I’m Sam.

I’m a Canadian Certified Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, and a licensed counsellor (c.o.) with the Ordre des conseillers et conseillères d’orientation du Québec.

I’m glad you’re here.

If you’re anything like me, you have spent ample time perusing the internet for a counsellor. While counselling sessions focus on the client, I do think knowing a bit about who you are working with is an important first step to building trust.

In terms of my academic and professional background: I graduated with Great Distinction from Concordia University with a BA in Psychology, and I hold an MA in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. I provide 1-1 counselling, group counselling, and group workshops for public and private organizations across Canada.

I spent the early years of my career working and volunteering abroad in the Czech Republic, Italy, Costa Rica, and Colombia. I have a deep passion for languages and cultural learning, and I bring this cultural humility into my counselling practice.

I have also worked in organizational health and wellness, creating, implementing, and delivering psychoeducational content. I believe in the criticality of creating systems that support the well-being of individuals – as opposed to just treating problems and mental health challenges that arise due to systemic issues.

My therapeutic style

My approach is informed by CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) and mindfulness-based strategies. However, I am far from rigid in my approach, and tend to integrate from a variety of approaches depending on my clients’ needs. For example, when working with pain, I utilize a lot of PRT (Pain Reprocessing Therapy) principles. Or, I may see that a client will benefit more from a relational, emotionally focused lens than a cognitive behavioural one.

Initial sessions will feel very exploratory; I will allow you to direct us without making any assumptions about what you need, but we will curiously explore your upbringing, your values, your relationships and your worldview. As we move forward in the process and become clear on your goals for therapy, I’ll bring in interventions that allow you to continue the work and reflection on your own time in between sessions. A therapeutic relationship can only be curative if the rapport is solid. My style is kind, honest and authentic. I genuinely believe in the strength of my clients and see therapy as being a collaborative process, but I’ll take the lead when it’s beneficial.

Languages

My preferred working language is English, despite being fully bilingual. However, I conduct sessions in both (English/French) often switching back and forth with clients in a way that feels comfortable. I also speak Italian and Spanish if there are moments when expressing yourself in either of these languages feels helpful.

On a more personal level?

In my free time I enjoy reading, running and playing with my dog, hiking, and cooking (my baked goods are hit or miss). I am passionate about learning languages and immersing myself in new cultures. I am an avid creature of habit and love nothing more than a good routine (sometimes too much so!) but also believe profoundly in the therapeutic power of getting outside our comfort zone and purposefully disrupting our day-to-day.

Recent Continuing Education

CBT for Insomnia (CBT-i) – Insructed by Dr. Tyler Tulloch, PhD, McMaster University
Guided Imagery for Chronic Pain Management – Instructed by Dr. Jackie Gardner-Nix, PhD
Easing the Cycle of Distress in Serious Illness – Instructed by Susan Bauer-Wu, PhD, RN
End Social Anxiety – Instructed by Dr. David Burns, MD, and Dr. Jill Levitt, PhD

Book Online