Introducing Me 

Hi, I’m Shaun

My Story

Many of us wrestle with feeling like we don’t quite fit, questioning our direction, or doubting ourselves. These struggles can feel isolating, but they’re part of being human. Through my own journey—struggles and successes—I’ve learned that growth, resilience, and self-acceptance are possible. I hope that by sharing a bit of my path, I can help others feel seen, understood, and empowered.

Neurodiversity

Growing up with dyslexia and autism, I faced a unique set of challenges that shaped my understanding of the world and my place in it. These experiences taught me the importance of embracing differences and adapting to a world that often overlooks neurodiverse individuals. My personal journey has instilled in me a deep empathy and commitment to creating spaces where neurodiverse people can feel understood, valued, supported, and celebrated.

Mental Health

My journey has included my fair share of mental health struggles and challenges, most notably depression, anxiety, and perfectionism. These experiences were often overwhelming but ultimately became a profound source of insight. My experiences deepened my understanding of the emotional landscape many people navigate and strengthened my desire to create supportive environments where others can explore their challenges and identities without fear of judgment.

Athletics

Athletics emerged as a vital outlet for me during my formative years. Sports provided not only a physical release but also a sense of community and belonging. Through athletics, I learned discipline, teamwork, and resilience—qualities that have shaped my approach as a therapist and community member. My experiences as an athlete have given me a unique insight into the pressures of performance and high-stress environments as well as the value of mental resilience.

Queer Identity

As a queer, non-binary person, I’ve often navigated spaces that didn’t fully acknowledge or accept my identity. These experiences have driven my commitment to working with marginalized communities, particularly neurodiverse individuals and 2SLGBTQ+ clients. My approach is rooted in fostering intentional growth and helping clients embrace their authentic selves in a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming or does not meet our needs without thoughtful advocacy.

Education & Certifications

  • In Ontario, psychotherapists are regulated by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), which ensures I meet ethical and professional standards. To become a psychotherapist, therapists must complete a graduate-level education in psychotherapy, acquire supervised clinical experience, and pass the CRPO registration exam. Currently I am at the qualifying status which means I attend supervision to support me supporting my clients.

  • I am currently completing a MHK at the University of Ottawa to become a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC). This education will blend naturally with my previous education in psychotherapy and will help give me the tools to support those looking for action oriented support in sport and other high-stress environments. My expected graduation is April 2026.

  • I completed this degree at Saint Paul University in the spring of 2024. Through this program I learned approaches to be an integrative individual, couple, and family psychotherapist. I learned many therapy approaches to support clients and meet them where their needs are. When possible, I focused my learning in the area of perfectionism, grief, neurodiversity, and supporting the queer population.

  • My path to completing a bachelors of arts was long and provided me the opportunity to explore what educational environments work best for me. I went to three different universities, Guelph, York, and Saint Paul, all focusing on psychology and sociology. I found this unique program gave me the opportunity to blend psychology within the broader context of life and integrating spirituality - often known as meaning making. I loved taking the minor in conflict studies to provide an applied lens to the work I am now practicing.

  • In the spring of 2024, I completed a workshop on mental health first aid for youth. This training supports my education by focusing on crisis situations with youth.

  • This is training to become proficient in detecting and responding to suicidality. ASIST is open to the public and supports my work in therapy and in daily life.

  • In 2022, I completed levels 1 and 2 of trauma-informed practice from the Trauma Institute. This workshop included making me a trauma-informed practitioner and integrating art into the healing process.

  • Here is a list of recent additional workshops or trainings that I attended to continue my learning as a psychotherapist and build my cultural and other competencies.

    • Empower and Elevate: An Unapologetic Guide to Supporting Black Athlete Mental Health - February 2025

    • AI in Therapy: Navigating the Future of Mental Health - September 2024

    Upcoming

    • Afrocentric Framework in Mental Health - February 2025 to Current

    • Autism Symposium: Actionable Strategies for Trauma’s Impact on Sensory and Emotional Processing - May 2025

My educational journey was anything but linear. While I always had a clear sense of where I wanted to go—building a career that empowered and supported others—I didn’t always know the path to get there. I tried several different schools and programs before finding the one that aligned with my needs as a student. Each twist and turn taught me something invaluable, helping me grow both personally and professionally. Looking back, I feel fortunate to have taken the winding path I did, as it gave me a deeper understanding of the challenges people face when forging their way forward.