trauma – Buffalo Sage

(2021) Hakomi Introduction Training, A Somatic Approach to Working with Trauma

(2021) Deb Dana’s Polyvagal Theory Master Class Certificate – PESI

I would rather you ask the questions, even if they are tricky ones

When children struggle, it has a way of poking the hurt parts in the adults supporting them. This is normal AND challenging. Part of my role is to help you figure out what you and your child might need in these moments.

Bright colours and silly faces

Authentic connection is the basis for regulation, and for me, connecting authentically means creating space for both joy and hardship to exist within the counselling space.

I love making a mess

Self-soothing via sensory experiences can be important to increasing awareness around emotions and regulation. Messy play also offers opportunities for creativity, empowerment, and joy.

Tears and mistakes are always welcome, and so is laughter

You can expect comfort and authenticity to be important within session, and your child will likely tell you that they play. Play is the language of children and a basis for how I interact and learn with them.

I am not an expert, but I do have expertise

Every child is unique, as is their life experience. Coming together in collaboration to explore supporting each unique child includes your expertise as caregivers and my expertise of the brain, emotions, and mental health.

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