Sandra Osazuwa-Ugbene
MA, Doctoral Candidate
VANIER SCHOLAR (2021)
Clinical therapist
(Under supervision)
My work is grounded in an interest in how culture, identity, community, and broader social contexts shape mental health and psychological care. Across my clinical, research, and teaching experiences, I have been especially drawn to questions of mental health equity and culturally integrative approaches to psychotherapy, particularly within Black and African communities.
I am currently completing my PhD in Clinical & Counselling Psychology at the University of Toronto (OISE), where my doctoral research explores Black mental health practitioners’ integration of African Healing Traditions with Western psychotherapy.
Clinical Experience
My clinical training has included psychotherapy, psychological assessment, consultation, and interdisciplinary care across outpatient, hospital, and community settings. I completed my psychology residency at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), with rotations in the Health & Wellness Centre and Complex Care & Recovery – Concurrent Disorders Psychosis.
I currently provide psychotherapy and psychological assessment to adults under the supervision of registered psychologists through Oakville Centre for Cognitive Therapy and Layla Care. My approach to therapy is humanistic, integrative, and culturally responsive, drawing on CBT, DBT, ACT, and motivational interviewing where helpful.
Research & Scholarship
My research examines mental health equity and culturally integrative approaches to psychological care, particularly within Black and African communities. My doctoral research explores Black mental health practitioners’ integration of African Healing Traditions with Western psychotherapy, building on my master’s research examining African community perspectives on culturally integrative psychotherapy. I have also contributed to research examining immigration, systemic racism, and child welfare through the Border(ing) Practices research program at the University of Toronto.
Community Advocacy
My academic and professional work has also been shaped by longstanding involvement in equity-focused community and student initiatives. Across my training, I have held leadership and advocacy roles focused on supporting Black students and other historically underserved communities. In 2021, I was awarded a Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship in recognition of my doctoral research, academic record, and leadership.