Dr. Sam Reimer

Ph.D., R.C.C.

Valiant Recovery, Individual therapy

Sam grew up in Kelowna and received his education in BC, Europe, and the USA where he earned his doctorate in Christian Counseling. Happily married, Sam is a lover of life and enjoys helping others experience more peace and happiness.

He was a prison chaplain, and a teacher in Belgium for 11 years. In BC, he has taught at the college level;. He has co-produced 18 TV programs: 9 on Boundaries and 9 on Depression, and has been an instructor of counseling training.

Sam has been a contracted clinical supervisor for counselors working within an agency, and has worked with individuals, couples, families, and groups in various settings as both student and professional, for over 25 years.

He is trained and experienced in the use of over seventy therapies including TIR/LSR, EMDR, TAT, EFT, Cognitive-Behavioral, Guided Imagery, and Pastoral. Sam also has a certificate in Trauma Counseling from the BC Justice Institute, as well as Critical Incident Stress Debriefing training and extensive experience.

Sam counsels people in a holistic, eclectic, pragmatic manner using spiritual principles (when requested) with a variety of issues including abuse, addictions, anger and stress, depression and grief, relationships, and trauma, including PTSD. He is also a trained and experienced Communication Specialist member of the Okanagan Collaborative Family Law Group.

Sam founded and developed Restoration Counseling Services while employed by the Kelowna Salvation Army in 1993. Since 1995, he has directed his own private practice, offering flexible venues and accessible services. He co-facilitated “Parenting After Separation” sessions for 4 ½ years and has co-facilitated the “Relationship Violence Treatment Program” in the Okanagan. Since June 2004 Sam has been contributing weekly articles for Castanet.net on various aspects of counseling, including mental health, healthy relationships, addictions, stress, life situations, etc.. In these articles he frequently reviews and/or refers his readers to helpful books and web sites.

Sam became a member of the BCACC (British Columbia Association of Clinical Counselors) in July 1996 and served on the Registration Committee, and as Vice-President of Region 3, for 12½ years. He recently resigned those positions upon being appointed as a part-time member of the National Parole Board.