Dr. Sarah Benkirane,
C. Psych.

Clinical Psychologist (Interim Autonomous Practice)

I am a clinical psychologist working with children, adolescents, and adults offering psychotherapy, psychological assessment, and parent coaching. My work focuses on helping individuals better understand themselves, navigate life's challenges, and develop more meaningful relationships with themselves and others.

I work with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, emotional regulation, stress management,relationship difficulties, and life transitions. I also have a particular interest in supporting individuals navigating questions of identity, belonging, immigration, and acculturation, as well as the experiences of racialized, marginalized, neurodiverse and LGBTQ+ communities. My approach is grounded in the belief that our experiences cannot be understood in isolation from the relationships, communities, and broader social and cultural contexts that shape our lives.

I am registered with the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario as a Psychologist holding a certificate of registration authorizing interim autonomous practice. I see clients virtually across Ontario, and I am currently accepting new clients over the age of 16 years old.

Services are available in English and French.

Therapeutic approach

My therapeutic approach is integrative, drawing primarily from humanistic and cognitive behavioural therapies (CBT). I believe that meaningful change involves both developing a deeper understanding of ourselves and finding new ways of navigating the thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and relationships that shape our everyday lives.

Humanistic approaches are central to how I understand the therapeutic process. I see therapy as a collaborative space where individuals can explore their experiences with curiosity, compassion, and openness, without judgment or pressure to change before they feel ready. I also incorporate CBT to help individuals recognize patterns in their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours and develop practical strategies for responding to life's challenges.

When working with children and families, I may also integrate play-based approaches and parent coaching, adapting the therapeutic process to each child's developmental needs and family context.

Above all, I believe that therapy should be responsive to the person in front of me, rather than expecting the person to fit a particular therapeutic model.

Core Values in Therapy

I believe that therapy is, first and foremost, a human connection. Feeling genuinely heard, understood, and accepted can create the conditions for meaningful reflection, growth, and change.

My work is guided by compassionate curiosity, authenticity, and respect for each person's lived experience. I strive to create a therapeutic relationship grounded in trust, collaboration, and relational safety, where individuals feel comfortable exploring not only their difficulties, but also their strengths, identities, and aspirations.

I am particularly attentive to the ways in which culture, identity, power, and systemic inequalities shape our experiences of mental health and our relationships with others. My interest in transcultural psychology and the decolonization of psychological practice informs my commitment to providing care that is culturally responsive, inclusive, and affirming. Ultimately, my goal is to support my clients in developing a deeper understanding of themselves and a greater sense of agency in shaping their own lives.

Educational and Clinical Background

I completed my Ph.D./Psy.D. in Psychology at the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), where my doctoral research explored access to mental health services among first- and second-generation immigrants in Canada. More specifically, my research examined how social relationships and networks influence individuals' decisions and opportunities to seek psychological support.

My clinical experience spans a range of settings, including crisis intervention, school-based services and special education, community mental health, and private practice. Throughout my training and professional practice, I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults, providing psychological assessment, psychotherapy, and support to families.


We offer a free 20-minute virtual consultation to help you ask questions, explore fit, and feel confident about your next steps.

  • New clients

    If you’re interested in beginning therapy or an assessment, simply reach out. We’ll respond within two business days and guide you through the next steps.

  • Returning clients

    You can log in to your secure account at any time to book, reschedule, or cancel appointments, view upcoming sessions, and manage your account details.