“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself”. – George Bernard Shaw

As a mother of three kids 5 and under (including twins) who works full time, I am all too familiar with the concept of losing a sense of self and feeling like you are living on autopilot. Between life transitions, the pressures of day-to-day life and the more recent stress of the pandemic, we have less and less energy to focus on ourselves and it’s no wonder it can feel as though we are getting lost.

Personally, I have experienced the process of ‘creating’ myself more than once as my life has changed and I’ve had to adapt to new circumstances. It takes intentional effort to pause the cycle and really ask, who do I want to be and what do I want my life to look like?

I have worked in the helping field for almost 20 years with a large variety of clients, some with a high achieving career-oriented focus, others experiencing life transitions like divorce or having a child and others who are tired of repeating the same cycles in their relationships, wanting to find a new way to interact. While on the surface these people may appear very different, they all hold one thing in common: the desire to understand themselves better and to create a life in line with their core values. These are things we can work on collaboratively through psychotherapy.

In my practice, I use an integrative approach to psychotherapy rooted in a deep non-judgmental connection with my clients. In sessions we will:

Reflect: helping you to understand how you see the world and yourself, discovering unhelpful patterns

Replenish: uncovering ways to find fulfillment and nourish the parts of you that need extra focus.

And Restore: re-establish balance in your life, your sense of self and guide you into a life that is true to your core values.

I look forward to working with and getting to know you.

“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself”. – George Bernard Shaw As a... Read More

PLEASE NOTE: Samantha is a Registered Psychotherapist (differs from our masters of social work counsellors). It is truly exciting to witness and help guide people through transformative times according to what matters for that individual. I have enjoyed over 23 years of direct clinical experience in interdisciplinary settings assisting clients with restoring function and returning to a life within their value systems. Registered with CRPO since 2016, I have a passion for communication, empowerment and awareness in my practice. I have extensive experience within the CBT, ACT, DBT and functional based problem solving paradigms. I also have formal training in Kinesiology and Yoga. The blend of both movement and stillness as healing tools is something else that I am passionate about teaching to my clients. After all, we cannot neatly separate the body from the brain and everything else that makes us us. Because of this, I believe that an individualized, integrative approach to mental health yields the best results. Since there is no growth in our comfort zones, the change inherent in healing can be extremely uncomfortable and even prohibitive. The assistance provided through psychotherapy and life coaching can add much comfort and efficacy to this journey.

PLEASE NOTE: Samantha is a Registered Psychotherapist (differs from our masters of social work co... Read More

Lauren Berger is a Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Member of The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). She is also a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW). Lauren earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Yeshiva University (New York). Lauren has worked with her clients to help them improve their quality of life by teaching them to better cope with negative experiences, stress, anxiety, and depression. Lauren uses an integrative approach to avoid “cookie cutter” counselling, and pulls from many social work and psychological frameworks such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy. You are as unique as your fingerprint, and so your counselling experience will be, too. Clinical Hypnosis is a special tool that Lauren uses to help her clients reduce the stress in their lives. Whether you are simply looking for a relaxing “mental massage” or have a specific goal to reach, Clinical Hypnosis may be for you! Pain management, increasing focus, and making or breaking habits are just a few examples of the positive effect Clinical Hypnosis can make in your life. The possibilities are endless. Lauren ensures that the therapeutic journey she guides you through is unique to your needs. Lauren’s clients report that she is sensitive, supportive, and empowering. Working with Lauren ensures that you will have a counselling relationship that is non-judgmental and collaborative. Whether you are managing a chronic illness, struggling in your relationships, or stressed at work, Lauren is here to help you through challenging times. Everyone faces challenges in life; no one gets off scot-free! Engaging in a counselling relationship with Lauren allows you to face your challenges and reach your goals without feeling overwhelmed. The insight you discover and the tools you learn are lifelong benefits to counselling. Life may be busy, but listing yourself as a priority will increase your productivity and help you lead a much happier, satisfying life! Lauren is excited to be your partner on this journey. For more information about Lauren, check out her website at www.laurenberger.ca or send her an email at lauren@laurenberger.ca

Lauren Berger is a Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Member of The Ontario College of Social ... Read More

I believe your success story starts with great health.

I understand that you are on a mission, leading an industry, defining a culture, and making our world a better place. You have goals for your life that include success, freedom, creativity and adventure. You are giving “your all” to realize your goals and your health is your greatest resource for achieving them.

Health is not the price you need to pay for your success. You can “lean in” to your work without sacrificing your well-being.

I am your smart medicine strategist. I operate from a medical system that values function and performance. A system that is not limited when “test results are normal” but you are still suffering. A system that asks bigger questions about your personal vision for your health and does not assume your level of commitment.

I won’t tell you to quit your job or ask you to cook every meal from scratch, but I will help you to get real about aligning your health goals with your life goals. Abundant energy, amazing relationships, and big life adventures are the fuel that will help you leave your mark on the world without leaving your health behind.

My clinical practice is centered on the concept of immuno-metabolism. I fight fatigue, inflammation and belly fat to help you to build optimal hormonal balance and focused brain power. I focus on integrative medicine and advanced training in environmental and functional medicine. I am a graduate of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and Western University.

For the past 12 years, I have been the owner and clinic director of one of Toronto’s leading integrative health clinics, the Integrative Health Institute.

Let’s work together.

I believe your success story starts with great health. I understand that you are on a mission, l... Read More

Victoria’s passion for nutrition began at a young age. Being raised by a single mother who is also a nutritionist, Victoria learned that it is possible (and important) to prioritize healthy eating even when life gets really crazy. Seeing this first hand is what drew her to pursue a career in nutrition. Victoria completed her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition with a minor in Physical Activity Assessment and Promotion at Ryerson University. She is a certified personal trainer, nutritionist and holistic lifestyle coach. She has special interest in metabolism, functional medicine and behavior change psychology.

Victoria’s passion for nutrition began at a young age. Being raised by a single mother who is als... Read More