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 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.

  • I am practicing psychotherapy under the certification of Register Psychotherapist at the Qualifying status. These are additional certifications to support creating a safe therapeutic environment.

    • Boundaries Specialist Certificate (2026)

    • Standard First Aid and CPR-C (2025, renewed)

    • Youth Mental Health First Aid Certified (YMHFA) (2024)

    • Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training Certified (ASIST) (2024)

    • Trauma Informed Practice Levels 1 & 2 Certified (2022)

  • Here is a list of recent workshops, courses, or trainings I attended to further my learning.

    • Artificial Intelligence in Behavioural Health: Top Ethics and Risk Management Challenges (2026)

    • Clinical Applications of Internal Family Systems Therapy (2025)

    • Mental Performance Consulting Courses (see below) 

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

    • Afrocentric Framework in Mental Health (2025)

    • Empower and Elevate: An Unapologetic Guide to Supporting Black Athlete Mental Health  (2025)

    • AI in Therapy: Navigating the Future of Mental Health (2024)

    After completing my education to become a psychotherapist, I wanted to deepen my understanding to support athletes and those in high-stress and high-pressure environments. I started the Master of Human Kinetics with Concentration Mental Performance Consulting at the University of Ottawa and completed the first year’s coursework. I decided to step away from the program when the focus shifted from coursework to the internship, allowing me to concentrate on my psychotherapy practice and my current clients. Throughout the program, I learned about performance, participation, motivation, focus, cohesion, teamwork, confidence, resilience, and many other themes that support mental, emotional, and physical well-being. 

    Here is a list of courses I completed between September 2024 and July 2025:  

    • Counselling Theories and Skills

    • Applied Research Methods for Practitioners

    • Selected Topics in Sport, Physical Activity and Health: Psychology and Pedagogy

    • Mental Skills Training Programs and Tools

    • Ethics and Values in Sport, Performance, and Physical Activity Contexts

    • Essential Competencies for Mental Performance Consultants

    • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Principles and Competencies for Practitioners

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.