Courtney Sambray
Registered Social Worker
RSW
Here's what I believe.
I believe I am in a privileged position to be a compassionate witness who supports clients to explore what is happening in their thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and body so they understand themselves better, learn to express their needs, access information and tools, and then move forward with confidence.
Why I Care.
Everyone deserves to have connected, healthy relationships with themselves and others. And this is the value of counselling to me.
I am passionate about mental health. There is a lack of services available for children, youth and their families who are going through difficult times, which I learned while working on the Crisis Line in BC and Kids Help Phone supporting youth and adults. These experiences pushed me to want to support clients in a counselling setting and do the deeper work with youth, parents, and families so that they can foster the emotional language and communication skills that will help them break cycles and build connection. For as long as I can remember, I have been interested in working with kids; 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, mental Health, and substance use. 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 living the way we want to.
Recent Education:
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CURRENT: INTRODUCTION TO SYNERGETIC PLAY THERAPY (Nov 2023)
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The Neuroception of Safety in Playroom Integrating
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Sand Tray Work in Your Play Therapy Practice
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Introduction to Working with Children and Youth Experiencing Violence
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Adverse Childhood Experiences in Play Therapy
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Dialectical Behaviour Skills Training for Children and Adolescents: Rescuing the Dysregulated Child
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Vicarious Trauma
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Introduction to Mindfulness - DBT focused
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Introduction and History of Play Therapy
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Play Therapy in the Context of High Conflict Divorce: Promoting Meaningful Therapy
Why People Work With Me?
I am committed to the work I do and I prioritize learning so I can continue to develop as a therapist.
I like to help people explore what is getting in their way and believe the collaborative aspects of counselling sessions are a place to release, share, and receive guidance through difficult parts of the journey. A respectful environment for people to share their struggles and face obstacles without feeling like they are being judged, dismissed or unheard are key aspects of my approach.
Part of my learning is devoted to being a Play Therapist.
PLAY is the language of children and toys are their words (Landreth, 2002). Play therapy helps children cope with big emotions, change the way they think, feel, and solve their concerns, and learn social and relationship skills.
People work with me because they can count on me - no matter the age, to show up for them and to be present while I support them to tackle whatever is getting in their way!