Sara Gabriel - Insight Psychological

Insight Psychological Therapists - Sara Gabriel

Sara Gabriel, Practicum Intern Therapist, BSc., BSN, R.N. (She/Her)

Life can be beautiful yet it can similarly present challenges that each of us may need assistance and support navigating at times. With 15+ years of experience working in health care, primarily mental health, I am attuned to the fact that each individual has their own story and unique perspective given their experience. I believe it is imperative to collaborate with you as the client, drawing on your strengths and abilities, offering guidance and tools to enhance the way you approach life’s challenges. I know the importance of having a safe and non-judgemental space to share one’s vulnerabilities and I strive to offer that to my clients. I look forward to meeting you and supporting you on your journey of enhanced mental health and well-being.

NOTE: Our Practicum Intern (Student) Therapists offer reduced rates for counselling support. Please be aware that FEES WILL BE NON-REIMBURSABLE by Extended Health Care Benefit Plans.

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More About Sara Gabriel

I offer an integrative and holistic approach based on the client’s experience and associated goals which helps to create a treatment plan tailored to their needs and aspirations. I am compassionate about providing a safe space in which the client can share their deepest concerns without judgment and to feel truly heard. I draw on different techniques in accordance with the needs of my clients which may include but are not limited to Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and solution focus methods.

I have worked with all age groups, with varying strengths, abilities (physical and cognitive), and diagnoses. Acute adult, geriatric, emergency and forensic psychiatry experiences provided the opportunity to work with individuals who required intensive care and oversight. Given the range of diagnosis, severity of symptom presentation and acute care needs of some of the clients I assisted, I solidified assessment and treatment care measures to offer optimal patient care. This work brought to my attention the need to be considerate of each individual’s cultural and environmental experience. Working in outpatient neurology at the Kaye Edmonton Clinic and as a behavioural health consultant at the Primary Care Network, expanded my knowledge and awareness of the connection between our physical and mental health.

I am excited to move forward in my career as a psychologist. I believe in ongoing education and building my skills to continue helping those who reach out for my assistance.

A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS:

Have you, or anyone close to you, had to overcome any trauma, or mental health challenge?

We are all subject to life’s challenges and one thing we can’t escape is grief and loss. Having worked in healthcare I have been exposed to varying degrees of functional loss, burnout, illness, and trauma. Despite these experiences nothing can prepare one for the loss of a loved one. Grief comes in many different forms and one thing I struggled with was the anticipatory grief after one of my closest relatives was diagnosed with ALS. It was a time when I had to lean on those close to me for support and additionally reach out for counselling support. In doing so I was able to navigate one of the most difficult experiences in my life and I am incredibly grateful to those who helped me.

When did you know you wanted to become a psychologist?

I am empathetic and caring by nature and enjoy working with people. I have always been drawn to a career where I can help others. I am fascinated by the way the mind works and decided to pursue science psychology and nursing. I’ve worked in various areas such as inpatient and outpatient psychiatry, outpatient neurology, primary care, and in occupational health with police. I have enjoyed helping patients in these roles but felt that I maximized my skillset and chose to pursue a Masters in Counselling. I look forward to providing additional support and guidance to clients whom I am privileged to assist.