Sage River

Psychologist-In-Training | Graduate Student

About

After more than 20 years as a professional engineer, I chose to shift careers and pursue counselling—a field that aligns with my longstanding interest in supporting others through meaningful connection and care.After two decades in engineering, I’ve come to understand how much it matters to feel seen, heard, and supported. My perspective as a systems thinker continues to shape how I work—with a focus on clarity, connection, and meaning. I believe in reimagining a world where people are genuinely supported and equipped to thrive in ways that reflect who they are and what they need.My transition into mental health counselling is informed by evidence based practice and lived experience. As a Kenyan-born Canadian, I bring a deep understanding of identity, inclusion, and belonging—which I actively incorporate into my therapeutic approach and the relationships I build with clients.I support adults and young adults through life transitions, identity exploration, stress, and other challenges that can feel overwhelming. I also work with students, researchers, and professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), helping them navigate academic pressures, career decisions, and evolving professional identities. This includes experience supporting individuals at the University of Calgary and the University of Alberta.My goal is to work collaboratively with my clients to create a therapeutic environment where people feel safe enough to imagine new possibilities.I am currently based in Alberta and completing my Master of Counselling practicum.

Qualifications & Affiliations

  • Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

  • Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) | Student Affiliate | Black Psychology Section

  • Psychologists’ Association of Alberta | Student Member

EDUCATION

  • Master of Counselling (MC) - University of Lethbridge

  • Master of Science (M.Sc) - University of Calgary

  • Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc) - University of Waterloo

My Approach

My work is grounded in values-based, client-centered care. My counselling approach is shaped by lived experience, evidence-based practice, and a deep respect for each person’s unique story.I support individuals navigating life transitions, identity exploration, stress, and the everyday challenges that can feel overwhelming by creating a space that prioritizes safety, connection, and authentic expression.My counselling approach is collaborative and compassionate—centred on your unique experiences, goals, and strengths.My work is guided by key values:

  • Safe and inclusive care

  • Strengths-based support

  • Supportive relationships

  • Professionalism and integrity

  • Ongoing learning and growth

Together, we’ll explore what matters most to you—at your pace, on your terms.

Therapeutic Approach

I use a flexible, multimodal approach to therapy, tailoring each session to meet your unique needs, goals, and preferences.This integrative approach allows us to collaboratively explore what’s most meaningful and effective for you, and to adapt our work as your needs evolve over time. My practice is grounded in evidence-based, client-centered care and integrates a range of approaches, including:

  • Mindfulness-based strategies

  • Narrative Therapy

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)-informed work

  • Emotion-Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT)

  • Trauma-informed and culturally responsive care

Areas of Focus

I provide caring, empathetic support that is culturally responsive and affirming of diverse identities and lived experiences. My approach is grounded in respect, curiosity, and openness, with a focus on creating a therapeutic space where clients feel safe, valued, and supported in exploring what matters most to them.I work with adult and young adult clients in the following areas:

  • Life transitions and adjustment

  • Stress and burnout

  • Anxiety and depression

  • Grief and loss

  • Self-care and personal growth

  • Clarifying values, purpose, and direction

  • Career and academic challenges, particularly for students, professionals, and academics in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields

  • Professional development

  • Creative blocks and personal challenges faced by artists and writers

  • Cultural identity, belonging, and experiences of exclusion

  • Life Transitions & Identity: Navigating change, adjusting to new roles or environments, and exploring questions of identity, purpose, and belonging.

  • Stress, Burnout & Emotional Well-Being: Managing chronic stress, workplace or academic burnout, and emotional overwhelm with strategies that support balance and resilience.

  • Anxiety, Depression & Grief: Addressing symptoms of anxiety and depression, coping with loss, and supporting emotional regulation and healing.

  • Career, Creativity & Meaningful Work: Supporting professionals, academics, artists, and writers with career-related concerns, creative blocks, performance pressure, or seeking more meaningful and values-aligned work.

  • Self-Care, Growth & Personal Development: Encouraging self-awareness, self-compassion, and personal growth through intentional practices that align with your values and support your well-being.

  • Cultural Identity, Discrimination & Belonging: Providing affirming support for individuals exploring cultural identity, or processing experiences of exclusion, marginalization, or not feeling fully seen or understood.

Resources

Emergency

  • If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, call or text 9-8-8 or the suicide crisis helpline to speak with a trained counsellor. You can also go to the nearest emergency room.

  • For non-emergency support, call or text 2-1-1 or visit the Alberta 211 website. This free, confidential service is available 24/7 and connects you to local resources, including mental health support, housing, food, and other community and government services.

What is Therapy?

Counselling therapy for mental health, also known as psychotherapy or talk therapy, involves a trained professional helping individuals explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours to improve their mental well-being. It can address a wide range of issues, from stress management and coping with difficult situations to treating specific mental health conditions like depression or anxiety.

Self-Care

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Contact

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📝If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, call or text 9-8-8 or visit the Suicide Crisis Helpline to speak with a trained counsellor. You can also go to the nearest emergency room.