Sara Ahmadian
(She/her/hers)
M.Ed, RCC
Meet Sara
Your Compassionate Guide on the Path to Healing
I am Sara Ahmadian, a dedicated counsellor specializing in Chronic Illness, ADHD, and Immigration. With a compassionate and empathetic approach, I aim to help individuals break free from the burdens that weigh them down.
Throughout my life, I have encountered various challenges that have shaped my understanding and empathy for others. As an immigrant, woman of colour, and neurospicy individual with chronic illness, I deeply understand the impact of marginalization and institutional structures on mental health.
I bring a unique perspective to my counselling practice, providing a safe and nurturing space for clients to slow down, process emotions, and make sense of their experiences.
Together, let’s pave the way for a brighter and more fulfilling life.
Counseling Philosophy & Approach
At the heart of my counselling philosophy is a commitment to creating a safe and nurturing space for my clients. I believe that each individual is unique, with their own set of experiences, values, and aspirations. As such, I strive to understand each client’s needs fully and collaborate with them in setting personalized counselling goals.
Therapeutic Modalies:
At my counseling practice, I integrate various evidence-based approaches such as Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to tailor the therapy to each client’s unique needs. I also incorporate somatic and mindfulness-based interventions into my practice.
During our sessions, I will encourage you to slow down and reflect on your internal experiences, supporting you in verbalizing and making sense of these feelings. This process will guide us in identifying and implementing the necessary changes to improve your well-being. Additionally, our work might involve teaching you specific skills such as grounding tools, emotional regulation skills, and expanding your window of tolerance to further aid your personal growth and development.
Holistic and Culturally-Sensitive Approach:
I embrace a holistic approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. I understand the influence of cultural backgrounds and societal factors on mental health and tailor my counselling to respect and address these aspects. By considering the whole person within their unique cultural context, we can uncover the underlying causes of challenges and work towards holistic well-being.
Empowering Personal Exploration:
In our sessions, I encourage clients to explore their emotions, thoughts, and behaviours. By gaining insight into these aspects, we can identify patterns and develop a deeper understanding of their impact on well-being. Through this process, clients are empowered to make positive changes and embrace personal growth. I also emphasize the exploration of internal resources, strengths, and values, as I believe these can be powerful tools for personal growth and development.
As a counsellor, I am committed to being a fellow traveller on the journey to self-discovery and helping my clients overcome obstacles on their path to a more peaceful and fulfilling life.
My Values:
Authenticity
Compassion
Respect
Humor
Expertise & Professional Journey
Academic Qualifications:
I hold a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of British Columbia (UBC). This comprehensive program equipped me with a strong foundation in counselling theory and techniques, ensuring that I am well-prepared to provide effective support to my clients.
Specializations and Additional Training:
In addition to my academic qualifications, I have pursued additional training in therapeutic modalities such as Emotion Focused Therapy and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy. These approaches enrich my counselling practice and allow me to tailor my interventions to meet the unique needs of each client.
Clinical Experiences:
With over nine years of experience in the mental health field, I have worked in various roles, including as a researcher, Behavioral Interventionist, and counsellor. My work within Post Secondary institutions allowed me to support domestic and international students on a wide range of topics, such as anxiety, depression, homesickness, disability, and identity/belonging. I have provided individual counselling and conducted workshops, both in-person and virtually, to address mental health issues and promote well-being.
Specialization in Chronic Illness:
In addition to my own personal experiences with chronic illnesses, I have previously worked at the IBD Center of BC focusing on providing counselling services to patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). This work allowed me to focus on the unique challenges faced by individuals managing chronic illness.
Research Endeavors:
At Home in Space Project
the first psychosocial experiment conducted on board the International Space Station. As a part of this study, I designed and implemented a side project analyzing the content of astronauts’ tweets to understand their psychological state while in space. This research garnered recognition and led to a scholarship from the Canadian Space Agency, allowing me to present my findings at the 69th International Astronautical Congress in Germany. You can learn more about this research here.
Explaining Trump via Communication Style Project
Another notable research endeavour focused on understanding personalities through communication style, with a particular emphasis on the captivating dynamics of grandiose, informal, and dynamic communication patterns. In my published study titled “Explaining Trump via Communication Style: Grandiose, Informal, and Dynamic,” I shed light on the intriguing connections between communication style and personality traits. This research offers valuable insights into the intricate interplay between communication style and the complexities of human character. You can access the abstract and full article here.
Brainfog & Chronic Illness
In my Master’s program, I dedicated my studies to exploring the intersection of chronic pain and mental health. Specifically, I focused on understanding the phenomenon known as BrainFog, which many chronically ill patients experience. My aim was to shed light on this often misunderstood aspect of chronic illness and gain valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms and potential interventions to alleviate its impact.
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