Melodie Sanford, MA, MSc,
Registered Psychologist & Certified Sex Therapist
To my therapeutic practice, I bring over 20 years of experience working in mental health and have been a Registered Psychologist since 2009. I have a Master of Arts in Professional Counselling, a Master of Science in Public Health, and have completed the Sex Therapist Certification training through the Sex Therapy Training Institute (STTI), and am an AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counsellors, and Therapists) Certified Sex Therapist. I also hold extensive experience in psychological assessments and have been qualified to provide Expert Witness testimony in court proceedings.
ABOUT ME
I have often been asked what drew me to psychology. My answer, while not particularly unique among others in my profession, is that I have a genuine desire to help people. My early experience in counselling clients of sexual assault, abuse, and harassment was a major source of inspiration. Throughout this work, combined with the myriad of complex issues I have worked on with my clients since that time, I have seen firsthand the capacity not only for survival, but one’s ability to overcome, transform, and thrive. I find value in supporting others in finding the best direction for where they want to be in their lives, engaging new patterns of thinking, alleviating suffering, and shoring up my clients as they lift the burdens that are holding them down.
I work with individuals, couples, and families experiencing a wide range of difficulties. Over the years I have been afforded the opportunity to work with clients who come from a diverse span of cultures, abilities, religions, and identities, fostering my ongoing commitment to holding a space for my clients that is inclusive and safe.
I hold a profound respect for meeting my clients where they are at and customize my therapeutic approach according to the needs of the individual. Embracing an eclectic approach, I draw on a number of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural, Emotionally-Focused, Solution-Focused, Family Systems, and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy. In addition, I have specified training and am very experienced working with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), the Gottman Couples Therapy model, Emotion Focused Therapy for Couples . I am also heavily committed to ongoing education and certifications in the pursuit of expanding my knowledge to best help my clients.
Outside of my professional practice, I spend time connecting with friends and loved ones, am an avid reader, can spend hours puzzling, and enjoy time in the mountains. Travelling internationally is a passion and something that I never tire of – exploring new cities and cultures has created opportunities for understanding others in ways that enlighten me as a person and that I also bring to my practice.
CERTIFICATIONS & ADDITIONAL TRAININGS
AASECT Certified Sex Therapist
Sex Therapist Certification Training (through STTI)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) (Level 1)
Gottman Couples Therapy Level I and II Clinical Training
Emotion Focused Therapy for Couples (Externship and Core Skills)
Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention
Suicide and Crisis Intervention
Family Violence Intervention
Self-Injury Intervention
Dealing with Manipulative People Intervention
ASSOCIATIONS/AFFILIATIONS
College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP)
Psychologists’ Association of Alberta (PAA)
Canadian Register for Health Service Providers in Psychology (CRHSPP)
American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counsellors, and Therapists (AASECT)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Canada