Sarah Pullman, Registered Clinical Counsellor and Clinic Director
Sarah Pullman, Clinic Director and RCC-ACS (she/her)
AREAS OF FOCUS:
Anxiety
Adverse Childhood Experiences
Recovery from religious fundamentalism
Relationships
Chronic Illness or Pain
LGBTQ2SIA+
Clinical Supervision
THERAPY MODALITIES:
AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy)
Body-centered and Somatic Approaches
Emotion Focused Therapy
Polyvagal Informed Therapy / Safe and Sound Protocol
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT WHEN WORKING WITH SARAH
I am always looking for what is showing up in the present moment, so we can avoid the trap of just talking about your problems in a detached kind of way. I will ask you often what you’re noticing, in your body and your feelings and in the space between us. You will find that I am both deeply respectful of the courage it takes to come to therapy, and frankly, just to show up as a human in the world… but also that I am quick to laugh with you about the ridiculousness of it all. I am not a blank slate with my clients – I am unafraid to answer questions and to engage, and clients tell me that they feel safe because of this. Most of all, I will work hard to meet you where you’re at with understanding and a great deal of empathy.
SARAH’S EXPERIENCE & TRAINING
In 2011 I earned a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology, with a Somatic Specialization, from John F Kennedy University in California. I moved back to Canada in 2012 and started my private practice. I also started 5 years of in-depth AEDP training, which has formed the backbone of my work over the years, and which I continue to study. In 2021 I started supervising counselling students and expanded Bodymind Counselling into a group practice. I am an Approved Clinical Supervisor through the BCACC. I am currently working towards certification in AEDP, and I assist in AEDP training courses for other learning therapists. Finally, I am a trained provider of the Safe and Sound Protocol.
I have 13 years of experience counselling individuals and I am amazed and delighted at how much I still learn every year. In my original Master’s degree training, we learned a lot about trauma but literally nothing about neurodiversity. Over the years I have come to realize that many of my clients are neurodivergent and so have gained a lot of experience with those populations, at first by accident and then on purpose. I listen to a lot of audiobooks and podcasts about a wide range of topics related to my work.
See list of additional trainings below.
ON A PERSONAL NOTEI became a therapist, like many people in the field, because I had a lot to figure out about my own life and self. I’m very curious about my fellow humans, and I consider myself an ongoing work in progress. My own therapy journey has been very helpful and I’m grateful for all I’ve learned and grown.
I became a mother in 2019 and that has become a huge part of my life, of course. It also made my own personal growth work even more important and valuable! I am partnered and I know and appreciate the work that it takes to sustain a relationship through the changes of life, as well as the immense challenges of parenthood.
I love being outdoors, especially when the weather is nice. I enjoy camping, hiking, and cycling adventures, and more recently, cold dipping in the ocean. You may see me riding a cargo bike around town with my energetic pre-schooler, and if you’re curious I’ll happily tell you all about my bike!
FEESSessions with Sarah are $160 per 50 minutes, plus GST.
HOURSSarah works 9-2, Tuesday through Friday. She is not currently accepting new clients. Please check out the other counsellors on our team or ask to be matched with someone.
Relevant Professional TRAINING
AEDP Advanced Skills Module - Befriending the AEDP Triangles: Using AEDP Representational Schemas (course assistant) - 2023 - with Karen Pando Mars
Clinical Supervision Foundations - 2022 - City University (Online)
Safe and Sound Protocol Provider Training - 2021 - On Demand
AEDP Institute: Advanced Essential Skills - 2017-2018 - New York City
AEDP Institute: Core Training - 2013-2015 - Vancouver, BC
Comprehensive Resource Model (CRM) for Trauma: Basic Training - 2015 and 2016
AEDP Institute: Essential Skills Level 1 - 2012-2013 - Vancouver, BC
AEDP Institute: Immersion - 2012 - Vancouver
Pacific Center for Human Growth: Weekly training on LGBTQ counselling issues - 2011-2012
PsychoPhysical Therapy Institute: Year-long Professional Training in Somatic Psychotherapy - 2010
New Frontiers in Trauma Treatment with Bessel Van Der Kolk - 2011
Workshops and Webinars:
Leveraging Technology in Online Trauma Care - 2023 BCACC Conference - with Rochelle Sharpe-Lohrasbe
Integrating Couple Therapy & Sex Therapy in an Expansive Relational World - 2023 BCACC Conference - with Suzanne Iasenza
When there is no rope left: what to do when burnout is high and resources are low - 2023 BCACC Conference - with Natasha Files
Belonging Leads to Becoming: The Alliance in Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy - 2023 BCACC Conference - with Dr Sue Johnson
Intermediate Supervision Workshop - 2023 - with Meg Kapil
Understanding Suicide to Prevent Suicide - 2021 - with Dr E. David Klonsky
All of the counsellors at Bodymind Counselling gratefully live and practice on the lands of Lekwungen peoples, the Songhees and Esquimalt, and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples.
