Hi, I’m Sarah 

& I’m glad you’re here.

My name is Sarah (she/her) and I’m a neurodivergent registered clinical counsellor with the BCACC and artist living in Chilliwack, B.C.

I have an MC in Counselling from City University and a Visual Arts diploma from the University of the Fraser Valley. As a counsellor with a late diagnosis of ADHD, I am so happy to offer a nonjudgmental and understanding space for neurodivergent folks. My approach is strengths-based, collaborative and solution-focused.

I’m creative, I’m a counsellor

The ways I engage with my creativity most

I have always loved photography and writing - I feel compelled the most to document, I love taking portraits of people that really feel like them - I love out of focus frames, I love when people feel supported enough to express themselves in photos. I love how memories become imagery, and imagery becomes memories. I love creative collaboration and witnessing others engage with their creative selves. Alongside counselling, I keep up a vibrant creative practice exploring themes of grief, joy, and storytelling.

What’s my education?

I have a Visual Arts diploma, Art History and English extended minors, and a Bachelor of General Studies from UFV. I have an MC in Counselling from City University.

Why “The Creative Counsellor”?

Creativity is such a huge part of my spirit, everything I do connects to my creative heart. I think to be human is to be deeply creative - even when we aren’t using paints, cameras, sculptures, words, etc, to express it. Creativity exists because humans exist, and counselling is unpacking, exploring, making space for the prism of what it means to be human.

I wanted to build a practice made to journey alongside fellow neurodivergent folks, creatives exploring their practice, those navigating grief & loss, and those wanting to unfold more about themselves in a therapeutic and supportive space.

The things that bring me joy

I love when light creates rainbows, spending time in nature spaces, and really good road trips across Canada. Outside of counselling, I make art for me, read (I love a good thriller) and write.

What was it like to get a late diagnosis for ADHD?

I knew that ADHD ran in my family but I didn’t think I could possibly have it - for much of my life I assumed, like many, that ADHD was primarily present in boys/men. I knew that I had different ways of approaching things, that I struggled with tasks and instructions, but I had a small mountain of coping/management skills I would haul out and apply to many things. Many of those skills involved relying on adrenaline & stress - I very often would set a deadline and then focus the day of or night before for several hours straight to complete tasks. I often hacked assignments to make them more exciting. I found creative ways to thrive - but - this wasn’t entirely sustainable. It didn’t always work and I was burning out. When I recognized that I had ADHD, with it came a mix of emotions: relief, anger, compassion, understanding — a complete reframing of my life and perspective, and with it, better boundaries and ways to care for myself without shame. We are worthy of resources that help us thrive.

What made you want to be a counsellor?

Being a helper has always resonated with my heart, moving into counselling was very natural for me - in my photography work, I often walk alongside people as they visually explore their stories, and I wanted to make that experience as safe and supported as possible for them. When I began to do counselling, I was amazed by the beauty and connection of therapeutic space - I am honoured to witness & walk alongside others in their journey. As a neurodivergent person, I want others to not only feel welcome and safe within the counselling space, but heard & seen in ways that feel affirming and non judgmental.

If you could take only 5 albums out onto a remote island, which ones would you take?

(This answer changes all the time)

Goodbye to the Valley Low (Side B) - Hazlett

Rumours - Fleetwood Mac

Lungs - Florence & the Machine

Stick Season (We’ll All Be Here Forever) - Noah Kahan

Strange Trails - Lord Huron

Where I create, there I am true - Rainier Maria Rilke

Hi, I’m Sarah! (Photo by Hannah Wyles)

I believe this with my whole heart.

My dad took this photo.

I love knick-knacks, books, and black and white photos of strangers.

I think of hope like this beautiful pink cloud hovering over a long gravel road.

I’m so excited to meet you.