Sanchia is a Psychologist Registered with the College of AlbertaPsychologists, specializing in Synergetic Play Therapy and Psychoeducational assessments.
After completing her Honours Degree in Psychology at the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa (RSA), Sanchia’s specialization with children and adolescents was affirmed during her year volunteering with a non-profit Community Art Counselling Center, Lafeika La Phodiso, in Johanesburg, RSA. Sanchia subsequently moved to Calgary, Alberta where she completed her Master of Science degree, specializing in School and Applied Child Psychology, at the University of Calgary.
The time spent serving the inner-city children of Johannesburg strengthened Sanchia’s appreciation and passion for using play and creativity when working with youth. Sensing the profound language of play, which provides children with a way express themselves, their experiences, and connect in relationships Sanchia was led to enter the realm of play therapy, where toys and games become tools for healing. In particular, Sanchia completed an additional year and a half of training to become a certified Synergetic Play Therapist.
In play therapy, the toys and play are a large part of the child’s communication, and through play therapy their internal emotional experiences and struggles (which they may not be able to express verbally) find expression. It is also within the context of play that Sanchia supports children to learn how to regulate their emotions and gain new perspective and ways of thinking. Notably, Synergetic PlayTherapy principles apply not only to children and in the context of play but also extend to teenagers with the understanding that instead of working in play, we are working in the story they bring in with them.Sanchia has witnessed the transformative power of play and successfully served clients with anxiety, emotional dysregulation, trauma, social difficulties, and those with phobias and fears. Sanchia draws on other therapeutic modalities and tailors her therapeutic interventions to meet her clients specific needs, empowering her clients to overcome obstacles. At times, this work involves working with parents to support life at home (e.g., strategies to manage behaviours and emotions). Overall, Sanchia views therapy as a journey of healing, empowerment, and connection.
Sanchia is known for her expertise with psychoeducational assessments with children, adolescents and adults to understand a range of concerns. A thorough understanding of her clients, their presenting concerns and their strengths is at the heart of Sanchia’s approach. She strives for a holistic approach taking into account factors such as sleep, diet, nutrition and environment. As with treatment, Sanchia appreciates the importance of relationship and connection with clients, and so values spending time to develop this relationship so that her clients are in an optimal test taking state.When providing recommendations for next steps, Sanchia has a strong belief in tailoring strategies to the individual client, taking into account their strengths, areas of need, interests, and what is known to support children with similar difficulties.