Ann Saunders
MSc, awaiting RCC designation
Connection to you
In my work with clients I like to focus on discovering and working with my client’s strengths. My belief is that everyone we meet in life teaches us a lesson, and with each interaction I come away feeling enriched and in awe of people’s resilience and inner strength. I want to help you see yourself in your own story in a new light. I work with both individuals, as well as, children & youth, and their families. I feel that my experience as an educational psychologist, as well as a counsellor, has given me a unique perspective with children and teens, and I enjoy meeting them and working with them and their families. Additionally, I believe that living and working with people from many different cultures influences and broadens my perspectives in life. I value cultural differences and beliefs and I am interested in newcomers from different parts of the world, who might find adapting to a new country challenging.
My goal is to create a space of curiosity and learning to help you find a deeper and more meaningful understanding of yourself. My hope is that through this journey together you will build a deeper connection to yourself and others that will allow you to share, risk, listen, laugh, and discover.
My Journey
I was born in Essex, England but grew up in Zimbabwe. I have always had a strong desire to to work in a career supporting others. Initially, I planned to be a nurse, but instead I became a teacher. This was a job I loved. I also embarked on my own parenting journey and had three wonderful children: two sons and a daughter. I am now blessed with 6 lovely grandchildren – all of whom I am incredibly proud and grateful to have in my life. In 1982, my husband and I moved, with our three little ones, to Oman, in the Middle East, for my husband’s work. We spent our weekends scuba diving and sunbathing on remote beaches and reveling in the warmth and hospitality of the Omani people. This was an experience like no other.
I have been very lucky to have been able to travel widely throughout my life. One memorable trip was a drive all the way up the East Coast of Africa in a 1965, short-wheel base, Toyota Landcruiser while pregnant with our last child. Our daughter was eventually born in Cahors, France. We quickly moved onwards and she adapted to the bumpy ride while being looked after in the back of the truck by her big brothers.
We were fortunate enough to emigrate to Canada in 1989, and lived in Sooke, BC on a property with 2 horses, 2 cats and a dog.
In 2016, I moved to Kimberley by myself after living in the Middle East for many years (I lived in Yemen, Qatar, Kuwait & Saudi Arabia). The people here were wonderful to this newbie, newly arrived from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia where I had previously been working for 7 years. I have built up an amazing circle of friends since moving and I regard Kimberley as my forever home.
Professional Background
After emigrating to Canada, I decided to continue my education and build on my teaching education by completing my Masters. In 2003, I graduated with an Master of Science in Counselling Psychology. Then, I went on to qualify as an Educational Psychologist. These may seem like two very different fields, but they are in many ways very complementary. It is the intersection of science (educational psychology) and creativity (counselling), and therefore, I bring both mindsets to my work with clients.
Three particular areas of interest to me are trauma, ADHD and Gender Dysphoria: I have been researching, attending courses and giving presentations on the effects of trauma for many years. It is a particular area of interest of mine. One of the modalities that is helpful is Emotional Free Therapy which is similar to EMDR. I continue to study trauma, and especially the effect of early childhood trauma which, without treatment and understanding, has a lifelong impact. Understanding the root cause of behaviors and thoughts may help the individual move forward without fear.
As an educational psychologist I have experience with childhood and adult ADHD, which is a problem that prevents individuals from achieving their goals and reaching their potential.
The third strong area of interest is Gender Dysphoria (GD) which is often a misunderstood issue, and is emotionally painful for individuals; it is the strong feeling of dissatisfaction of one’s assigned gender at birth. I look forward to helping anyone who feels out of sync with their gender.
Professional Registration
I am a member of the B.C. Association of School Psychologists, the Canadian Psychological Association and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. Membership is pending for the BCACC (RCC Designation) and the B.C. College of Psychologists.
Training and Courses
- Bachelor of Education
- Bachelor of Arts
- Master of Science in Counselling Psychology
- Licensed Educational Psychologist (BCASP #288)
- Trained in Emotional Free Therapy
- Member of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies
- Member of AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counsellors and Therapists)