Sarah Mittelsteadt, MACP, Registered Provisional Psychologist

Populations: Adults, Adolescents, Children (+10), Couples and Families,

Areas of Focus: First Responders, Depression, Trauma and PTSD, , Sexuality & Gender, Anxiety, ADHD, Self Compassion and Self-Esteem, Self Harm, Behavioural Issues, Relationships, Life Transitions, 2SLGBTQIA+ Concerns

Therapeutic Models: Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Animal Assisted Therapy, Attachment- Based Therapy, Gottman Couples Therapy, Sex Therapy, Person-Centered , Strength-Based

Location: Edmonton and Virtual

Availability: Animal Assisted therapy only on Wednesdays at the Brewery District location

A Note from Sarah…

My general approach to therapy is founded on authenticity, kindness, laughter, and individual growth. My goal for therapy is to work collaboratively with you and meet you wherever you are, in order to assist you in moving towards your goals. I believe that therapy is an individual process that requires an individualized approach, no individual or presenting problem is the same & I believe that your therapy experience is no exception. Specifically when working with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder I focus on the individual's experience & supporting them as we explore the incident through the use of EMDR. While also utilizing additional therapeutic approached like CBT or SFT to strengthen the individuals coping & emotional regulation skills.

I’ve always had a passion for working with First Responders. The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) became part of my childhood and many say that I “grew up within the Edmonton Police Service”, as I spent most of my time between hockey practices and camps with my dad at the various divisions around the city. However, my drive for working with EPS members was solidified after my dad sustained a complex mental health injury on the job and I recognized the need for mental health providers who have personal experience within the culture of EPS, that individual’s feel that they can trust, and be understood. From there I completed my Master’s of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. While completing my Master’s I worked alongside EPS members in the Youth Support Branch, and inevitably joined the Youth Diversion and Intervention Unit as a civilian navigator. In this role I worked amongst a squad of sworn members in the Missing Youth Portfolio, in which we located high-risk missing youth and connected them to community resources. This position provided me with a better perspective and understanding of the roles and pressures of not only patrol members, but also members within specialized units. My goal is to use my personal and professional experience to support the next generation of first responders, their spouses, and their families. In addition to my experience with first responders, I have also spent time supporting high-risk youth in the restorative justice system and have worked with youth with “in-care” status. I am passionate about working with individuals from all walks of life and supporting each individual to achieve their therapeutic goals. My approach is focused on the development of skills to promote emotional regulation and self understanding.

There is a quote by Jim Kwick and he said “On the days that you have only 40% and you give 40%. You gave 100%”. This quote resonated with me because we can often be so hard on ourselves for not always "giving it 100%", when really we didn't even have 100% to give. I appreciate the art of reframing to allow us to meet ourselves with some grace & understanding, while also recognizing that even if we didn't have 100% in the tank, but we still gave it everything we had, that is good enough, & there is success in that.

In my spare time you can find me with my dogs Yeti & Soup & my cats Crockpot & Meatloaf. You may also find us curled up binging reality tv or true crime.