Sagal Jayte

Professional Details

Full Name & Credentials

Sagal Jayte, MACP, Registered Provisional Psychologist

Professional Title

Registered Provisional Psychologist

Educational Background

I am a Registered Provisional Psychologist with a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and a Bachelor of Arts from MacEwan University. I was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, while my parents immigrated to Canada in the late 1980s. Growing up, I learned the importance of community, resilience, and supporting others through life's challenges. Those values continue to shape the way I approach therapy today. My education and clinical training have given me a strong foundation in evidence-based therapy, but one of the biggest things I've learned is that no two people experience life in exactly the same way. That's why I believe therapy should be collaborative, practical, and tailored to the individual sitting in front of me.

Core Clinical Specialties

Anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, ADHD, self-esteem, stress, relationship concerns, life transitions, and trauma-informed care.

Client Populations You Serve

Children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families.

Clinical Concerns You Focus on Most

Anxiety, emotional regulation, ADHD, relationship challenges, stress, burnout, self-esteem, life transitions, grief, and trauma.

Non-Clinical Concerns

Building confidence, improving communication, strengthening relationships, managing stress, navigating cultural identity, and personal growth.

Trainings & Certifications

My primary clinical approach is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which helps clients understand how their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours influence one another. I also incorporate principles from Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) when appropriate, allowing clients to better understand themselves and strengthen their relationships.

As a ShiftGrit clinician, I also use the ShiftGrit Core Method™. I appreciate its structured approach because it helps us organize therapy into clear steps while exploring the experiences that continue to influence present-day patterns. I believe therapy is most helpful when clients leave with both insight and practical tools they can use outside the therapy room.

Specialized Experience

Before becoming a psychologist, I worked in several areas of mental health and crisis support. I provided psychosocial support with the Canadian Red Cross following natural disasters and worked on an addictions and mental health crisis line supporting people during some of their most difficult moments. These experiences taught me the importance of remaining calm, listening without judgment, and helping people find hope even during overwhelming situations.

ShiftGrit Core Method™ & Clinical Approach

How do you use the ShiftGrit Core Method™?

I like that the ShiftGrit Core Method™ provides a clear roadmap while still leaving room for each client's unique story. Together, we'll work to understand the patterns behind your current challenges and the beliefs that may be keeping those patterns going. From there, we'll focus on creating new ways of responding that better support the life you want to build. I believe clients benefit from understanding the "why" behind therapy, so I aim to make the process collaborative and transparent from the very beginning.

My Favourite Aspect of the Method

One of my favourite parts of the ShiftGrit approach is that it helps clients make sense of themselves. So often, people come into therapy believing something is wrong with them. I appreciate that this model encourages us to approach those experiences with curiosity instead of judgment. When clients begin to understand how earlier experiences can shape present-day reactions, many find they have more compassion for themselves and a clearer path toward change.

How the ShiftGrit Core Method™ Has Shaped My Therapy Philosophy

The ShiftGrit Core Method™ has reinforced my belief that meaningful change starts with understanding ourselves. Instead of rushing to solve problems, I think it's important to first understand the patterns that keep us feeling stuck. Once those patterns become clearer, therapy becomes much more intentional. Rather than simply reacting to difficult moments, clients begin to recognize what's happening, understand why it's happening, and practice responding in new ways that better reflect the life they want to build.

Adapting to Different Populations

Whether I'm working with a child, teenager, adult, couple, or family, I believe everyone wants to feel understood. I adjust my language, activities, and pace to meet each client where they are while making sure therapy feels comfortable, collaborative, and relevant to their everyday life.

Personal Background & Story

What Inspired Me to Become a Therapist

I've always been interested in people and their stories. I naturally found myself wondering why people respond to experiences differently and what helps someone heal after difficult seasons in life. Working in crisis services confirmed that this was the work I wanted to dedicate my career to. Being able to support someone during a vulnerable moment is a responsibility I don't take lightly.

A Lesson I've Carried From My Personal Life

One lesson I've learned is that healing doesn't happen overnight, and that's okay. Growth often happens through small, consistent steps that may not seem significant at first but eventually lead to meaningful change.

