“I think one of the most common misconceptions about mental health is that it represents weakness, or is the ‘fault’ of the individual… that if you only did more, worked harder, or were more positive, or less sensitive, then the hardship wouldn’t exist. And that simply isn’t true. I believe context is central to mental health, and I make room for the role of systemic injustices, cultural clashes, and the ails of the body in understanding anyone I work with.” -Dr. Sabina Sarin

I have nearly 20 years of training and over 20 years experience working in the treatment of trauma (Complex Trauma, Developmental/ Attachment Trauma), sexual difficulties (desire, arousal/ pleasure, orgasm, pain), body image/ eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, BED), mood difficulties (anxiety, depression, grief), identity struggles, and relationship difficulties (e.g., communication challenges, infidelity, anxiety around intimacy).

I employ a non-hierarchical, humanistic, systems-based and dynamic approach to therapy, rooted in trauma informed care, and incorporating empirically supported techniques from Cognitive Behavioural(CBT), Mindfulness (MBSR and MBCT) and Somatic Therapies (SE, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Brainspotting, Somatic Attachment Work), Movement and Expressive Arts Practices, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Insight and Acceptance Oriented Practices. One of my passions is in helping people get in touch with their bodies to feel and express their truth (“the body keeps the score” - van der Kolk, B.), and to transform their pain. We bring this embodied spirit into the process of re(negotiating) intimacy and safety in all kinds of relationships, always looking for where there is curiousity, enthusiastic consent, and pleasure. Another passion for me is in empowering BIPOC to find their way forward in today’s world, without sacrificing their culture(s), ancestry or truth, or assimilating - where they would rather shine.

“Safe spaces are not latent, they are constructed”. In therapy, I work with each client to co-create a safe, “real”, and empowering space, rooted in principles of transparency, authenticity, choice, and non judgement, where we can safely delve into challenging spaces and explore hard questions, building the skills and confidence necessary to make desired changes. 

To date, I have worked with individuals, couples, families and groups, ranging in age from early adolescence to late adulthood. I have worked as a psychologist and clinical teaching supervisor in multiple public hospitals (CAMH -Toronto; MUHC, Douglas, Jewish General - Montreal), clinics, and private settings within Canada and the United States.

Teletherapy or in person sessions are offered. My rate is $225/ hour for a 55 minute session, $250 for a 75 minute session, $300 for a 90 minute session.

Featured References:

Sarin, S. Amsel, R. & Binik, Y.M. (2015). A Streetcar Named Derousal? A Psychophysiological Examination of the Desire-Arousal Distinction in Sexually Functional and Dysfunctional Women. Journal of Sex Research, 53, 1-19.

Sarin, S. Amsel, R. & Binik, Y.M. (2014). How Hot Is He? A Psychophysiological and Psychosocial Examination of the Arousal Patterns of Healthy and Dysfunctional Men. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 11, 1725-1740.

Sarin, S., Amsel, R., & Binik, Y.M. (2013). Disentangling Desire and Arousal: A classificatory conundrum. Archives of Sexual Behaviour, 42, 1079-1100.

Wiederman, M. & Sarin, S. (2014). Body Image and Sexuality. In Y.M. Binik & K. Hall (Eds.), Principles and Practices of Sex Therapy, 5th Edition, Guilford Press.