Sara Notenboom

About Me

From a very young age, I’ve been drawn to supporting others in their struggles, helping them find light in the darker corners of their lives. This work feels less like a profession and more like a calling, a natural extension of who I am and how I move through the world.

A defining part of my own journey is that I was born with Cerebral Palsy (CP). Living with CP has profoundly shaped the way I see life, struggle, and resilience. Because of it, I know what it means to feel vulnerable, to live with challenges that can make you feel different or limited. I also know, deeply, what it takes to find and build internal strength—to discover courage, persistence, and meaning in the face of difficulty.

This lived experience is one of the reasons I became a therapist. It taught me that while pain and struggle are part of life, so too is the capacity for healing, growth, and joy. It gave me not only empathy for others but also a conviction: that with the right support, every person has the potential to move through hardship and reconnect with their true self.

At the heart of my practice is this belief: every person holds within them the capacity for healing, resilience, and transformation. Life’s challenges—whether trauma, loss, or disconnection—can obscure that inner strength, but it never disappears. My role is to create a safe and supportive space where your emotions are welcomed, your experiences are honored, and your authentic self can re-emerge.

Your truth, your story, and your presence matter. You are inherently valuable, lovable, and worthy—without exception. My deepest joy is helping you reclaim this truth, so you can live more fully, freely, and connected to both yourself and the people you love.

My Therapeutic Approach

I am Level 2 trained in Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) and am currently working toward certification. AEDP is a healing-oriented model that emphasizes safety, deep emotional processing, and the power of secure connection to undo aloneness. It is rooted in the belief that when we feel truly seen, understood, and supported, profound transformation becomes possible—not just in how we think, but in how we feel and live.

My therapeutic style is warm, grounded, and down-to-earth. I believe good therapy allows us both to show up as real human beings, without pretense. I hold space with compassion and curiosity, and I frequently “check in” to ensure that our work feels attuned, safe, and aligned with your goals. My approach is collaborative—you are the expert on your own life, and together we create the conditions for your healing to unfold.

Clinical Issues I Work With

Over the years, I have had the privilege of supporting people through a wide range of life experiences and challenges. Some of the clinical areas I work with include:

• Relational and Complex Trauma

• Childhood Abuse and Neglect

• Self-Esteem and Self-Worth

• Grief and Loss

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Anger and Emotional Regulation

• Life Transitions

Clinical Training

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, and I am a member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) as a Registered Psychotherapist.

I am committed to ongoing professional growth and regularly invest in specialized training to ensure the people I work with receive the highest quality of care. My training includes:

• Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) – Level 2, working toward certification

• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for Couples and Individuals (EFIT)

• Narrative Therapy

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Grief and Bereavement

• Working with Survivors of Childhood Trauma and Abuse

• Self-Compassion Practices

A Bit About Me

Outside of the therapy room, I turn to the things that keep me grounded and inspired. I believe that nature is inherently healing, and time outdoors continually restores me. Travel sparks my curiosity and opens me to new ways of seeing the world. I have a lifelong love of music, and while many artists move me, Van Halen has always been my favourite—their energy reminds me of joy, freedom, and resilience. I’m also a tea enthusiast and someone who treasures the beauty of spontaneous human connection—those small, unexpected moments that remind us of our shared humanity.

These passions keep me connected to joy and presence, and they infuse my work with authenticity, openness, and hope.

It is truly my deepest honour to support others in their journeys of healing, growth, and transformation.

If you have any further questions, please connect with me at sara@thesacredself.ca