I’m a Registered Social Worker and Cognitive Behavioural Therapist dedicated to providing a safe, supportive, and understanding space. My warm, collaborative, client-centered approach focuses on practical skills and understanding life’s challenges. I believe meaningful change occurs through compassion, respect, and the right tools.
I bring experience from community mental health settings, where I’ve supported individuals and families through a wide range of emotional, relational, and life transitions. This work has reinforced the importance of meeting people where they are, honouring their strengths, and moving at a pace that feels manageable and sustainable.
At Free Bird Counselling, I offer individual therapy for adults navigating breakups, divorce, and the emotional weight of family court. Sessions are supportive, grounded, and collaborative, with space for curiosity and, when appropriate, a touch of humour. My work integrates psychoeducation and skills-based strategies from cognitive behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and dialectical behaviour therapy. Together, we focus on regulating intense emotions, identifying unhelpful patterns, and building tools you can use in everyday life—so you can feel steadier, more confident, and less alone during times of change.
I hold an Honours Bachelor of Indigenous Social Work from Laurentian University and am completing a Master of Social Work at the University of Windsor. I’ve also completed advanced CBT certification through the University of Toronto in partnership with CAMH, along with additional training in trauma-informed care, cultural safety, suicide intervention, and PTSD treatment. Clients often describe me as calming, down-to-earth, and easy to talk to. My goal is to walk alongside you as you navigate this chapter and support you in moving forward, one step at a time.
Hello and welcome to FreeBird Counselling. My name is Sam.
I am genuinely interested and curious about the lives, perspectives, experiences and inner workings of human beings. It is a great privilege to work alongside people as they unravel old patterns, process challenging experiences, and examine deeply held beliefs about themselves that may not hold true.
My early work in community development has contributed to a firm belief in supporting clients to address all areas of their lives: recognizing that the connection between mental, physical, emotional, and social health helps to foster optimal wellbeing.
My practice foundation is holistic, trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and client-centred. To best serve client needs I use an Integrated approach pulling from my training/certifications in Trauma-focussed CBT, Emotion-focussed Therapy, Narrative Therapy, ADHD Clinical Services, Relational Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, Mindfulness, Complex Trauma, Grief and Somatic work.
I am also trained and specialize in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing), an evidence-based form of psychotherapy that enables people to process and alleviate distressing symptoms and emotions associated with overwhelming experiences like traumas. Many people experience significant positive change through the use of EMDR.
I am a Registered Social Worker (RSW) and Psychotherapist with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). I have a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from Carleton University. I have lived, worked, and created community in Lanark County for over 40 years.
