Toronto Ontario - Image by Berkay Gumustekin

About Me

Growing up in 80s/90s rural Ontario, gay role models were nowhere to be found. All I knew is that I had to hide the "bad" parts while hyper-focusing on the "good". You don't have to be gay to appreciate the exhaustion of constantly trying to prove your worth, while running from your shame. This internal battle continued long after my external world no longer demanded it. I didn't know I could stop fighting. Instead, I continued fighting an endless battle with no chance of winning, leading me to shut down with depression.

As much as I'd have liked for things to have been different, I appreciate that little Darren was doing the best he could with the resources he had. Children fight hard for safety and acceptance in whatever way they know how.

Finding a great therapist was a game changer for me. It's why I work hard to offer clients a space that is filled with compassion, genuineness, and a sense of humour.

My Professional Background

I've been many things. A dog walker, a landscaper, a researcher. I've worked in television and film production and been a farm hand. In high school I even worked as an assistant butcher (sorry to my vegan and vegetarian friends!). I jumped around a lot not knowing what direction I was supposed to go (something many of my clients relate to). What I enjoyed across all those experiences was getting to know people from all walks of life. It helped highlight our common experiences of joy, anger, loss - the ups and downs we all face. It has also shown me how our unique histories dictate vastly different strategies to handle them.

I've worked as a registered social worker since 2016 helping people process and manage their fears, angers, joys, grief, and more. I've had the privilege of helping hundreds of clients across community, hospital, and university settings.