Courtney Sambray
Registered Social Worker
RSW
Here's what I believe.
I believe that everyone deserves to be treated fairly and have access to the support they deserve without judgment.
I also believe that everyone, at some point in their lives, needs help to work through things that are going on , in particular, those parts that are keeping them stuck. All individuals are capable of healing and living life fully connected to themselves and others. And to me, this is the value of counselling - as a counsellor, I am a compassionate witness who supports clients to explore what is happening in their thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and the body so they understand themselves better, can access information and tools, and then move forward with confidence.
Why I Care.
I am very passionate about mental health. I know there is a lack of services as I have
seen this while being in the field for the past 5 years. Working on the Crisis Line in BC and Kids Help Phone, I experienced a variety of situations that helped me develop and grow my counselling skills. It was this work that pushed me to want to sit with clients in a counselling setting and do the deeper work that really makes a difference in their lives. For as long as I can remember, I have been interested in helping people; especially when they need it most. Sometimes life brings us to a crossroads, whether it be facing a type of trauma, starting to struggle with emotions, a life event, or feeling stuck and wanting some direction. I have witnessed the power of the counselling relationship in these moments and it continues to inspire me.
My Education & Credentials.
I completed my Bachelor of Social Work in 2017 from University of Fraser Valley and became registered with British Columbia College of Social Workers. While completing my university degree, I volunteered for the Crisis Line in Surrey BC. For the last 5 years, as a Child Safety Worker, I have been working with families and children aged 0 to 12, specializing in intimate partner violence, and Mental Health and Addictions. Additionally, for the last 10 months, I have been working on the Kids Help Phone with children, youth and adults up to the age of 25 years old.
One part of my career led me to work with Anxiety, Depression, Stress, burnout, suicide risk assessment, and addictions, which fuelled my understanding of mental health and the importance of recognizing how to take care of it. The other part of my career led me to work with people who have gone through childhood trauma, intimate partner violence, generational trauma, parenting difficulties, and grief and loss. This affected me in ways I could have never known, leading me to grow as a person and a helper who is aware of the various parts of life that cause us to stop feeling and living the way we want to.
Recent Education:
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Dialectical Behaviour Skills Training for Children and Adolescents: Rescuing the Dysregulated Child
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Cognitive Therapy Behaviour: Tools for Thinking Differently
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Vicarious Trauma
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Why People Work With Me?
I am committed to the work I do, consider myself easy to talk to, and love to help people explore what is getting in their way. I like to collaborate with clients; counselling sessions are a place where we both get to have a wheel to steer the car, while I can also guide you through difficult parts of the journey. I create a respectful environment for people to share their struggles and face obstacles without feeling like they are being judged, dismissed or unheard. Working from a strengths based and client focused approach allows us to collaborate and create the goals that will ultimately help you get unstuck and feeling better.
People work with me because they can count on me to show up for them - to be present with them while they tackle whatever is getting in their way. People work with me because I have knowledge and skills to help them get where they want to go , ultimately reaching the destination of peace of mind and positive change.