Sam Usher
I’m Sam. My path into counselling has been a little different than most. Before this work, I spent years in rugged, high-pressure environments across mining, forestry, ski patrol, avalanche operations,first aid, and wilderness guiding.
I’ve worked in places where people are expected to keep going, stay capable, and push through, even when stress has been building for a long time.
I’ve been there.
My lived experience shapes how I show up as a counsellor. I understand demanding workplace cultures, shift and camp life, critical incidents, toxic dynamics, strain on relationships and what it can feel like when chronic stress starts to affect your body, relationships, and sense of self. I also know that many people do not realize how much they have been carrying until things finally catch up with them.
I work with adults and couples (19+) who may be navigating relationship issues, burnout, anxiety, stress, workplace conflict, toxic work environments, life transitions, emotional overwhelm, ADHD-related challenges, or the lingering impact of high-pressure roles and critical incidents.
I also work with youth ages 14–18. I have a deep appreciation for the pressures young people carry and how important it is to offer support that feels safe, genuine, and approachable. I care deeply about supporting youth in this community in whatever capacity they need.
Outside of counselling, I’m happiest outdoors. I’m a self-proclaimed comedian, a black coffee lover, and an elite-level leisure athlete. I’m also known to bring a questionable amount of Mini Eggs on adventures and to maintain full-throttle Leafs optimism, which, honestly, might be one of my greatest emotional endurance skills.