Psychotherapy for Individuals, Couples, and Families
About Me
Welcome, I’m Dan.
My work as a psychotherapist is informed by my lifelong relationship with music. Before becoming a psychotherapist, I spent many years as a musician, music educator, and music therapist. Over time, I have come to appreciate the many parallels between music and psychotherapy. At the heart of both is the practice of deep listening.
I strive to listen deeply to the layered and nuanced ways people express their stories, challenges, strengths, fears, and aspirations. Together, we can make sense of how these experiences are interconnected, the meanings you make of them, and how they influence your sense of self, your relationships, and your way of being in the world.
While psychotherapy is a well-researched scientific discipline, it is also, in many ways, an art. Like creating a piece of music, meaningful therapeutic work is a process of discovery that develops gradually, over time, revealing new possibilities along the way. I recognize that engaging in therapy can feel vulnerable and requires courage. My aim is to offer you a steady, collaborative and compassionate presence – where you feel seen, heard and accompanied – as we engage in this process together.
Credentials
I hold a Master of Science in Couple and Family Therapy from McGill University, a Master of Arts in Creative Arts Therapies (Music Therapy) from Concordia University, and a Graduate Certificate in Mindfulness Studies from Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM). I am a member of the Ordre des travailleurs sociaux et des thérapeutes conjugaux et familiaux du Québec (OTSTCFQ), which allows me to practice psychotherapy in Quebec. I am also accredited by the Canadian Association of Music Therapists (CAMT).
I have completed training in Somatic Experiencing (levels 1, 2, 3), Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness, The Bonnie Method of Guided Imagery in Music (GIM- Level 1) and am a certified Compassionate Bereavement Care Provider (MISS Foundation).
In addition to working in private practice, I have also had the privilege of supporting individuals, couples, and families within institutional settings. I have provided music therapy and bereavement counselling at the Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence and the Jewish General Hospital. As part of my professional training, I have also provided psychotherapy to individuals, couples and families in the department of psychiatry at the Montreal Children’s Hospital and music therapy to adolescents in psychiatry at Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur-de-Montréal
My Approach
My approach integrates several models, with particular influences from attachment theory, somatic-based mindfulness, and systemic theory. When appropriate, I invite clients into musical experiences that enrich the process and broaden perspectives. My work with couples is grounded primarily in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). A trauma-informed perspective informs all aspects of my practice.
I strive to remain attuned to the important ways in which gender, sexuality, culture, race, religion, neurodiversity, and socioeconomic realities influence our lives. I proudly provide 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming care. I consistently aim to cultivate a space that is welcoming, inclusive, and free of judgment.
As we work together, we will tailor the process to your unique needs. My intent is to help you gain insights and develop new ways of responding to life’s many challenges, to cultivate healthier relationships, and to live in accordance with your deepest values.
Services & Fees
Individual Therapy
$140/50 min.
Individual therapy offers an opportunity to pause, reflect, and better understand yourself. Together, we will make sense of what may be keeping you stuck, amplify your strengths, and cultivate new ways of responding to the challenges that bring you to therapy. .
My areas of specialty include:
Anxiety
Depression
Self worth and self esteem
Developmental Trauma and C-PTSD
Boundary issues
Identity and meaning
Grief and loss
Major life transitions
Stress and anger management
Burnout
Relationship challenges
Parenting issues
Couples Therapy
$165/60 min.
Partners can become caught in familiar cycles that result in feeling unheard, disconnected, or alone. Together, we will slow down, explore the patterns that have developed over time and develop new ways of communicating, repairing, and reconnecting.
My areas of specialty include:
Communication challenges
Conflict resolution
Sexual issues
2SLGBTQIA+ relationships
Division of labour / mental load
Infidelity and other ruptures
Relational ambiguity
Parenting challenges
Blended families & co-parenting
Extended family issues
Family Therapy
$165/60 min.
Families are constantly adapting to change, and even loving families can find themselves stuck in dynamics that get in the way of connection. I aim to offer a space where each person's perspective is welcomed and where difficult conversations can unfold with greater understanding and care.
My areas of specialty include:
2SLGBTQIA+ families
Parent–child conflict
Families with adolescent children
Families with adult children
Sibling conflict (adolescent and adult siblings)
Caring for aging parents (sibling roles and division of labour)
Frequently Asked Questions
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My office is located at 1217 Bernard Ave. Suite #217, in Outremont.
Outremont Metro station is a 10 minute walk.
Street parking is free for 2 hours on side streets in Outremont. Parking on Bernard is metered.
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You can reach me through the contact form below. Once we get started, I will provide you with an email address that you can use. To prevent receiving spam messages, I do not post my email address on this website.
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Yes, I offer both in-person and online sessions. However, depending on the circumstances, I may recommend in-person sessions, especially at the beginning of the process. If the process is mostly online, then I may recommend coming in-person occasionally, if possible.
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I offer individual therapy in English and French. At the moment, I only offer couple and family therapy in English. If, however, your couple or family is at ease communicating in both English and French, we can decide if I am the right fit during our intake meeting.
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I accept Interac transfer, cash, or cheque. Payment is due no later than 6 hours after session. I will provide you with a receipt detailing my professional order and permit number.
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While I do not directly bill insurance companies, most health insurance policies cover psychotherapy services. I will provide you with a receipt for each session with my permit number issued by my professional order.
I would suggest checking in with your insurance provider to find out your yearly total coverage and the coverage percentage for each session.
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I ask that clients cancel at least 24 hours before the session. This allows me to offer the session to someone else who may be on my waitlist. The full fee will be charged for sessions that are not cancelled within 24 hours. If medical emergencies or extreme weather events arise, the missed session fee will be waived and we will be able to make alternative arrangements.
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No. The practice of psychotherapy is tax exempt in Canada.
Psychotherapy fees may qualify as eligible medical expenses for income tax purposes. Tax eligibility depends on the applicable federal and provincial tax rules, which may change over time. Clients are encouraged to consult the Canada Revenue Agency or a tax professional regarding their individual circumstances.
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In most cases, weekly or bi-weekly sessions are recommended at the beginning of therapy to build momentum, foster a strong therapeutic relationship, and support steady progress.
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In Québec, psychotherapy is a legally protected act. This means that only professionals who have completed rigorous training, demonstrated clinical competence, and obtained a permission to practice psychotherapy may legally call themselves psychotherapists and provide psychotherapy services. This regulation helps ensure that clients receive safe, ethical, and evidence-informed care.
Choosing an authorized psychotherapist means working with someone who is held to high professional standards, engages in ongoing education, and adheres to a strict code of ethics.
If you would like to schedule a complimentary, 20-minute phone consultation, feel free to reach me through the message box below.
All communications are confidential.