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. I love collecting & making with things left behind - I find a lot of inspiration for example in using my grandmother’s keepsakes. A lot of my personal work centers around grief, joy, and the houses we live in.

What’s my education?

I have a Visual Arts diploma, Art History and English extended minor, and 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. My approach to counselling is open, nonjudgmental and deeply creative - and creativity has been a huge help for me in navigating ADHD. 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

Finding joy is something that I try to do daily - big and small things, I look for glimmers often. I love when light creates rainbows, cozy rainstorms, that feeling when an animal feels safe enough to trust you, reading really great books (I love thrillers), music that fills up my whole heart, road trips across Canada, and watching water lap against the shore. I feel most at ease around water, so I spend a lot of time sitting at the river, the slough, Cultus Lake. Nature brings me a lot of happiness.

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.

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 - Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours” album, The Cranberries “No Need to Argue”, Maggie Rogers “Heard it in a Past Life”, Lord Huron’s “Strange Trails” and anything by Florence and the Machine… I also love HAIM, First Aid Kit, Noah Kahan, Chappell Roan, Fleet Foxes and the Tallest Man on Earth (actively trying to not list 500 albums here)

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.