Style & Approach:

My name is Sarah Irwin-Gardner. Respect, transparency, and collaboration provide the foundation for how I work. I strive to foster genuine connection and create a space for you to talk openly about your thoughts, feelings, concerns, and experiences and this is facilitated by the warm, caring, personal approach I take in therapy. I intentionally adapt my therapeutic practice and style to best meet the needs and preferences of my clients and will work hard with you to ensure you feel that the time we spend together is valuable. I believe that each person has unique skills, knowledge, values, and abilities that are sources of strength and resilience. To make movement and change that is meaningful to you and aligns with what you are hoping for, we can work together to uncover these qualities while addressing the current difficulties and distress you may be experiencing. From an inclusive and anti-discriminatory practice perspective, I support children, youth, and adults with a wide variety of mental health, personal wellness, and relationship concerns including anxiety, worry, stress, depression, low mood, conflict, life transitions, school/education-related issues, low self-esteem, distressing life experiences, grief and loss, high self-criticism/perfectionism, and concerns around substance use and addictions. I regularly draw upon several different psychotherapeutic techniques and interventions from cognitive-behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy, as well as mindfulness and guided imagery approaches.

Qualifications: Sarah Irwin-Gardner

I am a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, and an Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT) with the Ontario College of Teachers.   I hold a Masters of Education in Counselling Psychology from the University of Toronto where I received training in individual, group, couples, and family therapy. I have completed additional training and certifications in trauma-informed approaches, cognitive-behavioural therapy, narrative therapy. Additionally I hold a diploma in Addictions Studies and am a certified trainer for the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) and SafeTALK programs which focus on suicide prevention and intervention. I am also an Ontario Certified Teacher with qualifications in guidance and career education and special education.