Sometimes life can leave us feeling overwhelmed, stuck, disconnected, or unsure of how to move forward. You may be navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, grief, life transitions, ADHD, disordered eating, family stress, or the impact of difficult or unsafe relationships. Whatever brings you to therapy, you do not have to figure it out alone.
I work with youth, adults, and couples to create a safe, supportive space where you can explore your experiences, build on your strengths, and move toward healing and growth. My approach is trauma-informed, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that therapy should be tailored to the person in front of me.
Together, we can explore patterns, develop practical tools, strengthen emotional regulation, and work toward meaningful change at a pace that feels manageable. Taking the first step can feel intimidating, but reaching out for support is a sign of strength.
Client Focus
Session Format: Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Senior, Teen, Young Adult
Demographic Expertise: Asian, Black / African American, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Hispanic / Latino, Jewish, LDS/Mormon, LGBTQ+, Men, Middle Eastern, Military / Veterans, Muslim, Native American, Pacific Islander, Persons with Disabilities, Sikh, Women clients.
Languages: English
Treatment Approach
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Helps people accept difficult thoughts and feelings instead of fighting them, while committing to actions that reflect their values. It blends mindfulness with practical behavior strategies.
- Biopsychosocial Therapy Takes into account biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding mental health. It looks at the whole person, not just symptoms.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) One of the most widely used approaches, CBT helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier patterns. It is effective for anxiety, depression, and many other concerns.
- Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) Builds skills in self-kindness and compassion toward others. It is especially helpful for people who struggle with shame or self-criticism.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Combines CBT with mindfulness to help regulate emotions, tolerate stress, and build stronger relationships. Originally designed for borderline personality disorder, it’s now used more broadly.
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Focuses on strengthening emotional bonds in couples or families. It helps people identify negative cycles and create more secure connections.
- Integrative Therapy Combines techniques from multiple approaches into a customized plan. It adapts to each client’s unique situation and needs.
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) A short-term approach focused on improving relationships and social support. It is often used for depression and grief.
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) Combines mindfulness practices with CBT to prevent depression relapse. It helps people notice thoughts without judgment and respond more calmly.
- Motivational Interviewing (MI) A collaborative, client-centered approach that strengthens motivation for change. It is especially effective for addictions and health behaviors.
- Narrative Therapy Encourages people to view problems as separate from themselves and reframe their life story. It helps build resilience and self-identity.
- Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) Emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity. It provides a safe space for self-discovery and growth.
- Psychoeducational Therapy Provides education and coping tools about mental health conditions. It empowers clients with knowledge and practical skills.
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) Focuses on solutions and future goals rather than past problems. It is practical, short-term, and goal-driven.
Approach Description: My approach is trauma-informed, collaborative, relational, and strengths-based. I believe there is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy, so I tailor the work to each client’s needs, goals, pace, and lived experience.
I integrate elements of CBT, DBT, ACT, Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness, Relational Therapy, and strengths-based approaches. This means our work may include exploring patterns, building coping tools, strengthening emotional regulation, clarifying values, improving relationships, processing difficult experiences, and identifying practical steps forward.
I work to create a calm, nonjudgmental, and supportive space where clients can explore what they are carrying while also reconnecting with their strengths, resilience, and capacity for change.
Fees & Insurance
Fees
- Average Session Fee $190
- Affordable sliding scale therapy: apply if you may be eligible.
- Limited sliding scale or reduced-fee therapy options may be available depending on therapist availability, clinical fit, and individual financial circumstances. If cost is a barrier, clients are encouraged to mention this during the consultation or intake process so we can explore available options or help connect them with a therapist or service that better fits their needs.
- Accepts Insurance
- Nearly all insurance policies cover psychotherapy from Social Workers & Psychotherapists! After each session, we will direct bill your insurance or you'll receive a receipt which you can use for submitting a claim.
Education & Credentials
Samantha Williams-Lauder MSW,RSW
- Female
- License # 866479
- Licensed in ON
- Practicing Since 2025
Education: Samantha Williams-Lauder holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Windsor and an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from York University’s Glendon College.
Samantha Williams-Lauder Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available In-Person in Pickering, ON L1V 1Y3 and Toronto, ON
- Available Online for residents of Ontario
- Online Therapy Details: JaneApp
Durham Psychotherapy provides compassionate, evidence-informed counselling and psychotherapy for youth, adults, couples, and families across Durham Region and Ontario. Our therapists support clients navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship concerns, ADHD, life transitions, grief, emotional regulation, intimate partner violence, disordered eating, and family stress.
Samantha Williams-Lauder works with youth, adults, and couples, offering a warm, collaborative, trauma-informed space where clients can feel heard, supported, and understood. She supports clients who may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, disconnected, unsafe in relationships, unsure how to move forward, or weighed down by the demands of everyday life.
Her approach integrates elements of CBT, DBT, ACT, Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Relational Therapy, Mindfulness, and strengths-based care. Samantha believes therapy is not one-size-fits-all. Instead, she works alongside each client to understand their story, build on their strengths, develop practical tools, and move toward healing, growth, and meaningful change.