SAMUEL CHENG, MDiv, RP, RMFT
My Background
Like many others, psychotherapy is a second career for me. My original educational background and career focus was in mathematics, computers and business but I have always had deep interest in understanding people and relationships. I have also always had a strong desire to help people, which was not my focus when I was working at financial institutions.
The combination of those two interests eventually led me to go to graduate school and pursue psychotherapy as a career and I have not looked back.
Credentials
I have the following credentials:
- M.Div in Counselling & Youth Ministry from Tyndale University College & Seminary
- Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario
- Registered Marriage & Family Therapist with the American & Ontario Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
I also work in a supervised practice with Nicole McCance Psychology. My services are covered by most extended health insurance plans.
Counselling Experience
I have worked in a variety of settings – a medical practice, an educational setting and non-profit family services agency work before finally starting private practice in 2014.
I have worked with clients from a diverse socio-economic background. Each setting has provided me with different challenges that have helped shape my worldviews. One of the more influential times for me has been working in non-profit agencies, where I was exposed to trauma, domestic violence and also witnessed the impact of mental illness on the family. Many of my views towards people have been influenced by those experiences, and my approach towards therapy integrates understanding of power/control as well as attachment.
I also believe that emotions are an important driver in life, and eventually left agency work to move away from a focus on managing crises and pursue my passions in helping individuals and couples who wish to grow and connect better with each other and with others.
Other Training
In my time before private practice, I have been involved in various training for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Narrative approaches to therapy.
My present focus and passion has been in the area of Emotion-Focused Therapy for Individuals and Couples. To that end, I have participated in intensive training for:
- Emotion-Focused Therapy (for Individuals) – Level 1 & 2
- Emotion-Focused Therapy (for Couples)
- Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (Externship)
I am committed to continually improve myself in the work of psychotherapy. I am currently (or will be) engaged in intensive training in:
- Working with the Neurobiological Legacy of Trauma
- Emotion-Focused Therapy in Relational Complex Trauma
Why Emotions and an Experiental Approach to Therapy?
My focus on experience and emotion is grounded in the belief that:
- Emotions are important because they tell us what is important in situations; they act as a guide to indicate needs and wants which would help shape the way we respond in our lives
- Emotions have become problematic for many because they have been taught to ignore or dismiss them, or due to past trauma in their lives
- Emotions are experienced moment-by-moment, and the best way to learn how to respond effectively is to work through emotions evoked while in therapy
One of the chief goals of therapy (be it individual or couples) is to work through emotional blocks. This will help clients be able to break free from unwanted patterns, and ensure that decisions made are in line with their needs and wants.
Other Information
I have been married for over 10 years, and we have two school-aged children. I am actively involved in the lives of my wife and children. I am also an avid Toronto sports fan and an active member of my church community. When time permits, I also enjoy cycling, skiing and golf.
