Sandra L. Merriam she/her
M.A., R.P.
REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Sandra has worked as a Registered Psychotherapist at Westboro Psychology since 2018.
After having worked in the public sector Sandra pursued psychotherapy as a second career. She brings a wealth of life experience and relatability from her various interpersonal and life roles ( mother, partner, single, second career). Sandra enjoys meeting and working with new people from diverse backgrounds and contexts. Sandra combines genuine curiosity and a non-judgmental perspective, lending to her approachable nature. She is committed to making clients feel safe and supported while helping them to build the awareness and the tools required to develop and maintain positive mental health practices.
Sandra is passionate about maintaining up to date and evidence-based knowledge that shecan apply to her therapy practice. She is an avid reader and a life-long learner. She has a clever sense of humour and values this quality, especially during the difficulties that can arise over the course of a lifetime. Sandra enjoys all forms of Art, travelling, nature hikes, and playing in the
water.
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Sandra offers individual therapy to adults at every stage of life.
Background
Sandra completed a Master’s degree in Psychotherapy, Counselling and Spirituality at Saint Paul University, and a Bachelor of the Arts in Psychology at Carleton University. She is committed to gaining up-to-date knowledge and effective treatment strategies. Sandra has continued her education through direct instruction in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (to treat depression and various forms of anxiety) at the Ottawa Institute for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and an Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Professional Certification (ADHD-CCSP) from PESI. Sandra has also obtained specific instruction in service provision using Schema Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, and Mentalizing Therapy styles. Most recently, she completed a course in Psychotherapy for Aging Clients.
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Prior to her career as a Psychotherapist, Sandra worked at the City of Ottawa in Community Services in a variety of capacities. Sandra's previous work in the public sector and her current work as a Psychotherapist bring together her passion for building strong community ties where everyone can feel a sense of belonging. Sandra recognizes that building connection with one another in today's society can be challenging and endeavours to use her work with others to strengthen relationships.
Areas of Focus
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Anxiety
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OCD
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Depression
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ADHD
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Loss, Grief
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Identity Development
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Life Transitions
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Low Self Worth
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Developmental Trauma
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Aging
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Interpersonal Connection
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Clients with a history of Health/Mental Health challenges in their family of origin.
Therapeutic Style
Sandra works from an attuned, compassionate, respectful, and non-judgmental stance to help clients build self-awareness, psychological flexibility, and understanding of the impact of their past experiences. She works with clients to mitigate suffering, to assist with goals, and to improve relationships with self and others.
Sandra's integrative approach is Trauma and Attachment Informed, Psychodynamic, and draws from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical and Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and Compassion Focused Mindfulness.
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Sandra's kind and affirming presence combined with her, clinical knowledge and enthusiasm for all stages of life make her an adaptable and well rounded therapist to support adults with a wide variety of psychotherapeutic concerns.