Supporting Fathers Through Unimaginable Loss
Sam understands the unique challenges fathers face when dealing with the diagnosis, treatment, or loss of a child to cancer. Often, societal expectations make it difficult for fathers to show vulnerability, and they may feel an intense need to stay strong for their families. Recognizing this, Sam creates a safe space where fathers can express and honour their grief without judgment. With his deep understanding of masculine grief, Sam helps fathers break down barriers and explore their emotions in a way that feels comfortable for them.
Through his specialized focus, Sam empowers fathers to process pain and build resilience, fostering personal growth and self-understanding. He believes in the healing power of a supportive, relatable therapeutic relationship—where fathers can explore their difficult emotions, build resilience, and rediscover a renewed sense of purpose in their family roles and beyond.
Supporting Men in Navigating Life’s Challenges
For many men, seeking support can feel challenging due to expectations of strength and resilience. Sam offers a non-judgmental environment where men can explore their emotions openly, whether facing career transitions, relationship issues, or self-identity challenges. His experience as both a social worker and thanatologist gives him a unique perspective on men’s mental health, addressing emotional well-being and promoting growth.
Why Men Should Seek Counselling with Sam
Empathy from Shared Experiences
Sam understands the barriers men often encounter in seeking help. He brings empathy and respect to each session, creating a space where men feel genuinely seen and heard.
Support for Complex Emotions
Men may find it difficult to process vulnerability, anger, or sadness. Sam offers tools to help men work through these feelings constructively, fostering emotional awareness.
Breaking Free from Societal Expectations
Societal ideals of strength and stoicism can limit men’s emotional expression. Sam helps clients define strength on their own terms, empowering them to embrace vulnerability.
Growth and Resilience in Adversity
Sam’s counselling sessions focus on resilience, helping men uncover their strengths and move forward with self-assurance, whether coping with past trauma or navigating current life stressors.
A Non-Judgmental Space
Sam’s approach is rooted in respect and understanding, allowing men to explore and express themselves freely. He builds trusting therapeutic relationships that support each client’s unique journey.
By seeking support with Sam, men have the opportunity to redefine their relationship with vulnerability, develop self-awareness, and build the tools needed for lasting emotional well-being.
Support to Women and Mothers
In addition to his work with fathers, Sam is dedicated to supporting women and mothers through grief and loss. Women often face layered emotional challenges, balancing their needs alongside those of their families. Sam’s compassionate approach acknowledges this emotional labor, providing a safe space where women can process their grief and find healing.
With his versatile background, Sam tailors his approach to meet each client’s unique needs, offering empathetic support, therapeutic tools, and validation. He guides clients through challenging emotions and empowers them to honour their grief authentically.
Creating a Lasting Impact for Families
In each session, Sam’s goal remains the same: to offer a nurturing space where individuals can confront and explore their grief, build resilience, and feel supported. Through his work with both men and women, he helps families find peace and purpose as they navigate complex grief, fostering an environment where all can grow, heal, and thrive.
Kim Vander Schelde (She/Her) is a dedicated grief, bereavement and loss specialist who understands the power of true empathy, serving all of Canada.
With a deep understanding of the challenges life can bring, Kim offers a unique perspective and unwavering support to those in need.
Kim believes that lived experience is equally important in providing effective support. Specializing in working with parents of children diagnosed with cancer, Kim draws from her own personal experiences with infertility, loss of a partner, being the spouse to a first responder, grief, suicide, life-limiting illness, and victims of crime.
In times when friends and family may not be present or understanding, Kim is there to listen and provide a safe space for individuals to share their feelings and experiences. Her genuine compassion and personal insights make her a trusted ally for those navigating difficult times.
Kim’s commitment to supporting others through their challenges sets her apart as a beacon of hope and understanding in times of need.
Sarah is a compassionate, trauma-informed, and holistic Registered Social Worker with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals through life struggles and transitions.
She offers counselling and resource navigation to individuals during their most vulnerable times. She provides supportive counselling using a strengths-based and solution-focused approach, incorporating CBT practices.
Sarah is particularly enthusiastic about working with adults who have struggled with life transitions and losses but has extensive experience supporting individuals across a broad spectrum of ages and challenges.
Sarah is personally and professionally experienced in assisting individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, grief and bereavement from infertility/miscarriage loss to palliative care, relationship concerns, emotional regulation, and cognitive impairments.
Sarah’s true passion has been holding a safe space for individuals who are struggling to process their grief and loss and walks alongside individuals on their journey from struggle to support in their healing work.
Social Work BSW, MSW, RSW, Thanatologist
A Master of Social Work (MSW) is an advanced graduate degree that equips professionals with specialized skills in counselling, mental health and advocacy.
A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) provides foundational training for addressing social issues and supporting communities.
Registered Social Worker (RSW) is a professional designation for licensed social workers, ensuring ethical practice and quality care across diverse settings like healthcare, education and social services.