About me.

Sam van Ginkel, MA, RCC

Therapeutic Approach

Let’s be real with each other. That’s the foundation for everything we do in therapy.

We know from research that building trust, understanding, and connection is the most important piece of this work. I do that by showing up as myself, and making space for you to do the same.

I’ve been drawn to these conversations as long as I’ve been speaking. Holding space for real-talk and providing my perspective is a true privilege. Sharing deep relationships is what my life is about.

Science has a lot to say about about doing this right—and I’ve spent a lot of time learning (and continue to do so). My Master’s degree focused on what makes a rich and meaningful life, and how do we move toward it? Effective therapy has to move toward something fulfilling, not just alleviate problems.

Of course, along that journey we encounter road blocks. Painful thoughts, feelings, memories. Unhelpful patterns. Difficult circumstances and relationships. That’s why I’m trained specifically for working through these issues.

I integrate multiple approaches in my practice. I curate a holistic experience tailored to you, drawing on cognitive, behavioural, somatic, attachment-based, mindfulness, experiential, existential, and relational practices. My work is trauma-informed. You’re unique, and so is our experience together.

I’m unique too. Clients often tell me they like working with me because I’m friendly, young, warm, and genuine, and that I’m also honest, straight-forward, and give practical feedback. I like to share some laughs along the way, humour is healing. My approach is suited to folks who want a supportive, empathetic therapist who will also be real with them, provide tools, and collaborate on a vision for their present and future. My approach is probably not suited to people who want a therapist who will just nod and listen, or those who aren’t interested in exploring making changes in their life.

Therapy only works when there’s a good match. So notice how you’re feeling after reading this. Do you feel drawn to me, or away? Follow your intuition.