Samantha Barbosa

Registered Psychotherapist, MA

Services and Therapies

Samantha is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and a Yorkville University graduate with a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology.

Samantha Barbosa

A Compassionate Therapist

Samantha Barbosa has worked at the Centre of Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) assessing clients with depression, anxiety, trauma experiences, and psychotic disorders. She has also volunteered at the Toronto Distress Centre providing support and crisis intervention for clients in distress. She has completed specialized training in Eye Movement Desensitization (EMDR) and Reprocessing, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Perinatal Mental Health.

Samantha provides psychotherapy and offers a variety of therapeutic approaches to assist clients achieve their goals. She specializes in working with adults struggling with mood and anxiety symptoms, trauma, relationships, perinatal mental health, and identity and life transitions.

She believes that a holistic and client-centered approach to therapy is vital to serve the unique needs and goals of her clients. Samantha works collaboratively with her clients to help them achieve their goals.

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FAQs

The act of psychotherapy involves a trusting and collaborative relationship with a therapist in a safe space. The therapeutic relationship involves working together to achieve goals around improving mental health and well-being. Psychotherapy sessions can be set up as individual, couples, families, or groups. There are various types of psychotherapies including but not exclusive to CBT, DBT, SFT, and EMDR. The therapeutic approach used in sessions depends on a clients experience, presenting issues, and goals. Each intervention may involves different forms of tools and techniques however aim to reach the same level of improvement. 

Psychotherapy and counselling have overlapping commonalities; however, differences do exist. Psychotherapy is typically a long-term process that involves uncovering, gaining insights into, processing, and healing issues impacting metal health and well-being. Through the use of specific strategies and techniques, a therapist helps guide their client to resolve those issues. Counselling typically focuses on one issue at a time and involves a more directive approach such as finding solutions to an existing problem.
The first session begins by covering the structure of the therapeutic relationship and sessions, informed consent, limits to confidentiality, fees and cancellation policy will be discussed. The therapist will inqure about questions the client may have at the onset of the process. The therapist will then complete an intake to become informed on a clients past history and experience, presenting issue(s), and goals for therapy. Based on the information, the therapist will provide psychoeducation and collaborate with the client on a therapeutic plan.
The number of sessions will depend on a client’s history, presenting issue(s) and therapeutic goals. Research suggests an average of 12-16 sessions is ideal for progress and change to occur. In addition, weekly or biweekly sessions is strongly recommended at the onset of therapy while maintenance sessions can be spread out once goals have been reached.
Currently psychotherapy is not covered by OHIP however is covered by most insurance plans. It is the client’s responsibility to check with their insurance to ensure their therapy sessions with a Registered Psychotherapist are covered.
A key determinant for therapy success is a trusting, caring, and respectful therapeutic relationship. Your therapist should be a licenced professional. In addition, you should feel safe and comfortable when talking to your therapist. You should be able to work collaboratively with your therapist on achieving your goals.