Somatic Therapy and IFS in East Vancouver
Meet Sam, Registered Clinical Counsellor & Fellow Human
Hi, I’m Sam!
(they/them)
I’m a Registered Clinical Counselor offering somatic therapy, Internal Family Systems, and couples and relationship counseling in East Vancouver and online. My practice is proudly queer and trans-inclusive and sex-positive. I identify as queer, non-binary, and neurodivergent, and I’m passionate about creating a welcoming space for anyone who explore their inner landscape.
My work as a therapist is deeply influenced by my own personal therapeutic journey. Ongoing therapy, somatic practices, group work, and self-inquiry have guided and transformed me, shaping how I show up as both a therapist and a fellow human navigating this complex world.
As a longtime practitioner of yoga and contemplative traditions, I hold a non-dual and animate worldview that helps me embrace the fullness of life. This perspective shapes how I approach therapy and informs my belief in the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit.
Outside of my practice, I find pleasure in being immersed in nature—hiking amongst the trees, playing with clay, and curling up with a good book. I’m also a proud co-parent to Willow (a corgi) who brings joy and exasperation to my days.
Common Topics Brought Up in Session
Post-traumatic growth from developmental trauma and/or childhood sexual abuse. Shame resilience. Building secure attachments. Purity culture. Feeling and voicing wants, needs, and desires. Queerness. Gender identity and expression. (Re)establishing self-trust. Embodying consent. Co-regulating with nature. Feeling emotions in the body. Ancestral or inherited trauma. Setting healthy boundaries. Expressing anger. Sex after sexual assault. Spirituality. Meditation. Non-monogamy. Creativity. Hypersexuality. Compulsive behaviors. Process Addictions. Intimacy. Taking accountability for harm. CPTSD. and more
My Approach to Therapy
Relational
I believe the therapeutic relationship is a powerful space for growth and healing. You’ll be invited to explore what’s unfolding in the “here and now” between us—this could be noticing patterns of protection, making visible how power is operating, or working through and repairing ruptures. This focus on the therapy process offers an opportunity to deepen self-awareness, build trust, and practice new ways of relating.
Somatic
Somatic therapy invites the body into the therapeutic process. This approach doesn’t see you as a problem to solve or a person to fix. Instead, it’s about cultivating your interoception—your ability to feel and sense within. With gentle curiosity, we’ll explore how your body might be holding onto residue from the past that is ready to be resolved. By allying with the wisdom of your animal body and protective responses, we can support you toward greater health, aliveness, and presence. Learn more here.
Making Space for Multiplicity
Parts Work, or Internal Family Systems Therapy, recognizes that our psyche is made up of many different parts. We reflect this naturally in everyday language when we say things like, “Part of me wants to stay in the relationship, and part of me doesn’t.” By getting curious about these different parts, we can gain deeper insight into our patterns while cultivating a compassionate understanding that brings relief to psychological distress. I have specialized training in working with parts, particularly for complex trauma. Learn more here.
Psychedelic Embracing
As a longtime explorer of the esoteric, I have a deep interest in consciousness, altered states, and the realm of spirit. I offer psychedelic integration sessions to help you make sense of and integrate transformative experiences into your daily life. Additionally, I provide Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy in partnership with Field Trip Health, supporting your journey toward healing and expanded awareness in a safe, guided environment. Learn more here.
Approaches I use:
Attachment Theory
Process Oriented Relational Work
Eductation, Trainings & Certifications
Registered clinical counsellor #16715
Masters in Counselling from City University of Seattle
Bachelor in Social Work from the University of Victoria
Certificate in Feminist Narrative Therapy
Somatic Experiencing Advanced Training
Rebloom Somatic Trauma Resolution Practitioner
San’yas Indigenous cultural safety training
Internal Family Systems Level One (IFSI)
Foundations of Somatic Abolitionism
VITA (Vital Integrated Tantric Approach) Certified Sex and Relationship Coach
Somatic IFS level 1 + 2 from the Embody Lab
Stepping Stones: 16 week Internal Family Systems Training
Intimacy From The Inside Out (IFS Level 2) Couples Therapy Training
Therapsil Psylocibin-Assisted Therapy Training
Trauma-Informed Internal Family Systems with Colleen West
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Training with Field Trip Health