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SARA LAPP-SMELSKI

Registered Provisional Psychologist (she/her) - Not accepting new clients

Life can throw experiences at us that shake our sense of who we are, challenge our worth, or make us question where we belong. These experiences are universal — no one is immune — but the ways we process and respond to them are deeply personal. I work from a place of genuine curiosity, helping you explore what’s happening beneath the surface. Often, things are not as they first appear, and my role is to help you uncover, understand, and gently challenge the patterns or beliefs that might be standing in your way.
 
I see therapy as a transformative and progressive process, where we explore possibilities together and take each next step intentionally. My hope is that clients leave therapy feeling more connected to themselves and their priorities — making choices, directing their energy, and focusing on the parts of life that feel truly meaningful and aligned with who they are.
 
I bring over 20 years of experience in the helping professions, with 13 years as a practicing therapist. I’ve worked in schools, non-profit organizations, private practice, and public service, gaining insight into the many ways people navigate challenges.My areas of specialty include trauma, grief and bereavement (including complicated or traumatic loss), occupational stress injuries such as burnout and compassion fatigue, eating disorders and disordered eating, and perinatal concerns, including infertility, pregnancy, and infant loss. Whatever challenge you bring, my goal is to create a safe, supportive environment where we can explore your experiences, uncover strengths, and develop strategies to help you move forward with confidence, resilience, and a renewed sense of meaning.

I have a Master of Counselling degree. Prior to being a Registered Provisional Psychologist, I practiced as Certified Counsellor for 13 years. I have advanced training in EMDR Therapy, approaches to grief and bereavement therapy, Prolonged Exposure Therapy, Play Therapy, as well as Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. 

I work with youth aged 8 and up, adults of all ages, parents, and families. I also have significant experience working with first responders. 

My areas of specialty include:

I’ve come to know that how I think things are going to go, is likely not how things are going to go. I’ve had to let go in the face of big disappointments and grieve huge losses. I’ve also had to find a way to embrace the surprises of life that have come my way. Whether it be through doing my own therapy work, traipsing around the dog park, or finding comfort in connection, I seem to find a way through. By no means has my path been linear and I wouldn’t wish it any other way. 

I am available Tuesday 9:00am- 2:30pm, Wednesday 9:00am-2:30pm, and Thursday’s 3:00pm- 8:00pm

Fees for counselling are $200 per hour. A therapy hour is considered 50 minutes. I am available for a free 15-minute virtual meet and greet to determine if we’re a good fit. Please see our fees section for more details.

Sara@monarchpsychology.com

Book Now

SARA LAPP-SMELSKI

Registered Provisional Psychologist (she/her)

Hi, I'm Sara.

*Not accepting new clients
 
Life can throw experiences at us that shake our sense of who we are, challenge our worth, or make us question where we belong. These experiences are universal — no one is immune — but the ways we process and respond to them are deeply personal. I work from a place of genuine curiosity, helping you explore what’s happening beneath the surface. Often, things are not as they first appear, and my role is to help you uncover, understand, and gently challenge the patterns or beliefs that might be standing in your way.
 
I see therapy as a transformative and progressive process, where we explore possibilities together and take each next step intentionally. My hope is that clients leave therapy feeling more connected to themselves and their priorities — making choices, directing their energy, and focusing on the parts of life that feel truly meaningful and aligned with who they are.
 
I bring over 20 years of experience in the helping professions, with 13 years as a practicing therapist. I’ve worked in schools, non-profit organizations, private practice, and public service, gaining insight into the many ways people navigate challenges.My areas of specialty include trauma, grief and bereavement (including complicated or traumatic loss), occupational stress injuries such as burnout and compassion fatigue, eating disorders and disordered eating, and perinatal concerns, including infertility, pregnancy, and infant loss. Whatever challenge you bring, my goal is to create a safe, supportive environment where we can explore your experiences, uncover strengths, and develop strategies to help you move forward with confidence, resilience, and a renewed sense of meaning.

I have a Master of Counselling degree. Prior to being a Registered Provisional Psychologist, I practiced as Certified Counsellor for 13 years. I have advanced training in EMDR Therapy, approaches to grief and bereavement therapy, Prolonged Exposure Therapy, Play Therapy, as well as Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. 

I work with youth aged 8 and up, adults of all ages, parents, and families. I also have significant experience working with first responders. 

My areas of specialty include:

I’ve come to know that how I think things are going to go, is likely not how things are going to go. I’ve had to let go in the face of big disappointments and grieve huge losses. I’ve also had to find a way to embrace the surprises of life that have come my way. Whether it be through doing my own therapy work, traipsing around the dog park, or finding comfort in connection, I seem to find a way through. By no means has my path been linear and I wouldn’t wish it any other way. 

I am available Tuesday 9:00am- 2:30pm, Wednesday 9:00am-2:30pm, and Thursday’s 3:00pm- 8:00pm

Fees for counselling are $200 per hour. A therapy hour is considered 50 minutes. I am available for a free 15-minute virtual meet and greet to determine if we’re a good fit. Please see our fees section for more details.

Sara@monarchpsychology.com

Book Now