Sadie Smith

I am Sadie (they/them), a queer, enby, neurodiverse, immigrant, and creative being. As a young person, I found that listening to and making music were powerful sources of emotional regulation, community, connection, and healing. This realisation became the catalyst for choosing the path of music therapy, social work, and human rights. Professionally, I have practiced in clinical residential centres, community treatment and outreach, hospital outpatient settings, as well as in private practice with a diverse spectrum of clients and topics through individual therapy, partnership (couples) therapy, and group therapy. I have supported folks experiencing substance misuse, trauma, stress, anxiety, self-esteem, self-acceptance, mood disorders, personality disorders, and relationship issues. I am critical of diagnostic labels and categories. However, they can sometimes be useful for understanding the kinds of experiences I have supported people through and as a way for us to learn more about ourselves. The backbone of my practice is intersectional queer feminist theory, anti-racism, transformative justice, strengths-based therapy, Guided Imagery and Music, and trauma-informed care. My background in social work and human rights means that I believe in co-creation and that you are the expert in your life. Together, we form a therapeutic alliance based on the expertise, skills, and tools we collectively bring to our sessions to support you in understanding, navigating, and moving through life’s challenges. This also means I bring my full self and all my various identities into the therapy room, while checking my privilege and practicing critical self-awareness. This enables me to show up authentically and build honest, powerful connections with clients. I value warmth, connection, creativity, and silliness. “Normality” is a myth. Let’s use knowledge, insight, and growth to create new paths that enable ourselves and society to live more authentic lives. I am most comfortable working with clients aged 16 and up. Queer-empowering; intersectional feminist; body-positive; polyamory-affirmative. Registered K.A.P. (kink and polyamory aware professional). You are inherently worthy of human dignity and respect simply because you are human. I work in person Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons at SPARK, a queer-led space for counselling, bodywork, and therapy near Ostkreuz.