My Story
I am Sam. I am the founder of The Collective which was born out of my desire to help get people connected back to their hearts. I am intentional in my work and focus on creating a reflective and safe space to explore your inner workings and integrate and accept all parts of you.
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I am half Macedonian and half Iranian and am now married to a Middle Eastern partner! A lot of my reason for becoming a psychotherapist is centred around my identities as a mixed race and mixed culture person and the intergenerational pieces that come alongside those identities.
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My own experiences fuelled my curiosity about people, and our innate desire to achieve healing and wellness. From there, I began to study psychology and knew this was the place for me. I completed my undergraduate degree at York University and received an Honours in Psychology. I did my thesis on stigma around seeking help for mental health. From there, I pursued a Master's Degree, which I received from Yorkville University while working a few jobs assisting with psychological assessments, making coffee at Starbucks and answering the crisis line for Health Canada. Upon completion, I did my practicum at the Ottawa Counselling and Psychotherapy Centre where I learned to develop my counselling and therapeutic skills and grow as a therapist. I completed several trainings which you can find listed below that helped me to focus the kinds of issues I work with. In that time, I also developed an interest in workplace wellness, business... and here I am now.
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The Collective is a space I can continue to grow and develop my passion for business, workplace wellness initiatives, education and my practice as a psychotherapist.
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I am a trauma and couples therapist. I work with individuals who have suffered from single or complex trauma using NARM, principles of IFS, and EMDR. I also work in depth with couples who have suffered from breaches in trust, infidelity, sexual issues and with couples who want to connect deeper to one another. I use PACT and Gottman for my work with couples.
My Trainings and Credentials:
I am a Registered Psychotherapist in good standing with the CRPO #10028
I am a certified NARM Therapist
I am EMDR trained and certified
I am PACT Level 1 Certified (Receiving Level 2 in 2023)
I am CPT Certified
Gottman Level 1 (in progress)
I am CBT trained
Ask me about any of my trainings, certifications and for my certificates and license.
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Connect with me
If you feel I might be a good fit for you and wanted to explore a therapeutic relationship, let's connect for a free 10-15 minute consultation.
If you are a business wanting to set up some services, reach me by email or phone to set up a meeting.
613-801-2103