+1 587-487-0774 Edmonton, Alberta info@saocounselling.ca

  • Telepsychology

How Can I Help?

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Individual Therapy

Therapy for anything from anxiety and depression to phobias and anger management

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Couples and Family Therapy

Supports for each member to be able to have a voice and understand one another better in order to move forward

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Child Centered Therapy

For children struggling with daily life challenges, parental separation, behaviour issues or diagnoses

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Self-Compassion Coaching

For those who want to work on negative self-talk, doubt and low self-esteem

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Online (Virtual) Therapy

Secure online video conferencing connects you to me in a fast, effective and convenient way

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Trauma Counselling

For anyone who has experienced or witnessed a Traumatic event

Hello! I'm
Sana Atiq-Omar
M.A., CCC

Life is not always easy and it can affect our psychological health and wellbeing. With the use of a client centered approach supported by evidence-based science, we can develop a plan together to help ease some of those struggles.
I have extensive experience working with people from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds, and treating clients with a trauma background. I believe that you are the expert of your life. My therapeutic approach is integrative, utilizing a combination of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectic Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, art and play therapy.
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Recent Articles

Our Blogs

9 June 2023

5 Common Myths

We have seen a recent increase in awareness around mental health and the importance of counseling on social media. This has no doubt helped many of us learn about ourselves and the impact of our environment and the people we interact with on our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. However, the stigma around mental health […]

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19 June 2020

Promoting diversity and inclusion in your home

I’ve been receiving many calls from parents feeling anxious, overwhelmed and helpless lately. We live in a beautifully diverse country with people from all different cultures and backgrounds. Many are concerned about their mental health and wellbeing, while many others are wondering how to best support their friends and loved ones given the current climate. […]

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29 April 2020

We are all in the same storm, but not in the same boat

The following reflections were shared on social media a few days ago, with an unknown author. The writer portrays beautifully how different our journeys are, despite us all going through this difficult time together. There is nothing wrong with being in either boat, but the key is recognizing that we are not all equipped with […]

Read More

  • Individual Therapy
    starting from

  • $ 180
    Per Session

    Sliding scale available

  • Services

    • Individual Therapy
    • Couples and Family Therapy
    • Child Centered Therapy
    • Self-Compassion Coaching
    • Online (Virtual) Therapy
    • Trauma Counselling
    • Post-Divorce Support
    • Parent Consultation
    • Art Therapy
  • Book an Appointment

  • Couple's & Family Therapy
    starting from

  • $ 220
    Per Session

    Sliding scale available

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Why would I need to talk to a therapist?

  • When your life struggles have gotten too big to handle on your own, you may consider talking to a therapist. Talk therapy can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, regain balance after a loss and can help provide perspective.
  • I believe that just like everyone benefits from having a good family doctor, a dentist and a mechanic, they would certainly benefit from talking to a therapist from time to time.
  • A therapist is a neutral third party, who can provide valuable insight.
  • If you are suffering from physical symptoms that aren’t easing with other treatments (stomach or headaches, muscle tension and fatigue), you may need to see a therapist

  • There is no referral needed to book with me! Simply click on the book an appointment tab or contact me directly if you have any questions.

  • The first session, or intake, is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and why you are seeking therapy. We talk a little about your personal history as well as your current situation. Generally, a first session consists of your therapist asking you questions about you.
  • What to bring
    • You may want to prepare questions for your therapist, or a list of topics you really want to discuss
    • Your signed consent and confidentiality form (emailed to you upon booking)

  • This depends on what you are currently experiencing and the treatment plan we come up with together.
  • This is your therapy and you get to choose what works best for you and your lifestyle. If you are in crisis then we might need to plan weekly therapy sessions. Once you feel your symptoms are more stable, then you may want to move to biweekly sessions.

  • I understand that life happens and sometimes you can’t make it to your appointment. I have a 24-hour cancellation policy. As long as you reschedule your appointment before that time frame, you won’t be charged anything. The charge is 100% of your session if you miss your appointment without notice, or cancel within the 24-hour period.

  • I practice from a perspective that one size does not fit all. Therefore, I may use a mix of modalities depending on your needs. I often utilize Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as the tools offered in these disciplines work well with a variety of issues. However, I cater the session to my clients’ specific needs, using various other methods when necessary including, but not limited to, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), art therapy, mindfulness, person centered and somatic techniques.

  • The generally rule is: what happens in therapy stays in therapy. However, there a few instances when my confidentiality is limited by the law.
    • Harm to self or others- if a therapist feels that you are in imminent danger of harming yourself or others, they are obligated to either report that to the police or call an ambulance or a family member.
    • A minor child or vulnerable person is in danger- when disclosure of this nature is made, therapists will notify Child and Family Services.
    • Your files are subpoenaed
  • Confidentiality is carried out into the general community as well. If I see you outside of session (at the mall or a restaurant), I don’t want to put you in a situation where you have to explain to someone how you know me, and so I will always wait for a client to make first contact. I will never be offended if you don’t want to say hello!
  • Please also be cognizant that we are generally communicating over video conferencing. I ensure you that I will always be in a space where you cannot be heard by others, just as I would be if you were to come into my office for a face to face appointment. I also ask that you be in a similar space where you are not heard or seen by others so that we can maintain confidentiality.

  • "I've never been able to talk about my complex traumas out loud with anyone before, and I'm glad I am finally dealing with it now. I have a long way to go before I'm healed but thank you Sana for helping me get started!"

    D.A. (age 46)

  • "I didn't believe in talk therapy when I first started and was very skeptical. I have been able to talk about things I have never told anyone, from insecurities to relationship issues and work problems. I'm so glad I stuck with you and with therapy!"

    I.Z. (age 32)

  • "I've bottled up things that I wasn't even aware of. You've called me out on things nobody has ever done before, and I'm grateful to finally learn how to cope better. Thank you!"

    Anonymous (age 32)

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