The Meaning Behind Sama
In Tagalog, “sama” means “to go with.”
A simple yet powerful phrase that captures the heart of this practice.
I chose the name Sama Counselling because I believe healing doesn't happen in isolation—it happens with support, with compassion, and with someone beside you.
To me, therapy isn't about giving advice or telling you who to become. It's about walking alongside you as you make sense of your experiences, reconnect with yourself, and move toward meaningful change at your own pace.
Whether you're navigating anxiety, relationship challenges, identity, or a season of uncertainty, my hope is that you leave each session feeling a little more understood, a little more grounded, and a little less alone.
I'm Hazel Erika Diaz, a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) and Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) based in Calgary, Alberta.
I've always been drawn to understanding people; the stories they carry, the relationships that shape them, and the quiet ways we learn to protect ourselves when life feels overwhelming. I believe that when we understand why we think, feel, and relate the way we do, meaningful and lasting change becomes possible.
Many of the people I work with are thoughtful, self-aware, and often the ones others rely on. They appear to have everything together on the outside while quietly carrying anxiety, self-doubt, overthinking, or relationship struggles beneath the surface. My role is to offer a space where they can slow down, feel understood, and make sense of the patterns shaping their lives.
My approach is relational, insight-oriented, and culturally responsive. Together, we'll explore not only what's happening today, but also the relationships, experiences, and beliefs that continue to influence how you see yourself and connect with others.
As a second-generation Filipina Canadian, I understand how culture, family, and identity shape the way we experience responsibility, belonging, and relationships. Those experiences continue to influence the empathy, curiosity, and cultural humility I bring to my work.
One area I'm especially passionate about is supporting individuals and couples navigating betrayal and infidelity. Having witnessed the impact of broken trust within relationships across different stages of my life, I've seen how deeply betrayal can affect a person's sense of safety, identity, and connection. Those experiences continue to shape the empathy and care I bring to this work.
Above all, I believe therapy should feel deeply human—a place where you don't have to have all the answers before you arrive. My hope is that you leave feeling more understood, more connected to yourself, and more confident in creating the life and relationships you want.
Meet Hazel
"Matibay ang walis, palibhasa’y magkabigkis."
True strength doesn’t come from standing alone; it grows from connection. Like a traditional Filipino walis (broom), which becomes powerful only when each strand is tied together, we become more resilient through relationships—with ourselves, with others, and with our shared stories. This Filipino wisdom reminds us that healing, resilience, and community are intertwined, guiding my culturally sensitive approach to therapy and personal growth.