Dr. Sam Mahmoud, PhD ( Human Sociology), MA (Psychology), RCC
Founder & Clinical Director, Existential–Relational Trauma Therapy Centre Developer of the ER-TT Model
Dr. Sam Mahmoud is a Registered Clinical Counsellor based in Vancouver, Canada, specializing in trauma recovery, existential depth psychotherapy, identity reconstruction, relational healing, and the treatment of betrayal-related wounds. With years of clinical experience working with diverse populations, Sam has developed a unique integrative modality called Existential–Relational Trauma Therapy (ER-TT)—a comprehensive model designed to help individuals heal deeply while reconnecting with their authentic identity and relational freedom.
Sam’s clinical perspective is grounded in the understanding that trauma is not only an emotional injury but also a rupture in identity, meaning, and connection. His therapeutic framework integrates:
- Trauma-informed neuroscience
- Relational attunement and attachment repair
- Existential psychology (freedom, meaning, authenticity)
- Emotional processing and experiential techniques
- Identity recovery and selfhood reconstruction
- Betrayal-related trauma work
- Clinical hypnotherapy techniques (for regulation, access to emotion, and trauma processing)
- A sex-positive, trauma-informed approach to intimacy and sexuality
Sam has extensive experience working with survivors of domestic violence, individuals facing betrayal and relational rupture, clients struggling with sexual shame or intimacy difficulties, immigrants navigating cultural transition, and adults raised in emotionally neglectful or chaotic homes. He also works with individuals experiencing existential crises, identity fragmentation, or long-standing relational patterns rooted in early developmental trauma.
His therapeutic presence is warm, grounded, intuitive, and deeply human. Clients frequently describe their work with Sam as “transformational,” “identity-rebuilding,” and “the first time I have truly been understood.”
Dr. Mahmoud is the founder and clinical director of the Existential–Relational Trauma Therapy Centre, where he continues to practice, teach, supervise, and expand the ER-TT model.