Sarah White
Sarah White (she/her) is Registered Clinical Counsellor (#20569) with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors, holding a Master’s Degree in Counselling (MEd) from UNBC as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. I have twenty years of experience in the field of social work and mental health, and have enjoyed working with a wide range of people as they navigate complex life events.
Typically, people find their way to working with me when they are feeling lost and experiencing some of the most challenging moments of their lives. I strive to create a safe space where they can “unpack” the things that have been sitting heavy for them. Through a process of self-inquiry, clients learn to access their inner wisdom and identify with their strengths. Empowered with more tools, clients experience a greater sense of self and more meaning in their lives.
Areas of counselling expertise
- Anxiety (Racing Thoughts, Excessive Worry, Stress)
- Depression (Lack of Drive, Loss of Interest in Life, Isolation, Sadness)
- Life Transitions (Career, Divorce/Separation, Relocations)
- LGBTQ2+ issues
- Addiction Support for Family Members and Loved Ones of those Living with Addiction
- End of Life Issues (For Individuals and Family Members)
- Bereavement (Sudden and Tragic Deaths)
- Relationships (Relationship Skills, Communication, Intimacy, Conflict Resolution)
- Grief/loss (Loss of a Loved One, Pet, Relationship, Job, Health, etc.)
- Sexual Assault and Trauma
- Sexual Wellness
- Spirituality and Higher Meaning
- Critical, Chronic or Life-Threatening Illness (Pain, Loss, Grief, Medical Trauma, Depression, Isolation, Anxiety related to HIV, Cancer, Organ Failure or the like)
- Self-Esteem
- Mindfulness
- First Responders and Frontline Workers
Therapy modalities Sarah uses in her counselling practice
My counselling approach is trauma-informed and person-centred. It is important to me that my clients feel seen, heard and understood.
I am a strengths-based, integrative counsellor, pulling from a variety of modalities that include:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Jungian Theory
- Existential Therapy
- Feminist and Diversity Approaches
- Various Trauma Modalities
- Attachment Theory
- Art Therapy
Personal qualities / strengths as a counsellor
My areas of expertise are in grief and grief education. This path found me through life-experience and passion. I warmly work with folks experiencing even the hardest of losses. I am an end-of-life doula and can deeply explore issues that come up around end-of-life for people.
As a cancer-survivor, peer-supporter, and facilitator of cancer support groups, I am very apt at working with people facing cancer and critical illness and all the many issues that come up around these ailments. I also have a lot of experience supporting loved ones of folks with critical illness and/or mental health and addictions.
Clients stuck in grief often need support to move through the pain in their hearts, minds and bodies. I can sit with them in their pain and work with them to move through their emotions at their own pace. Healing often comes from finding meaning in their losses and their lives.
Education and professional development
- Master of Education in Counselling (MEd)
- Bachelor of Social Work
- End of Life Doula Certificate Program
- Certified Grief Educator (David Kessler)
- BC Bereavement Traumatic Loss Facilitator Certificate
- San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety
- Mental Health First Aid
- HIV/ Sexual Health Facilitation Training
- Multiple trainings in Indigenous Issues, Women’s Issues, LGBQT+ issues, HIV, communication, trauma, mindfulness and breathwork and more
