Irwin Therapy
Samantha Irwin, RSW, MSW

You deserve a space where your experiences are understood and your voice is valued.

Therapy is a place to pause, reflect, and explore the experiences that have shaped you. I believe meaningful change happens through curiosity, connection, and a deeper understanding of ourselves.

I am a Registered Social Worker based in Toronto, providing virtual psychotherapy services to youth and young adults across Ontario.My approach is grounded in compassionate, client-centred, and trauma-informed frameworks. I believe therapy is a collaborative process where feeling heard, understood, and supported can create the foundation for meaningful healing and growth. Drawing from Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and other evidence-based approaches, I support clients in developing deeper self-understanding, building effective coping strategies, and creating meaningful change.It is a privilege to support and walk alongside people as they navigate life's challenges, and I strive to create a space where you feel cared for, understood, and empowered. I invite you to explore my approach and learn more about how we might work together.

what guides my practice

Education

I hold a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto, with prior graduate education in psychology and neuroscience through my Master of Science at Queen’s University. I also completed my Bachelor of Science Honours in Psychology and Health Studies at Queen’s University, which provided the foundation for my ongoing interest in supporting mental health through both individual and broader contextual lenses.

Experience

My experience spans clinical, hospital, community, research, and advocacy settings. I have provided psychotherapy in private practice, supported youth and families through hospital-based mental health services, contributed to clinical psychiatry research, and worked for community-based programs focused on improving access to care. These experiences have shaped my understanding of the many factors that influence wellbeing and the importance of meeting each person with support that is responsive to their unique needs and circumstances.

Therapy Modalities

I use an integrative, evidence-based approach to therapy, recognizing that no single type of therapy is the right fit for everyone. My work is primarily informed by Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), while also incorporating elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Internal Family Systems, mindfulness, and expressive arts to best support each client's unique goals.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I know if therapy is right for me?

Reaching out for therapy can feel like a big step. Therapy may be helpful if you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck in patterns you would like to change, struggling with difficult emotions, or wanting a deeper understanding of yourself and your experiences. A free 15-minute consultation is available to answer questions and explore whether we may be a good fit.

What services do you offer?

I currently offer virtual telehealth and telephone therapy sessions for youth and young adults across Ontario. Both formats are designed to provide accessible, confidential support in a way that works best for your needs. I plan to expand to in-person services in early 2027.

Who do you work with?

I primarily support youth and young adults experiencing challenges related to anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional regulation, self-esteem, life transitions, self-harm, and other emotional or relational concerns. While this is my main focus, I welcome clients with a range of experiences and reasons for seeking support.

Do you work with parents?

I recognize that parents and caregivers play a crucial role in a young person’s wellbeing. I work collaboratively with caregivers to support understanding, communication, and progress outside of sessions, while respecting the young person’s privacy. I also work with parents and caregivers as individual clients who may be seeking their own support while navigating the challenges of caring for a young person experiencing suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or significant emotional distress.

How long are sessions and how often do we meet?

Therapy sessions are 50 minutes in length. The frequency of sessions depends on your goals, needs, and circumstances. Many clients begin with weekly sessions, though we will work together to determine a schedule that feels appropriate and sustainable.

What is the cost of a therapy session?

The cost of sessions is $125 for a 50-minute appointment. I aim to make therapy as accessible as possible and offer limited sliding scale availability when possible. Please reach out to discuss current availability and whether reduced-fee options may be a fit.

Are therapy services covered by insurance?

As a Registered Social Worker, my services may be eligible for reimbursement through many extended health benefit plans. Coverage varies depending on your specific plan, so I recommend checking with your insurance provider to confirm your eligibility and available benefits.

If you’re interested in starting therapy or would like to learn more about working together, please feel free to reach out by email or use the online booking feature to schedule a free 15-minute consultation appointment. I look forward to connecting with you and answering any questions you may have.