What Makes Danielle Stam with Belong Inc. a Good Neighbor?

In a recent episode of the Good Neighbor Podcast, we had the privilege of speaking with Danielle Stam, founder of Belong Inc. Counseling and Consulting. As a social worker and psychotherapist with over two decades of experience, Danielle brings a wealth of knowledge to her practice located in Ancaster, Ontario. What sets her approach apart is her unwavering belief in the transformative power of relationships and human connection in the healing process—a philosophy that forms the cornerstone of her therapeutic work with clients across all age groups.

Danielle's journey into the mental health field was deeply personal. Like many mental health professionals, her own life experiences ignited a passion for supporting others through trauma recovery. After years of working in the public sector, she recognized a critical gap in services available for individuals facing complex trauma. This realization, paired with her firsthand observations of clients’ resilience and capacity for growth, ultimately led her to establish Belong Inc. The practice embodies her core belief that every person possesses inherent value—and that healing relationships provide the essential context for rewriting difficult life narratives, no matter one’s past.

A defining element of Danielle’s work is her expertise in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. As both a certified EMDR therapist and approved consultant, she offers valuable insights into this evidence-based modality. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation to address trauma on multiple levels—engaging cognitive processes, emotional responses, and physical sensations. Danielle explains it as working with “the thinking brain, the feeling heart, and the body all at the same time.” The goal is to create a “disconfirming experience” that allows clients to reprocess painful memories, reduce their emotional charge, and foster healing across the whole system.

A common misconception about EMDR—and therapy in general—is that it may not work for everyone or apply to every situation. Danielle challenges this belief by emphasizing her client-centered approach: instead of asking clients to conform to a rigid model, she adapts EMDR to meet their individual needs. When practiced in the safety of a trusting therapeutic relationship, EMDR can be effective for virtually anyone, tailored to their unique healing journey.

Danielle’s practice welcomes a diverse range of clients—from children as young as six to seniors in their eighties. She works extensively with people who’ve experienced significant life disruptions: children in foster care, adoptees, survivors of childhood adversity, first responders, members of the Canadian Armed Forces, and individuals dealing with PTSD, complex PTSD, anxiety, OCD, panic, and phobias. This wide-reaching work reflects Danielle’s versatility and her deeply held belief that “anybody can benefit from having someone to talk to”—a simple yet profound reminder of the universal human need for connection in order to heal.

To learn more about Danielle Stam and Belong Inc. Counseling and Consulting, go to: www.belonginctherapy.ca

Belong Inc. Counseling and Consulting
204-720-5883