Who we are.
Sarah Patterson, MSW, RSW
As the Founder of Patterson Psychotherapy and Clinical Social Worker, I’ve learned through working with individuals and professionals over the last 20+ years that regardless of circumstance, everyone has the capacity to heal and become an authentic expression of their true Self. And what that means for each and every one of us is very different. The important thing is that we understand what that means to you, and we get there.
And I, too, have had to heal and change my thought patterns and emotional reactions over the years. This on-going process of healing and growth allows me to be authentic - to be comfortable in my own skin so that I can genuinely work to help you be comfortable in yours, too. You see, as a therapist, this is the heart of what I also do for others. I work to help you have the courage to look deep inside yourself for clear and compassionate understanding so you can respond to your emotions and life circumstances with more acceptance and inner peace.
So what’s next? I have three main areas of focus: psychotherapy, education and consultation, each designed to reach and help individuals and/or professionals. Each comes with its own area of focus and growth, and they all work to help build and maintain positive momentum in life toward unlocking potential.
Dr. Amy Wojtowicz, Ph.D., C.Psych
I am a Clinical Psychologist with a specialization in maternal mental health. I have a special interest in working with pregnant and postpartum women who are struggling with depression, anxiety, or trauma-related disorders. Utilizing best practice approaches, I also provide support, compassion, and encouragement for women experiencing infertility, pregnancy loss, and birth and reproductive trauma. Additionally, I support women who have been parenting for a while and feel burnt out, depleted, short-fused and overwhelmed.
I also support women who have raised children and are struggling with the transition after years of child-rearing come to an end. If you are a mom or interested in becoming a mom, and you are struggling with feeling overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, guilty, or burnt out, there are treatments available that can help.
The journey of motherhood often comes with unexpected challenges, uncertainty, vulnerability, shifts in identity, feelings of inadequacy, and other worrisome emotions. When our parenting journey does not meet our expectations, we can sometimes feel depressed, overwhelmed, hopeless, fearful, and ashamed. I aim to provide a space where women feel safe to fully express their pain without judgment. Utilizing empirically supported techniques, I help clients reengage in their life, clarify their values, modify unhelpful thinking patterns, cope with intense emotions, communicate more effectively, enhance problem solving skills, and achieve greater acceptance. I am passionate about helping women increase self-awareness, enhance self-compassion, and rediscover their innate wisdom and capacity for growth and healing. I strongly believe that asking for help shows courage and strength. I look forward to connecting with you.
Danielle Dominick, MSW, RSW, MEd
I am a Registered Social Worker with a special interest in women’s mental health, career change and development, stress management, life transitions and self-esteem. My approach to therapy is to act as a witness and guide to your journey and to help you ask good questions, clarify problems, and write new stories about your life.
I have had a long career in education as a secondary school teacher, including work in alternative schools and work with international, newcomer and refugee students and families.
My curiosity about the human condition and my desire to grow and find more ease and joy led me to mindfulness, meditation, and spiritual thinkers across traditions that have helped me along the way. I incorporate these traditional healing modalities into my work with clients.
Meghan Hamilton, MSW, RSW, MA
I am a Registered Social Worker specializing in work with children, youth and families. For many years I have worked as a children's mental health counsellor and school Social Worker. As well, after having my own children I became very interested in women's experiences of pregnancy, labour and postpartum, and their relationship to our mental health. I have a special interest in supporting families around school-related struggles, divorce, family conflict, attachment disruptions, perinatal mental health, loss and grief.
Being a child or teen is often a stressful and confusing time of life, it is easy to feel anxious, overwhelmed and alone. Similarly, infant, child and teen behaviour can be hard to understand, causing parents frustration, stress and worry. When these strong emotions take over it can be hard to find the next right step, this is where therapy can be helpful.
In my approach, I aim to create a compassionate and non-judgmental space, understanding we all have a good reason for why we do the things we do. I like to spend time really getting to know you and your family's story. Together we can uncover the gems that are already there, build insight, strengthen connection, and develop new healthy patterns to help you reach your goals. It is my hope that I can be a helpful guide for you and your family through your journey.
Lorraine Jeffrey, MSW, RSW
I am a Registered Social Worker who was drawn to the profession because I remember that life can be hard sometimes and it is good to have someone to talk to who can help us process, talk through and get to the other side of some hard things.
I use a strength based, compassionate approach to assist individuals, couples and families on their journey to walk through life’s issues and challenges to get to a place of calm and ease. We all, at times, need support through life’s up and downs.
Some of the areas I can support you with include; navigating life transitions (personal & career), interpersonal relationships, experiences of separation and loss, childhood trauma healing and personal self development. I am also open to incorporate meditation and mindfulness practices in our work together.