Dr. Tricia Sandham, R.Psych.

I am a Registered Psychologist, in good standing, with the College of Alberta Psychologists.

Growing up I wanted to be a ballerina, and throughout my early and formative years, I worked towards attaining this dream. However, I was not able to attain a professional ballet career and thus, had to figure out my next career aspiration. My journey was difficult, however, when I found psychology, I quickly realized that helping people was a passion that I wanted to pursue.

My training includes a Honours B.A. in Psychology, with a specialization in Developmental Psychology, from McMaster University, a M.Ed. in School and Counselling Psychology From the University of Saskatchewan, and a Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology from the University of Alberta. Furthermore, my personal experience of not attaining a professional ballet career inspired my graduate research which focused on the early career transitions of semi-elite amateur ballet dancers.

I approach therapy with the knowledge that dealing with emotional distress can feel overwhelming.

I approach therapy with the knowledge that dealing with emotional distress can feel overwhelming. This is made more difficult by the decision to seek help from a psychologist in hopes of feeling better. I understand that going to therapy can be scary, especially for the first time.

To alleviate this fear, I strive to provide an environment that is safe, non-judgmental, and focused on the therapeutic relationship. You are the expert in your life, and my role is to act as a guide and work collaboratively with you on your journey to attain empowerment, autonomy, and healing.

I take a hope-focused approach and incorporate emotion-focused therapy and EMDR.

I take a developmental approach to therapy and believe the problems we face in our lives are influenced by challenges we faced in childhood. My areas of interest are depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions. To work with concerns that clients bring to therapy, I take a hope-focused approach and incorporate emotion-focused therapy and EMDR.