Sierra Torell - Registered Provisional Psychologist
Meet Sierra…
“When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better, too”
– Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
Hello!
Hello! My name is Sierra, I am a Registered Provisional Psychologist, practicing in Stony Plain. At 14, I turned to self-help books, convinced they held the key to a better life. I devoured them one after another, hoping each would finally unlock the answers I was searching for. But instead of clarity, I found myself overwhelmed, cycling through the same advice in different words, all while feeling like I was somehow still living life wrong. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t shake the sense that I was behind, that I was missing something everyone else seemed to understand.
This experience taught me that true growth comes from trusting yourself and embracing your unique path. Now, I strive to support others facing similar challenges by providing a space to explore, heal, and discover their own answers.
As the child of a US Army family, I lived in four states and four countries and attended ten different schools. Constantly moving taught me how vital connection is; how connection can ground us when life feels shaky. I have come to learn that a single empathetic ear can offer the courage to face challenges head-on that lead to meaningful change.
Despite a lifelong dream of becoming a psychologist, I first pursued a Bachelor’s in Nursing. After realizing that my heart lay elsewhere, I made the difficult decision to shift paths. Therapy gave me the courage to chase my dreams, and after a life-changing move to New Zealand, I fully embraced my calling to help others.
Since then, I’ve worked with clients navigating self-image, identity, and self-confidence, as well as young adults grappling with the pressures of perfection. My work also extends to climate emotions like grief and anxiety, as I’ve collaborated with researchers to explore the multiple ways environmental changes impact mental health.
As a former high-performing athlete, I know the unique stresses that come with striving for excellence. Therapy has helped me break free from self-doubt, turning obstacles into milestones. I bring this understanding into my work, recognizing the courage it takes to step into a space of growth and vulnerability.
Starting therapy can feel intimidating, but you don’t have to do it alone. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, seen, and supported, a place where your story matters. Together, we’ll explore your experiences, uncover what holds you back, and build a path forward that aligns with your authentic self.
I specialize in working with teens, young adults, individuals navigating big transitions or complex emotions, as well as couples, LGBTQ+ clients, and neurodiverse individuals. Whether we’re addressing self-doubt, anxiety, relationship dynamics, or feelings of being stuck, I tailor our work to meet your unique needs. I integrate EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for those wanting to process and heal from past experiences, as well as a strengths-based approach to help you tap into your resilience.
Therapy isn’t about fixing you; you aren’t broken. It’s about finding your voice, uncovering your strengths, and learning to trust yourself. Together, we’ll navigate the messy, beautiful process of growth with compassion and curiosity.
SIERRA’S ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS
· Master of Counselling Psychology, Yorkville University, Fredericton, New Brunswick
· Bachelor of Science in Nursing, MacEwan University, Edmonton, Alberta
ASSOCIATIONS
· College of Alberta Psychologists
FURTHER TRAINING · EMDR - Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing · IFS (Internal Family Systems) Informed Therapy