Sandra Filippelli

While life is often filled with new experiences, times of happiness and growth, it can also come with many challenges and emotions that can be difficult to manage. I am passionate about working with children, youth, families, adults, couples, co-parenting and family transitions to help discover strengths and stretches, and to uncover the process of healing. My goals are to listen, support, and establish a safe environment and therapeutic relationship so that you feel valued, encouraged, and seek solutions to help you navigate through your challenges.

I have been an Elementary School Teacher for over 17 years with both the Coquitlam and Surrey School Districts. I have taught Grades K-7 and have been a Learning Support and Social Development Teacher. I have great knowledge and experience working with children with high emotional and academic needs, anxiety, ADHD, Autism, and severe behaviour challenges.

I have a Master of Education in School Counselling (M.Ed) from City University of Seattle (2023), a Bachelors of Education (B.Ed - 2006) and a Bachelor in Human Kinetics (B.Kin-2005), both from the University of British Columbia. 

I use several approaches in my therapeutic work including Play-based Therapy, Sand-tray Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Person Centered Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Strength Based Therapy, Attachment Theory, Emotionally Focussed Therapy (EFT), Methods from Gottman, and Family Systems. I am also trained in Basic Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) level 1.

I am on the Collaborative Divorce Vancouver Roster and I am qualified to provide Separation & Divorce Coaching, Co-Parenting Counselling and Child Specialist support.

Together we can collaborate and implement therapies that work for you in your therapeutic journey. I look forward to sharing your healing journey with you!