There are lots of exciting things happening at Sandham Psychological Services this fall!
My first job as a Registered Psychologist was running the Student Counselling and Wellness departments at The King’s University in Edmonton, Alberta. My favourite part of that role was connecting with students, faculty, and staff, getting to know their stories, supporting their growth, and being part of the campus community.
Although I eventually moved on from that position, I have stayed connected with the wonderful people at King’s and have continued to collaborate on projects that allow me to share my experience as a psychologist. Over the years, I have presented in classes on various mental health topics, and last fall I partnered with a fourth-year undergraduate psychology research class whose students developed a workshop for me.
I enjoyed the process of mentoring those students so much that I will be partnering with another fourth-year psychology research class from King’s again this fall. This year, I have given the students two options to choose from: developing a workshop or creating a resource list. My hope is that they will gain valuable skills in research, collaboration, and resource development, and perhaps even a deeper appreciation for how psychology can make a difference in people’s lives.
Mentoring and Supervision
Along the lines of mentoring students, I will also be supervising a Master of Education student from the University of Alberta during their counselling practicum this academic year. Practicums are an important part of any counselling psychology program, as they allow students to work with clients under the supervision of a Registered Psychologist.
As someone who completed many practicums on my own path toward becoming a doctoral-level psychologist, I know firsthand how much a good supervisor can shape one’s growth and confidence as a counsellor. Each of my supervisors taught me something unique that helped me become the practitioner I am today. It is exciting to now be in a position to offer that same support, especially through the University of Alberta, where I completed my PhD.
Presenting at Healthy Dancer Canada
Another exciting opportunity this fall is that I will be presenting at the Healthy Dancer Canada annual conference in Montreal this November. Healthy Dancer Canada is a not-for-profit organization focused on health and wellness within Canada’s dance communities, a topic that is very close to my heart.
Growing up, I dreamed of becoming a ballerina and spent much of my youth working toward that dream. When I realized I would not be able to pursue dance professionally, it was a difficult transition, one that eventually led me to research hope and adjustment among elite ballet dancers during graduate studies.
Because of that experience, I am passionate about supporting wellness in the dance world. My workshop for the conference will explore hope and resilience in dance, with the goal of helping dancers and educators understand their unique hopes and how they can use them to navigate challenges in their dance journeys.
Lifelong Learning and Hakomi Training
As Registered Psychologists, we are required by the College of Alberta Psychologists to engage in regular professional development, something I fully support and genuinely enjoy. I believe that in order to be a competent and compassionate practitioner, it is essential to keep learning and refining our therapeutic skills.
In January 2025, I began the two-year comprehensive Hakomi training through the Hakomi Institute of Edmonton. The Hakomi Method is a mindfulness-based, somatic approach to psychotherapy, and the training involves dedicating one weekend each month to learning and practice. After taking the summer off, our group is now returning this fall to complete the first year of training.
Looking Ahead
Mentoring students, supervising future counsellors, presenting at conferences, and deepening my own learning all feel like extensions of the same goal: to keep growing, stay curious, and help others do the same.
It is shaping up to be a full and fulfilling fall here at Sandham Psychological Services, and I am looking forward to the months ahead.