Sarah Janssen, BSW, RSW (she/her), is a Master of Social Work (MSW) student joining us from January to August 2025 for her clinical placement. Although she is a master’s-level student, Sarah is already a practicing professional as a Registered Social Worker (RSW) in the field.
During her clinical placement, she will be offering individual therapy for anyone over the age of 13, specializing in helping teens and young adults navigate anxiety, ADHD, trauma, and interpersonal challenges. With strength-based, clinically proven, and structured approaches, Sarah customizes each session to suit your specific needs and goals, ensuring therapy feels meaningful and empowering.
When she’s not in the office, you can find her exploring new hiking trails with her dog or diving into her latest fantasy novel.
Clinical Intern Fee Information:
The standard rate is $80 per hour, with lower fee options and pro bono services available based on financial and personal circumstances. Clients can claim session fees under Sarah’s clinical supervisor’s license, which will be included in their receipts. Taxes do not apply to clinical services provided by RSWs.
Professional & Clinical Experience:
Sarah is currently working at Kids Help Phone as a counsellor, where she provides crisis intervention and therapeutic support to children and teens facing a variety of challenges, including mental health concerns, family dynamics, and social pressures. Through this role, she has honed her ability to deliver compassionate and effective support in high-pressure situations, ensuring that young people feel heard and validated during their most vulnerable moments.
In addition, Sarah has worked extensively in the addiction and family violence sectors, where she gained invaluable hands-on experience addressing complex issues such as substance use, trauma, and safety planning. She has supported individuals and families in navigating these challenges with empathy and a strengths-based approach, empowering them to build resilience and work toward meaningful change.
In these fast-paced environments, Sarah has primarily focused on short-term, solution-focused counseling, skillfully helping individuals manage immediate crises and set realistic, actionable goals. Now, she’s excited to bring her expertise to Intersections Therapy Collective, where she can foster longer-term therapeutic relationships. Her approach is tailored to each client’s unique needs, focusing on sustainable growth and lasting change over time.
Areas of Clinical Focus:
Sarah focuses on the following clinical areas, but not limited to:
- Anxiety, depression, and other mild-to-moderate mental health concerns
- Interpersonal and romantic relationship difficulties, including negative attachment patterns and maladaptive behavioral patterns that can impact communication and connection
- Gender- and trans-affirming care, sex-positive approaches to sexuality, and support for LGBTQIA+ challenges
- Women’s issues, including navigating societal expectations, body image concerns, gender-related challenges, career and personal life balance, and self-esteem
- Trauma-responsive care, including addressing attachment injuries within family dynamics and other relational adversities that affect emotional well-being and interpersonal functioning
- Academic pressure and life transition issues in university and college students, addressing challenges related to academic stress, career decisions, and navigating significant life changes during the transition to adulthood
Education & Training:
Sarah holds a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Carleton University, where she developed a strong foundation in social work practice, with a focus on community engagement and client-centered care. She is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work (MSW) through the University of Waterloo, where she is deepening her expertise in clinical therapy, trauma-informed care, and evidence-based interventions. Sarah’s academic training, combined with her hands-on experience, allows her to provide a holistic and compassionate approach to therapy, ensuring clients receive personalized and effective support.
Clinical Supervision:
Sarah is under the supervision of Bruno Jung-Millen, MSW, RSW (OCSWSSW, Reg# 837354), throughout her clinical placement, which provides an additional layer of support and guidance to ensure high-quality, ethical care for all of her clients.
