Sarah Connolly
Registered Psychologist
Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a Major in Psychology from Mount Royal University and a Master of Counselling degree from City University of Seattle. She has been a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists since 2017.
Virtual and In-Person Sessions Available
Sarah primarily provides counselling services to youths (ages 5+) and young adults (up to age 25).
While completing her post-secondary education, Sarah was employed in residential treatment facilities for youths for nearly four years and gained valuable experience working with adolescents with a variety of mental health disorders. It was during this time that she became passionate about her work with individuals who were preparing to transition into young adulthood.
Sarah went on to complete her graduate-level internship as a school counselor and provided counselling and assessment services to children of all ages. Since 2015, she has gained considerable clinical experience in both counselling and psychoeducational assessment in private practice settings.
Sarah’s Main Specializations
Mental Health Services
Sarah has a passion for helping people overcome mental health challenges. Her areas of interest include working with those struggling with anxiety, depression, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Sarah finds joy in empowering her clients and teaching them skills to manage their symptoms. She is particularly enthusiastic about teaching social skills to children and adolescents who need extra support in learning how to interact positively with others.
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Anxiety
Sarah helps clients manage anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic attacks. She teaches relaxation techniques, coping strategies to challenge negative thoughts, and gradual exposure to anxiety-provoking situations.
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Depression
Sarah assists clients with conditions like major depression and seasonal affective disorder. She utilizes therapy approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients adopt positive thinking patterns, set small achievable goals, and engage in mood-boosting activities.
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ADHD
For those with ADHD who have trouble focusing, Sarah provides structure and accountability. She works on techniques like breaking down big tasks into smaller steps. Sarah helps with organization, listening skills, and impulse control. Her positive encouragement builds self-esteem for those with ADHD.
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Social Skills
Sarah helps her clients improve skills such as starting conversations, active listening, making eye contact, and sharing information about themselves. She also helps build confidence by encouraging her clients to initiate get-togethers with peers, speak up in group settings, and expand their social circles.
Sarah’s Approaches
Sarah recognizes that each client is unique and strives to tailor her counselling approach to their individual needs. However, she draws primarily from cognitive behavioral, acceptance and commitment, and solution-focused models in her practice.
While utilizing techniques from these approaches, Sarah aims to create a warm, non-judgemental environment where clients feel safe to share openly. She sees her role as a supportive guide who can offer new perspectives and tools to help clients help themselves. Her goal is to collaborate with clients to better understand their situations and empower them to create meaningful change.
More About Sarah
Sarah was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta and is currently living in Calgary with her husband and two young daughters. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends while also dedicating time to staying physically active. Sarah played hockey for several years in her youth. She also enjoy reading and gardening. Her family vacations in Osoyoos, British Columbia every summer and enjoys travelling to other destinations as well.