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Samantha Pockele (she/her), MA, MACP
Registered Psychotherapist
Clinical Supervisor
Works with: Individuals (12+), Couples, Families
Languages: English
I am a Registered Psychotherapist in good standing with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. I have been working in mental health for almost a decade in a variety of settings, which led to the development of my unique approach to therapy. I am a neurodivergent, queer, cisgender woman and a settler with a keen focus on the social determinants of mental health such as race, gender, income inequality, and sexuality. My approach to all therapeutic relationships is deeply rooted in empathy and I operate from a place of non-judgment, compassion, and celebration of your resiliency. Using strengths-based and trauma-informed approaches, I believe that people come to therapy equipped with many of the tools they need to change – sometimes we just have to brush up on the strengths that have carried us this far.
A self-professed “people person”, I began my career in anthropology. I have a Master of Arts in Anthropology from Carleton University and conducted my thesis research working with gang members in Scotland examining how race and gender factor into discrimination against certain groups. While I loved learning the stories of the people I interviewed, my heart was ultimately not in academia. I decided I wanted to help find solutions to problems instead of putting problems into words. After seeing a therapist to help me find direction in life, I pursued a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University and became a therapist myself. I come to every meeting with genuine excitement to hear your story in your words and to help you reframe your experiences in a way that validates you. We will work to map out your options to increase your happiness, healing, and strength in the short and long term. Specific populations that I am passionate to work with (and have undergone additional training to specialize in) include Indigenous Canadians, LGBTQIA2+ persons, trans-identified and gender diverse persons and their families (including chosen families), and clients with a history of trauma. I work with youth and adults (primarily 12-70 years old), couples, and families. In terms of treatment, my areas of specialty include ADHD, OCD, anxiety, depression, disordered eating, grief, trauma, and navigating gender and sexual identities. My treatment modalities are diverse, and I will work with you to find your unique mix of therapeutic approaches to work on your challenges. These include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, Unified Protocol, Crisis Intervention, Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness techniques, Solution Focused Interventions, Trauma Informed Therapy, and 12 Step Models.
When I am not working, you can find me at the gym kickboxing with my friends, in the kitchen whipping up recipes from my travels, in front of the television watching Real Housewives (guilty pleasure), or simply outdoors with my feet in the grass and a hot cup of tea.