“The balance of
Discipline & Joy”

One of the most powerful truths I’ve discovered on my journey is the harmony that comes from balancing discipline with joy. When these two work together, they don’t compete—they amplify one another. I share pieces of my personal and professional path to show that “locking in” on your goals doesn’t require sacrificing happiness. Instead, it creates the space to achieve both with greater ease and fulfillment.

Education

Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology
Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Doctoral Candidate in Clinical Psychology
Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Current

2023

Master of Arts in Social Psychology
Wilfrid Laurier University

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with Research Specialist Stream Minor: English
Wilfrid Laurier University

2019

2021

Speaking & Workshops

Forensic Training Workshop

Co-formulated and delivered a 12-session training to incoming forensic psychology doctoral students to prepare them to work with forensic populations. In addition to delivering training on therapeutic modalities and psychological assessments, I prioritized training on professional identity, self-care, and interpersonal dynamics.

Workshop Entitled: Let’s Bring Each Other Up - Not Tear Each Other Down

Designed and delivered a powerful workshop empowering graduate students to handle complex interpersonal dynamics in professional spaces with confidence and poise.

Full post here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DGRdJaEyzMP/

Contributing Speaker: The Student Government Association (SGA) General Assembly at IUP

As the President and founder of Psychology Queer Graduate Students, I created a space where minority graduate students could feel seen and supported. Presenting this group’s mission at the Graduate Student Association allowed me to amplify those voices to the University administration—advocating for resources, visibility, and real change within the academic community.

Article Link: https://www.thepenn.org/news/sga-aramark-leadership-addresses-dining-concerns-starbucks-refresh-plan/article_a04fe182-e49e-11ef-86e8-2b089b440a84.html

Lead Author of the Published Article: Creating Community and Fostering Empowerment - Working with LGBTQIA+ College Students

I designed and led a powerful group experience for minority students in a rural community who lacked LGBTQ+ support. The focus was on cultivating empowerment and living with authenticity—transformations that created lasting impact. This work, grounded in psychological research and lived results, now fuels the coaching methods I bring to clients who are ready to step into their own power and truth.

Article Link: https://emflipbooks.com/flipbooks/PPA/PennsylvaniaPsychologist/Spring2025/

Guest Lectures

Bisol, Sonya. “Pursuing a career in forensic psychology.”

February 2025. Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, P.A. Lecture

Bisol, Sonya. “Understanding Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviors to Increase Self-Autonomy”

September 2024. Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA. Lecture.

Bisol, Sonya. “Self-Talk From A Self-Compassionate Framework.” March 2024. Indiana

University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA. Lecture.

Bisol, Sonya. “Self-Compassion Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Techniques for College Students.”

October, 2023. Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA. Lecture.

Bisol, Sonya. “Mental Health Concerns in College Students.” Healthy People Promote Wellness.

September, 2021. Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA. Lecture.

Bisol, Sonya. “Community and Forensic Psychology with an EDI Lens.” Introduction to Clinical Psychology.

March, 2019. Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON. Lecture.

Mentoring & advoacy

President of the Psychology graduate Queer student Association

Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Founded and spearheaded the development of a new student group to discuss intersectionality and how to navigate the psychology field as a minority.

2024-2025

President of the Psychology graduate student Association

Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Empowered students and faculty to connect authentically, guiding meaningful dialogue that fosters transparency, trust, and mutual growth.

2024-2025

Women’s commission committee member

Indiana University of Pennsylvania
As the first student on the committee, I advocated for synergy between the student body, staff, and faculty to promote community and prioritize female empowerment

2024-2025

Clinical psychology Doctoral mentor

Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Mentored several students within my program on professional, personal, and interpersonal complexities that they faced. I prioritized empowerment, authenticity, and self-reflection.

2022-2025

Vice President of Graduate Student Association

Wilfrid Laurier University
Spearheaded the development of an institution-wide Orientation and Transition for over 1500 graduate students, and led multiple presentations on improving mental health

2021

Personal Accomplishments of joy

  • Half Marathon

    Toronto, May 2025

  • Surf Retreats

    Peniche, Portugual

    Biarritz, France

  • Skydiving

    Interlaken, Switzerland

  • Quality Friendships

    Friendships I’ve always dreamed up

  • Leading with Authenticity

    I know who I am now

  • Travel

    I travel annually to fulfill the promise I made to myself as a young girl

Testimonials

Working with Sonya was truly transformative. When she supervised me at the Graduate Student Association in 2021, she provided the clarity, structure, and encouragement I needed to excel. What stood out most was her unwavering support—she consistently went above and beyond. Sonya supported me during my medical school applications and remains a trusted resource years later. She isn’t just a mentor; she’s someone you can always rely on to bring out your best and help you achieve your goals.

- Noah Chow, MsC. Founder & CEO at Health Matters Worldwide