In Tagalog, “sama” means “to go with.”
A simple but powerful word that captures the heart of this practice. Sama Counselling was founded on the belief that healing doesn’t happen in isolation — it happens with: with support, with compassion, with someone beside you.
As a second-generation Filipina immigrant and Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) in Ontario, Hazel created Sama Counselling to reflect the values she grew up with: community, presence, and the quiet strength of showing up for one another. At Sama, you’re not navigating your healing alone — we walk alongside you with culturally sensitive therapy for individuals and families across Ontario and beyond.
"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.