About Eric. I am a registered psychotherapist, counsellor, coach, educator, (re)searcher, and writer, passionate about personal growth and our planetary home.
What shape waits in the seed of you to grow and spread its branches against a future sky? – David Whyte
My journey (to counselling, therapy, & coaching)
My journey to becoming a counsellor & therapist (consciously) began in my mid-20s. During this period, I went through a particularly difficult and disorienting time. I felt disillusioned with my career, doubtful about my competency as a new father, and unsure of who I really was underneath my many adaptations.
Though I felt hesitant and afraid to ask for help, I managed to muster the courage to call a counsellor.
Over the ensuing months, I worked through (a lot of) pain, overcame problematic coping behaviours, and began unearthing my true self—a process which continues to this day. Though this work was extremely difficult (it was the hardest “job” I’ve ever had), it was also incredibly rewarding. My world took on new depth, new colour. My life became more meaningful.
My experience as a therapy client compelled me to become a counsellor, coach, and therapist myself. After much fear and trembling, I enrolled in a Masters-level counselling program at Wilfrid Laurier University (which I completed in 2013). This decision has opened doors (both external and internal) I never knew existed.
I consider it a privilege and honour to now get to work with my own clients as a counsellor, psychotherapist, and coach. Witnessing my clients’ growth and transformation is a beautiful thing.
My background (academic and otherwise)
I am a Registered Psychotherapist in the Province of Ontario and a member of the Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals (OAMHP). I am am member of the Climate Psychology Alliance North America (CPA-NA). I am also an InterGifted network coach. Previously, I have worked as an adjunct professor of geography and environmental studies, a teaching assistant, a research assistant, an intern psychotherapist, and an environmental planner/scientist.
My academic background is transdisciplinary. I have a PhD in Social & Cultural Health Studies (the title of my dissertation is: Exploring the Ecological Self: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis with Gifted Adults) from Brock University, an MA in Human Geography (my thesis work explored the relationship between mental health and nature affiliation in post-secondary students) from McMaster University, an MA in Theology (with a specialization in Spiritual Care & Psychotherapy) from Wilfrid Laurier University, and a liberal arts BSc in Biology from Redeemer University College in Ancaster, ON.
On a more personal note, I currently live in beautiful Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, in a cozy century home with my partner and two children. You can often find me outdoors with my kids in one of the many beautiful natural places surrounding our neighbourhood.
