How Did I Get Here?

How I Founded My Private Practice

Starting my own private practice has been both one of the most challenging and rewarding journeys of my life. Over the past five years, I’ve worked within community organizations, Government agencies, and other mental health settings. Through each one, I was always learning, growing, and walking alongside people through their struggles and healing. Over time, I realized that I wanted to create a space that reflected my own values, and perhaps selfishly, one that I felt control of. I wanted to create something that focused not only on providing therapy, but also on creating a safe, supportive environment where people could truly feel seen and heard.

Why I Chose to Start a Practice

Like many who enter the helping profession, my motivation has always been about people—about listening to stories, supporting healing, and helping individuals reconnect with their strength. But I also noticed gaps in the way mental health services were offered. Men, in particular, often felt overlooked or unsure of where to turn for support. Trauma survivors needed a place where their experiences would be validated without judgment. And many people simply wanted therapy that was approachable, human, and grounded in compassion.

That’s why I decided to take the leap and open my own practice. I wanted to build a practice that could respond to these needs in a meaningful way. As a male therapist, I was also in a unique position. I felt that I could bring a new perspective to the therapy space and offer insights that some may not always be privy to.

Building the Vision

When I began sketching out what this practice could look like, I envisioned more than just four walls and a therapy chair. I imagined a collaborative space where healing could happen on multiple levels. I looked at two spaces to begin. The first was a tinier office that would have sufficed although the view was a graveyard across the street. The second spot, where I am now, offered multiple rooms and a place to grow. Those who know me, know that I have big ideas and after some initial trepidation and a lot of encouragement from a very supportive girlfriend, I took the leap and signed the lease.

I chose to specialize in areas that deeply matter to me: men’s mental health, trauma and PTSD, anxiety, intimate partner violence, and disordered eating. These are not always easy topics to talk about, but they are necessary conversations. My goal is to provide a supportive environment where people feel comfortable facing these challenges at their own pace.

What I Hope This Practice Offers

At its core, this practice is about hope and connection. Whether someone is going through a major life change, processing trauma, or simply trying to reduce stress, I want them to feel that they don’t have to face it alone. Healing is not a straight line, but I believe that with the right support, people can find resilience, clarity, and peace of mind. If I can be even a small piece of that, I feel like I’ve done a job well done.

Looking Ahead

Founding this practice is not just the start of a business—it’s the beginning of a larger mission. I hope to continue growing, learning, and collaborating with others in the wellness community to create more access to care and more opportunities for people to thrive. We’re seeing it already. Our office spaces are rented and I have two great colleagues offering therapy and naturopathic support. This is only month two and we’re growing every day.

To those who have supported me along the way—thank you. And to those who may be reading this and wondering if therapy could be right for them, I want you to know: you are not alone, and there is space here for you.