Shelby Sandford

What problem do you strive to overcome?

It takes deep courage to reach out for support - thank you for being here. If you’re experiencing challenges related to identity, anxiety, depression, trauma, or find yourself grieving a death/nondeath loss, I strongly believe healing happens in relationship; with others and ourselves. From my standpoint, people have the innate capacity to process experiences and achieve personal growth when provided the right supportive environment. My role is to promote this inner healing process through holding a nonjudgmental space for co-exploration, so you can understand yourself with compassion and grow. My practice is foundationally strengths-based and client-centered, meaning you are the expert on yourself and your life story. I believe you have your own inner wisdom and strengths to facilitate resilience, working towards solutions as you see fit. I’d be honoured to work alongside you towards these solutions. I work from a holistic perspective, acknowledging the interconnectedness of the mental, physical, and spiritual self.

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Experience:

Shelby is in her final year of the Master of Social Work (MSW) program, with over 10 years of experience in an emotional support role, serving individuals and groups experiencing challenges with self-worth, anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic stress, and grief. Shelby’s educational background is in Philosophy and Psychology, specializing in grief and bereavement. As someone who has been personally impacted by traumatic bereavement, addiction and C-PTSD, Shelby knows firsthand the healing power of being heard and understood by a qualified therapist. Shelby is certified in Thanatology as well as Conscious Care and Support and works from a transtheoretical approach. She draws most heavily on Mindful Self-Compassion, Attachment Theory, and body-based mindfulness interventions. She is pursuing training in Compassionate Inquiry and EMDR psychotherapeutic methods.