Sam Duran, RCC

Life can bring experiences and challenges that leave us feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or uncertain about how to move forward. I believe counselling offers an opportunity not only to find relief from distress, but also to better understand ourselves, recognize patterns that may no longer be helpful, strengthen our relationships, and pursue meaningful and lasting change. I also believe that trust, authenticity, and a strong therapeutic relationship are essential to effective counselling, which is why finding a counsellor with whom you feel comfortable is an important part of the process.

I hold a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy and have clinical experience working with individuals, couples, and families in a variety of counselling and community mental health settings. My training and experience have included working with clients experiencing trauma and post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, relationship and marital difficulties, family concerns, behavioural difficulties, stress, and significant life changes. My professional background also includes experience in psychological assessment, behavioural health, research, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

I provide individual, couples, marital, and family counselling using evidence-based and trauma-informed approaches tailored to each client’s needs and goals. My treatment approaches include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT), Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT), Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and cognitive-behavioural approaches. My systemic training in marriage and family therapy also informs how I understand individual concerns within the context of relationships and family dynamics. When desired by the client, I can integrate Christian faith and spirituality into the counselling process in a respectful and clinically appropriate manner.

Sam is currently accepting new clients at our Abbotsford location and works with adolescents aged 16 and older, adults, couples, and families. Individual counselling for adolescents, as well as family counselling involving minors, is provided in person at our Abbotsford office. Adult individual, couples, marital, and family counselling involving adults is available both in person and via telehealth.