Life Narrative Psychotherapy
Sometimes, to access therapy we may feel stuck, scared, and uncertain. We may feel we don’t know how to ask for support, where to start, or what we want to attain from therapy. At Life Narrative, I offer a safe, warm, and non-judgmental approach to therapy. Take the first step today and call me to chat about your needs!
Hi, I'm Samir
Call me today to talk about your needs!
Thank you for being here. My name is Samir Toma and I am a Registered Social Worker with the College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers (CSWSSW). I came to Canada in my teens and I faced a culture shock. I drowned and sunk, while I learned a new language and adjusted to the culture. I sailed through the Canadian culture and navigated many challenges, obstacles, and eventually experienced positive outcomes. I met many wonderful people throughout this journey. After I graduated from my studies in Psychology and Biology, I worked in a hospital setting. My time at the hospital awakened my passion for mental health and helping others. I saw many patients come to the hospital for support, and witnessed them recovered to go back to their life. The work inspired me to go back to school at a later age to complete my education in Social Work.
I realized life zigzags between different stages. We jump on different paths and take on distinct directions to reach our destination. Sometimes, it is ok to stray from the path to reach the goal we set for ourselves. At Life Narrative, I believe you can, too, navigate life’s challenges. I will work with you to explore the tools in your toolbox and support you write your own narrative. As a therapist, I will help you write the next chapter in your life. With the right support, you can reach your potential and move towards life fulfilment.
Feel free to explore the services I offer, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment.
I believe therapy is a collaborative process, where your unique experiences and strengths are at the center of our work. Together, we will explore the patterns and struggles that hold you back, and work to create meaningful change.
Throughout my experience, I utilized many modalities to support my clients. These modalities include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotionally Focused Therapy, Solution-Focused, and concepts from Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT).
Areas of Specialties
Individuals (16+) and Couples
Grief
Disenfranchised Grief: grief that is not openly acknowledged, socially accepted, or publicly mourned
Non-finite Loss: loss that is ongoing without a clear end point
Ambiguous Loss: loss that lacks clarity or closure
Complicated Grief: experiencing prolonged grief
Anxiety
Social Anxiety: anxiety we feel in social situations and interactions including feeling judged, embarrassed, or rejected
Generalized Anxiety: when we worry a lot about some things or things that haven't happened yet
Panic Disorder: when we experience sudden and intense bursts of fear or panic attacks
Crisis Intervention
Crisis Planning: making a plan to use before a mental health crisis arises
Guidance & Support: support around feeling overwhelmed during times of crises
Coping: finding ways to stay calm, safe, and grounded
Marriage & Relationship Issues
Communication: when we share thoughts, feelings, and needs to foster understanding and connection
Conflict Resolution: addressing disagreements in a healthy and constructive way to find a resolution
Depression
Persistent Depressive Disorder: prolonged feelings of depression that are ongoing and last a long time
Major Depressive Disorder: intense feelings of sadness and hopelessness that last more than two weeks
Contact
