Sonita Goehring
As one of the few clinicians in Medicine Hat who is both a Certified Play Therapist (CAPT), and an EMDR Certified Therapist (EMDRIA), I offer a deeply specialized, developmentally sensitive approach that helps children process experiences safely, build emotional regulation, and strengthen parent-child relationships.
Specializing in Trauma-Informed Therapy for Children, Teens & Families
“Healing begins where the heart is, and every journey deserves a guiding light.”
I am committed to providing compassionate counselling services that empower individuals and families to find their path to mental well-being. With a career spanning over 30 years and holding a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, I have dedicated myself to the field of mental health. As a Registered Social Worker with the Alberta College of Social Workers (2000). I am qualified to provided specialized psychosocial interventions. I am a Certified Canadian Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.
A Deep Commitment to Community Wellness
I love what I do. It is a privilege to support families through play, compassion and connection. I am always inspired by the courage and resilience of the children, youth, and families that I serve. My empathetic approach creates a safe and nurturing environment where you can explore your challenges and work towards healing.
Tailored and Personalized
At the heart of my practice is a deep commitment to helping children, adolescents, and families thrive. My goal is to create a warm, inclusive, and nurturing space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported. I believe in the transformative power of therapeutic relationships, tailoring my methods to meet the unique needs of each client through personalized, evidence-based care.
“my office is A calm space where growth feels safe and healing feels possible.”
Nestled on Aberdeen Street, my office reflects a rich historical legacy, constructed in 1906.
Surrounded by charming old brick apartments and local shops, the building has been thoughtfully renovated to provide a warm and inviting environment dedicated to health and healing.
This serene setting enhances the therapeutic experience, allowing visitors to feel safe and at ease.
Professional Journey and Academia
I am a Certified EMDR Therapist with EMDRIA and a Certified Play Therapist with the Canadian Association for Play Therapy, offering specialized support to children, youth, and families. My educational journey began at Medicine Hat College in 1992, followed by a Bachelor of Arts and Science in psychology and sociology from the University of Lethbridge. With 19 years of experience at Alberta Health Services Addiction and Mental Health, I have honed my skills in supporting diverse populations. I am also a Certified Canadian Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.
In 2017, I earned my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. As a Registered Social Worker, I am authorized to provide restricted psychosocial interventions, I am a Certified Play Therapist (CAPT) and an EMDR Certified Therapist (EMDRIA).
Along with my play therapy expertise, I incorporate EMDR therapy and Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) into my work. These approaches allow me to support clients in building emotional resilience, understanding, and empathy. I am committed to fostering empathy within families, using tailored therapies to create safe spaces for healing and connection.
With a strong foundation in both professional experience and continuous education, my approach combines trauma-informed care and evidence-based strategies to empower clients and strengthen relationships.
Training & Credentials
EDUCATION
Master of Arts Counselling Psychology 2017
Bachelor of Arts & Science 1996
EMDR Therapy Training
EMDR Certification with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing International Association – 2023
- EMDR In Play Therapy – Creative Interventions for Bereaved Children, Ways to Support Parents and Caregivers in Play Therapy – Play Therapy Resources – EMDRIA Approved – 2025
- EMDR with Resistant Teens and their Caregivers: Healing Attachment Wounds and Managing Dissociation Symptoms, Annie Monaco, LCSW, RPT-S and Nicole Wolasz, LCSW-R, – EMDRIA Approved – 2024
- EMDR Therapy Training, Sue Genest BA (1st class Honours), MSc in Counselling Psychology, CCC. RCC – EMDRIA Approved – 2023
Play Therapy Training
Certified Play Therapist with the Canadian Association For Play Therapy (CAPT) – April 2025
- EMDR In Play Therapy – Creative Interventions for Bereaved Children, Ways to Support Parents and Caregivers in Play Therapy – Play Therapy Resources – EMDRIA Approved – 2025
- Trauma-informed play-based grounding and soothing tools workshop – Nicole Wolasz, LCSWR – 2025
- Essential Somatic Therapeutic Tools for Challenging Clients – Annie Monaco, Ann Beckley-Forest – 2025
- TraumaPlay™ Level 1 – TraumaPlay Institute, Paris Goodyear-Brown – 2025
- 5th Annual Innovative Child Therapy Symposium – Jackie Flynn – experts include: Lynn Louise Wonders, Terry Kottman, Lisa Dion, Liana Lowenstein, Katy May, Ana Gomez, Paris Goodyear–Brown – 2024
- Happy Family Conference – Some of the speakers included: Dr. Kristen Neff, Dr. Daniel Seigel, and Dr. Ann Louise Lockhart. – 2023
- Enter the Metaphorical Journey: Inquiry Skills for Play Therapists – Intermediate – Rocky Mountain Play Therapy Institute – 2022
- Yellow Stream Certificate in Sandplay with Special Populations using Play Therapy Skills and Techniques – Rocky Mountain Play Therapy Institute – 2021
- Red Stream Certificate Advanced Theories and Techniques of Play Therapy – Rocky Mountain Play Therapy Institute- 2020
- Green Stream Certificate Foundations of Play Therapy – Rocky Mountain Play Therapy Institute – 2020
Dawn Psychological Services
- Counselling Ethics: Writing Ethical, Useful, and Efficient Session Notes – 2023
- Ethics Consent Training – Intermediate Level – 2023
- Ethics: The Consent Process In Counselling – 2023
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Engagement, Assessment and Planning with Young People: The DNA-V Approach – 2025
- ACT for PTSD and Trauma – 2017
- ACT for Beginners – 2016
Emotion Focused Family Therapy
- Application of Emotion-Focused Family Therapy for ASD – 2022
- Emotion-Focused Family Therapy – I don’t want my parents involved! Or do I? – 2022
- What to Say When Nothing Seems to Work: EFFT Caregiver Workshop for Eating Disorders – 2021
- Teaching Emotion Coaching to Caregivers Using Didactic & Experiential Techniques – 2021
- Working Through Challenging or Conflictual Co-parenting Dynamics – 2021
- Emotion-Focused Family Therapy Core Clinician Training – 2015
The International Centre for Children and Family Law
- Working With “High Conflict” Separated and Divorced Families. – 2017
Associations
- Alberta College of Social Workers – Certificate #3839
- Canadian Association of Play Therapy – SM-AB-1880
- Canadian Counselling & Psychotherapy Association – #11250485
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Ready to Take the First Step?
Your journey towards healing and growth begins with a simple conversation. I offer a 15-minute free consultation to help you explore how my services can support your unique needs and goals.