Wellspace Therapy
“Old patterns don’t give us a future, they just give us a repetition of the past”
– Thomas Hübl
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Mandy Samra-Sahota, RSW MSW, SEP
After graduating from Wilfred Laurier University, I began a career in Accounting and Finance, however after 10 years in the industry I felt unfulfilled, so I decided to change directions. I returned to school and completed a second undergraduate degree in Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour from McMaster University. My undergraduate degree inspired me to pursue a Master of Social Work and to learn more about brain science which I have incorporated into my work. I completed my Master of Social Work degree at the University of Toronto specializing in Children and Families.
I work with families, couples, adolescents and adults affected by trauma, anxiety, attachment issues, emotional challenges, life changes, grief and struggles with communication.
In early 2025 I began Thomas Hubl’s Timeless Wisdom Training, a transformative 2-year journey focused on deepening self-awareness and cultivating wisdom through experiential learning and collective processes. This training integrates practices of mindfulness, embodiment, and social healing to explore the dynamics of personal and collective growth.
My philosophy is a client(s) centred and collaborative approach, which means you will drive the therapeutic process while I serve as a guide.
As a clinician, I believe in continuous learning to ensure that I am able to offer clients a variety of therapeutic options. I believe it is important to be curious and non-judgmental and I have found that when clients feel heard and seen it begins the healing process. It would be my privilege to join you in your journey of healing and self-discovery.
For information on my trainings, look to the bottom of the website
“Trauma can be anything that happens too much, too fast, too soon, too long, coupled with not enough of what should have happened that was resourcing.“ — Resmaa Menakem
A Brief Explanation of Each Training
Somatic Experiencing Training
Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner (SEP). SE is a body-centered trauma therapy based on the understanding that trauma is stored in the nervous system. SE helps to recognize patterns of coping that may have initially developed to keep us safe but now maybe limiting our perception. SE focuses on restoring regulation through awareness of physical sensations, titration (small doses of trauma exposure), and pendulation (moving between stress and calm). Techniques include breathwork, mindful movement, and tracking bodily sensations. The overall aim of SE is to increase a client’s capacity to manage a wider range of experiences with ease, presence and connection. SE supports healing from PTSD, chronic stress, and anxiety in a gentle, non-invasive manner
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples and individuals, including:
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EFT Externship with ICEEFT trainers Dr. Sue Johnson & Robin Williams Blake
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Core Skills training with Robin Williams Blake
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Healing Attachment Injuries with Drs. Leanne Campbell & James Hawkins
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Level 1 and Level 2 Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy with Drs. Sue Johnson and Leanne Campbell
EFT is a research-backed therapy for couples and individuals that strengthens emotional bonds by addressing interactional patterns, unmet needs, and attachment wounds. It unfolds in three phases: de-escalation, restructuring interactions, and consolidation. EFIT applies EFT principles to individual work, helping clients process past wounds in the context of attachment.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Completed beginner and advanced ACT training with Dr. Russ Harris, including a 6-week ACT for Depression and Anxiety Disorders course. ACT combines mindfulness with behavior change strategies to build psychological flexibility. It centers on six core processes: acceptance, cognitive defusion, present moment awareness, self-as-context, values clarification, and committed action. ACT helps individuals develop emotional resilience and live in alignment with personal values, even in the face of discomfort.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Completed EMDRIA-approved virtual EMDR training. EMDR is a trauma-focused therapy that helps individuals process unresolved memories by using bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, to mimic natural processing mechanisms like REM sleep. EMDR reduces emotional reactivity and helps reframe negative beliefs tied to traumatic experiences. It is widely used for PTSD, anxiety, depression, and phobias and is recognized by APA and WHO for its effectiveness.
Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE)
Completed SPACE training through Yale University’s Child Study Center. SPACE is a parent-based approach for treating childhood anxiety, OCD, and related issues without requiring the child’s direct participation. It focuses on reducing family accommodations, responding supportively to anxiety, and reinforcing the child’s ability to cope. Particularly effective for children aged 6–17 and those resistant to therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Completed Level 1 Fundamentals of CBT through Wilfrid Laurier University and Qualia Counselling Services. CBT is a structured, evidence-based therapy that links thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It teaches clients to identify distorted thinking, reframe unhelpful thoughts, and change maladaptive behaviors through tools like thought records, behavioral experiments, and exposure exercises. Effective for anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, insomnia, and more.
Gottman Method
Completed Level 1 and Level 2 trainings through the Gottman Institute. The Gottman Method is a research-based approach rooted in the “Sound Relationship House” theory. It emphasizes emotional attunement, conflict management, and shared purpose. Level 1 focuses on identifying negative communication patterns and fostering connection, while Level 2 delves into assessment tools, interventions for complex issues (e.g., trauma, infidelity), and strengthening emotional responsiveness.
Narrative Therapy
Completed a Brief & Narrative Therapy Certification with Karen Young at The Windz Institute, including Level 2 workshops in Multi-Story Listening and Narrative Maps. Narrative Therapy helps clients re-author their life stories by externalizing problems and identifying alternative narratives rooted in values, strengths, and preferred identities. Especially helpful for those struggling with trauma, marginalization, or self-defeating narratives, Narrative Therapy positions clients as experts in their own lives.
Family Therapy
Completed training through the George Hull Centre for Children & Families and Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) Core: Special Topics from the International Institute for EFFT. Family Therapy views issues within the context of family dynamics and relationships, rather than as individual pathology. It aims to improve communication, resolve conflict, and shift systemic patterns across generations using models like structural, strategic, and Bowenian family therapy.
"Disconnection from the self is the greatest wound” Gabor Mate
Special thanks to Sameera Tay for generously allowing me to feature her stunning photography on my website.
About Sameera Tay
From childhood, Sameera was drawn to art through drawing, painting, and visits to museums. Her shift to photography began in 2011 during a trip to Barcelona, where a friend encouraged her to explore her natural talent behind the lens.
Mostly self-taught, she combines bold colors and layered visuals to create work that ranges from surreal abstractions to intimate portraits. Her art reflects a deep curiosity about life, emotion, and human experience.
Photography, for Sameera, is a powerful form of emotional expression—one that allows her to connect, reflect, and inspire.
Explore more of her work: @sameera.tay
For More Information:
For more information, please contact mandy.sahota@wellspacemd.com. But please be aware that communication over the internet is not secure, and thus confidentiality cannot be guaranteed. Please do not send sensitive information via a contact form or email.