Something Unique About My Background

Being born and raised in Canada while growing up in an immigrant household has allowed me to appreciate different perspectives and cultures. I enjoy working with people from all backgrounds and believe everyone deserves a space where they feel respected, understood, and accepted.

Personality & Connection

For Fun

Outside of work, I enjoy travelling, trying new restaurants, spending time with family and friends, and staying active through pickleball, soccer, and volleyball. I also never say no to a good matcha.

For Self-Care

For me, self-care looks like spending quality time with the people I love, staying active, travelling when I can, and slowing down enough to recharge after a busy week.

Something Surprising About Me

I'm a bit of a fragrance enthusiast. I enjoy discovering new scents and appreciate how certain fragrances can instantly bring back memories or remind us of different places and experiences.

For Growth

I'm someone who genuinely enjoys learning. Whether it's reading about psychology, attending training, or learning from colleagues, I'm always looking for ways to continue growing as both a therapist and a person.

Therapy Style & Client Experience

People Like Working With Me Because...

People often describe me as warm, calm, and easy to talk to. I enjoy building genuine relationships with my clients while also helping them stay focused on the goals that brought them to therapy. I believe therapy works best when there's a balance of compassion and honesty, so while I'll always meet you with empathy, I'll also be direct when it's helpful. My hope is that you leave each session feeling heard, supported, and with a clearer understanding of your next step.

I Work Best With Clients Who...

I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and families who are ready to better understand themselves and create positive change. Whether you've been in therapy before or this is your first experience, we'll work together at a pace that feels comfortable.

What Clients Can Expect in a First Session

Our first session is our detective session. We'll complete a thorough intake, explore your history, relationships, current concerns, and what you'd like to get out of therapy. Together, we'll begin identifying recurring patterns and build a clear understanding of where we'll focus our work moving forward.

Passions, Inspirations & Favorites

Most Impactful Book

One of the books that has stayed with me is A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. It's a powerful reminder of resilience, hope, and the strength people can find even in incredibly difficult circumstances.

A Quote I Live By

One proverb in my language that has always resonated with me is, "Geed walba xididkiisaa lagu taagaa," meaning, "Every tree stands because of its roots." I like the reminder that understanding where we've come from can help us better understand ourselves. While we can't change the past, we can choose how we move forward.

A Psychology Topic I Enjoy Exploring

I'm especially interested in attachment, emotional regulation, and the ways our relationships shape how we see ourselves and connect with others.

Clinical Interests & Specialties

I enjoy supporting clients experiencing anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, ADHD, and emotional regulation difficulties. I also have a strong interest in helping individuals and families improve communication, strengthen relationships, and build healthier ways of coping with life's challenges.

Clinical Methods & Orientations

CBT is the primary foundation of my work because it provides practical tools clients can begin using in their daily lives. I also integrate ideas from Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) when appropriate, particularly when helping clients better understand themselves and their relationships. Combined with the ShiftGrit approach, these methods allow therapy to be both thoughtful and practical.

Growth & Professional Development

How I Stay Current

I enjoy continuing education, reading current psychology literature, and learning from supervision and consultation. I believe there's always something new to learn, and I see professional growth as an important part of providing quality care.

Future Specialization

I enjoy continuing to learn and grow as a therapist. In the future, I'd like to pursue additional training in Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). These approaches complement my interest in helping clients better understand themselves, strengthen their relationships, process difficult experiences, strengthen relationships, and continue growing.

Anything Else & Therapy Metaphor

Anything Else I'd Like People to Know

Starting therapy can feel intimidating, and reaching out is often the hardest part. One thing that's always been important to me is making people feel welcome. I hope every client who walks into my office feels respected, understood, and comfortable enough to be themselves. You don't have to have everything figured out before starting therapy. Wherever you're beginning, we'll take it one step at a time together.

How I View Therapy

I often think of therapy like tending to a garden. Some areas need care, some need patience, and some simply need the right conditions to grow. Together, we'll take time to understand what's getting in the way, build on your strengths, and create the space for growth at a pace that feels right for you.