Samantha Barbosa
Samantha Barbosa, RP (she/her)
Registered Psychotherapist
Provinces: Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, Newfoundland, Nunavut
You Have Just One Life - Who Are You Living It For?
This question comes up more than you’d think in counselling. I’ve asked it myself, and as the result of my own therapy journey, have made some major life changes when I realized that the cost of trying to please those I loved was simply too high.
As a psychotherapist, I believe that inside of you is someone who knows exactly what a satisfying and joyful life looks like, there are just a lot of outside expectations (sometimes societal, sometimes from family or friends), as well as psychological blocks that are holding you back. I am here to support you as you explore who you are, on your own terms.
My Personal Story With Psychotherapy
I am a first generation Portuguese Canadian, and the first born daughter to two parents who moved to Canada to build a better life for their children. There was a lot of love in my home, and also a lot of pressure to succeed. As the first in my family to ever go to university, I indeed felt a great deal of pressure to excel, and so began a BSc in biological sciences - so that I could go forward into medicine. While psychology was always an absolute joy for me to study (elective courses snuck in at every chance while I took my general sciences BA) , it wasn’t until my 3rd year in University that I finally told my parents I would not be training to become a doctor. Seeking a therapist at that time in my life was pivotal in me finding the courage to make that decision.
A second time when therapy personally helped me was after I became a mother. The identity crisis that many women go through as they take on the role can be intense and my experience was no different. I had to learn who I was in a whole new way. I felt pressure to “be” a certain way as a mother. Seeking a therapist helped me to create my own meaning in motherhood, one where I am allowed to take care of my needs, and to have a sense of self, outside of being a mom. I think it’s also made me a better mom (and certainly a happier one!) This experience makes me especially enjoy working with new parents today, as I have a deep understanding of how helpful therapy can be with parenthood.
In Our Therapy Sessions You Come As You Are, and I’ll Meet You Where You’re At
My approach to therapy is eclectic, leaning on a variety of methods including EMDR (excellent for trauma), Mindfulness based- CBT (to help bring awareness to old habits and stop those that now no longer serve you), and Family Systems Theory (to know and connect with all sides of yourself). Each session we have is a time for you to experience support without expectations or conditions, I’m here to accept you just as you are.
I Have Worked In Different Formal Settings As A Mental Health Professional
Before becoming a licensed psychotherapist, I worked at the Centre of Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), where I assessed clients with various mental health conditions. At the same time, I volunteered at the Toronto Distress Centre providing support to those in distress. These experiences solidified my passion for psychotherapy and built within me a deep appreciation for the resilience of the people I’ve worked with over the years.
Trauma & Neglect Can Cause You To Doubt Your Own Instincts
What I’ve seen in my time working in mental health is that many people who are chronic people pleasers, or who worry that others know what’s best, feel that way due to trauma (be it emotional or physical) and neglect from their formative years. If, as a child, you had to sacrifice believing in your own gut instincts to preserve the relationships in your life, that takes a toll. Growing up, and into adulthood, with relationships with others it may feel like love is conditional, that you have to be a certain way to stay loved. Even though you are grown and the threat is gone, those feelings remain.
There may come a point where you’ve achieved a lot by society’s or your loved ones standards, you’ve done “all the things”, and you still feel…empty, or like all the effort wasn’t worth it.
This is where therapy can often be of use. You can begin to explore what YOU really want, where your values come from, and to reevaluate your path in life. Learning to trust your inner wisdom, and that you actually know what’s right for your life. You’ll begin to have faith that other adults have the ability to deal with different options, and disappointments, that it’s not your job to protect them. You do not have to live your life for others, you can find a way towards a more meaningful existence.
Begin Your Therapy Journey with a Free Consultation
Taking that first step to seek help can be difficult, and I understand that. To help ease any uncertainties, I offer a free 20-minute video or phone consultation. This is a chance for us to connect, discuss your needs, and see how we can work together towards your mental health goals. Contact me today, and let's start your journey towards healing and self-discovery together.
Areas of Practice and Approach
Individual Counselling
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Somatic Experiencing
- Family Systems Therapy
- Emotionally Focused Therapy
- Feminist Therapy
- Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
- Culturally Sensitive Therapy
- Narrative Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
- Trauma Focused Therapy
Support For
- Trauma & PTSD
- Sexual Trauma
- Childhood/Developmental Trauma
- Complex Trauma (CPTSD)
- Relationship Issues
- Infidelity
- Maternal Mental Health
- Infertility
- Birth Trauma
- ADHD
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- Self-Harming
- Anxiety
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Depression
- Attachment Injuries
- Dissociative Disorders
- Emotion Regulation
- Stress
- Perfectionism/Self-Esteem
- Survivors & Victims of Abuse/Domestic Violence
- Impulse Control Disorders
Age Group I Work With
- 18 and older
Professional Qualifications and Experience
Master of Arts, Counselling Psychology, Yorkville University
Bachelor of Science, Psychology: Brain and Cognition, University of Guelph
Member, Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals
Registered Psychotherapist, CRPO
Professional Fees
Consultations
- Initial consultations are FREE
- All consultations are 20 minutes long
Individual Counselling
- $155 + HST
- 50 minute session
Couples Counselling
- I’m not accepting couples at this time
Crypto Payments
- Are available
- Email us for more information
