About David Archer
OK, so here's the rest of my story:
Read the following, get to know me a bit, and see for yourself if we can be a good fit.
Throughout the Montreal area I have worked and interned in social services, mental health clinics, and community centres. I started off interning in youth protection, worked in domestic violence, and saw diverse groups of people with mental health challenges.
I also spent several years working in the Native reserve of Kahnawake seeing individuals who had addictions and gambling issues. I also saw people who had issues with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
I’ve seen a lot of suffering. It hasn’t been easy, but I wanted to make a difference. So I devoted my life to finding ways that I could help people.
I am passionate about identity, culture, race, mindfulness, and intersectionalities in our social contexts. I also like to play indie PC video games, meditate, read books on esoteric topics, and I love making Hip Hop music. I like to have fun.
And, oh yeah, of course, humour, authenticity, and just being real with people is the extra icing on the cake 🙂
Oh yeah, and one more thing...
Let’s be real for a moment, considering the socio-political context and all…
My approach is anti-racist, intersectional feminist, and Queer and Trans friendly. Any recovery for our mental health also suggests that we would need to analyze oppressive beliefs of White supremacy, patriarchy, heterosexism and the negative impact they can have on our mental health.
Although I believe in allyship, there is still much for me to learn. I try to work on my blind spots on a regular basis.
I run a space of mindfulness, self-acceptance, and non-judgment. Regardless of whether you’re a businessperson, a sex worker, or from any other background– I’m not here to judge. My job is to help you to recognize your awesomeness.
There is always hope to make a difference.
My model is humanistic and systemic. I believe that anyone is capable of exceeding expectations in a social system.
Our identity is unique but we can always change our minds, and see things from the right perspective.
Got any of these problems?
- Relationship Problems
- Stress Reduction
- Anger Management
- Social Anxiety
- Quitting Cigarettes/ Marijuana Abuse
- Relapse Prevention
If you, a loved one, or one of your children are concerned about these issues, continue reading and we can see if we could be a good fit.
Already have these?
- A desire to see a change
- Appreciation for someone who can help
- Willing to accept responsibility
- Willingness to try new things
- Understanding of the 90/10 principle
- A decent support system of friends or family
Then we might be ready to work together.
Extra Stuff
The following lists some of my personal experience. I am qualified to provide interventions for diverse populations.
I use mindfulness and cognitive based interventions for emotion regulation and resolution of traumatic events.
| Academic Experience | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Master of Applied Science, Couple and Family Therapy |
McGill University |
2018 |
|
Master of Social Work |
McGill University |
2013 |
|
Bachelor of Arts: Specialization Psychology |
Concordia University |
2009 |
| EMDR Therapy Related Certifications | ||
|---|---|---|
|
EMDR Approved Consultant |
Consulting services for Consultants-in-Training and Basic EMDR trained therapists |
2021 |
|
EMDR Consultant in Training |
Consultant offering services for EMDR therapists who completed Basic Training/Certification |
2020 |
|
Certified EMDR Therapist |
Certified EMDR Practitioner listed on EMDR Canada and the EMDR International Association |
2019 |
|
Basic EMDR Trained Therapist |
Basic Training for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Completed. |
2016 |
| Certifications | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Registered Social Worker - Psychotherapist |
Permit Granted by Ordre des Psychologues |
2018 |
|
NLP Practitioner and Master Practitioner |
Certified by iNLP Center. |
2017 |
|
Internationally Certified Clinical Addictions Counsellor |
Achieved certification from CACCF (Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation). |
2015 |
|
Licensed Clinical Social Worker |
2013 |
| Fees | |
|---|---|
|
Standard Fee |
Province of Quebec: Individual session @ $200/session. Not currently accepting new couples/families |
|
EMDR Consultation Fee |
Internationally: Therapists seeking EMDR consultation or mentorship: $185 CDN/ session | Group Consultation $100 CDN |
|
Sliding Scale |
Please note that at this time I have no more remaining sliding scale options available at this time. Thank you for your interest. |
Session Information
Are you covered by an insurance provider? Receipts for some therapeutic services can be reimbursed. I am registered as a Social Worker (OTSTCFQ) and Social Worker – Psychotherapist (OPQ).
*UPDATE July 2023: I’ve got a waiting list. Still busy!*
Availability: Time and Dates in EST
*Wednesday to Saturday*
For psychotherapy/EMDR therapy/individual consultation
*All sessions start at 10:15am, 11:30am and 2:15pm | Occasionally, 3:30pm slots available*
Non-clinical clients (Consultees, Mentees, EMDR Trainees, etc.)
*Available only at 3:30pm*
Everything is virtual, too. Download the Google Meet App and use an up to date web browser for our sessions. Thank you.
What can I do for you?
There are a variety of different ways that I may be able to help you out.
Here are some of the approaches we will be using.
Emotion Regulation
Need help with Anger Management, Stress Reduction, or Addictions (Relapse Prevention)?
I was trained to provide an individualized therapy called EMDR (Eye movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). This is a trauma informed therapeutic approach. .
It is helpful for people who have events in their past that they have a tough time getting over. These issues can range from bad breakups, job losses, or difficult childhood events. It is also helpful for day to day stresses relating to identity, racial, and societal stressors.
Mindfulness Meditation
Trouble with anxiety or getting your mind to relax?
Mindfulness relates to the awareness of events as they come to pass.
Meditation involves being able to sit in silence and observe these thoughts as they are.
The approach that I use involves being able to cultivate an awareness for difficulties as they arise, and find ways to be able to stay grounded during difficulties.
Meditation is a skill. Don’t worry, many people say they can’t meditate and that’s fine. We will work at it and you will see progress before you know it!
Couple and Family Therapy
We love our loved ones. But it ain’t always easy!
Many problems in life come up from interpersonal situations.. Some of our biggest problems happen when we get into conflicts with people who are closest to us.
Have a loved one that needs help? We will look at the relationship as a family system, and give a voice to everyone involved.
I work with both couples and families. I have experience working with interracial, intercultural, and non-conforming relationships.
Two-person therapy/groups are also available. You don’t need an intimate relationship to work together.
Need advice?
If you would like to set up an appointment or request more information, please don’t hesitate to send me an email. I do the best I can to answer all of my emails within a couple of days.