MEET DAN
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
I’m here to try to help individuals and couples better understand themselves, strengthen their relationships, and build lives that feel more connected, meaningful, and authentic.
My Story
Psychotherapy wasn't my first career.
Before becoming a therapist, I spent nearly two decades working as a graphic designer in marketing, advertising, and branding. That experience taught me how powerful stories can be, how the way we understand ourselves shapes the way we move through the world.
Over the years I've been a lot of things, worn a lot of hats. I’ve also been a camp counsellor, a dog walker, and even a bouncer. Every one of those roles taught me something different about people. Some taught me how to lead, some how to listen, and some how to stay calm when emotions run high.
Eventually I realized the part of every job I enjoyed most was working with, and understanding people. So, at the age of 42, I went back to school and built a new career around that curiosity.
As someone who received an ADHD diagnosis later in life, I also know what it's like to suddenly have experiences that begin to make sense in a completely different way. While every person's experience is unique, that perspective has given me an appreciation for the relief, grief, and self-discovery that can come with understanding ourselves more fully.
Outside the Therapy Room
When I'm not working with clients, you'll usually find me at home in Muskoka, reading a good book, watching movies that leave me thinking long after they're over, playing tabletop roleplaying games, riding my motorcycle, or spending time with my wife and our cat.
I'm endlessly curious. I love learning, storytelling, psychology, philosophy, and the ways they overlap with everyday life.
BearMind grew from that curiosity. It's a place where I can share ideas, encourage reflection, and help make psychology a little more accessible.
My Therapeutic Philosophy
I've always been fascinated by people.
Why we do what we do. Why we get stuck in patterns we don't fully understand? Why do some relationships help us grow while others leave us feeling unseen?
Those questions eventually led me to psychotherapy.
We all develop ways of surviving based on our experiences. Sometimes those adaptations continue to serve us. Sometimes they begin getting in the way of the life we want to build.
Therapy isn't about fixing who you are. It's about understanding how you became who you are, appreciating the ways you've learned to survive, and deciding - together - which parts of your story you'd like to carry forward.
That's what drew me to this work, and it's the foundation of every session I have with my clients.
What We Might Work On
Every person's story is different, but some of the concerns I commonly support include:
Relationships
Communication
Conflict
Emotional connection
Infidelity and repair
Attachment
Mental Health
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma
Grief and loss
Stress and burnout
Life transitions
Identity & Growth
Men's mental health
ADHD and neurodivergence
Self-esteem
Purpose and identity
Emotional awareness
How I Work
If we work together, you can expect therapy to feel collaborative, conversational, and grounded.
I'm not interested in sitting silently while you do all the work, nor am I interested in telling you how to live your life. I see therapy as something we build together.
Some days we'll explore emotions. Some days we'll challenge old beliefs. Some days we'll laugh. Other days we'll sit with things that feel difficult to put into words.
Above all, I want therapy to feel like a place where you can show up honestly, without feeling like you have to have everything figured out.
My work draws primarily from Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Narrative Therapy, and other evidence-based approaches that can be tailored to your unique goals and experiences.
I offer a free 30-minute virtual consultation so we can get to know each other, discuss what you're looking for, and decide if we're the right fit. There is no pressure and no financial commitment.
We Might be a Good Fit if:
You're curious about understanding yourself, not just managing symptoms.
You appreciate honesty, warmth, and a little humour.
You value both insight and practical change.
You want therapy to feel collaborative instead of prescriptive.
You're willing to explore patterns rather than simply eliminate problems.
“The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain.”
Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet
Our deepest wounds often reshape us. With time, care, and understanding, they can also deepen our capacity for gratitude, connection, and moments of genuine joy.
Education & Credentials
Registered Psychotherapist
(Qualifying)
Registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and in good standing.
CRPO Registration #17632
Professional Memberships
Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals (OAMHP). Member in good standing
OAMHP Member # 7749-G
Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology
Yorkville University, 2024
For your peace of mind, my professional registration and credentials can be verified through the CRPO Public Register or the OAMHP Referral Directory.