Where Psychology Meets Real Life
I’m Dr. Stephen Stotland—a psychologist, author, researcher, and professor.
I’m passionate about helping people understand themselves more deeply and lead themselves more effectively—through emotional patterns, physical challenges, or simply the complex business of being human.
My Philosophy: You’re Not Broken. You’re Becoming.
- You’re not a problem to fix—you’re finding your way.
- Change starts with curiosity, not self-judgment.
- The mind, body, and emotions are always in conversation.
- Old patterns were once smart strategies.
- Real change is possible, one step at a time.
Who I Work With
I work with people who are ready to engage in meaningful, lasting change—not quick fixes. If you sense that your struggles run deeper than surface-level habits, this path may be for you. We’ll uncover and address the emotional roots of patterns that no longer serve you. Most of my clients fall into one of two overlapping groups:
🧱 People working through long-term struggles with weight, eating, and health
You may be dealing with emotional eating, trying to move away from chronic dieting, or want to address the deeper psychological patterns that shape your relationship with food and your body. Whether or not weight loss is your goal, we’ll focus on building a healthier, more peaceful relationship with yourself.
🌱 People seeking clarity, direction, and mind-body integration
You may feel stuck, disconnected, overwhelmed, or simply unsure of your next step. You might be navigating stress, burnout, or a general sense that life isn’t lining up the way you hoped. Together, we’ll work to bring your thoughts, emotions, values, and habits into greater alignment.
Meaningful change requires more than willpower.
It takes awareness, support, and a deeper understanding of the forces—internal and external—that shape how we think, feel, and act. That’s the kind of work we do together.
How I Work
My approach is integrative, collaborative, and tailored to each person I work with. It blends science, strategy, and reflection—and it evolves with your needs.
1. Whole-person understanding
I take time to understand your situation from a biological, psychological, and social perspective. We consider your past experiences, your present challenges, and the direction you want your life to move in. This creates a strong foundation for meaningful change.
2. Change that matters now
We work on practical, actionable steps that can make an immediate difference—improving how you feel, how you function, and how you relate to your goals. Small shifts, repeated over time, often create powerful momentum.
3. Deeper Exploration
As we move forward, we look more closely at the deeper roots of your struggles—early patterns, protective strategies, self-image, and questions of meaning and direction that shape your choices. Therapy is a place not just to solve problems, but to grow into a fuller version of yourself.
Credentials
- Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, McGill University
- M.A. in Psychology, University of Toronto
- Widely published researcher and international presenter
- Professor
- Author of You're Stronger Than You Think (forthcoming)
- Based in Montreal
About Me
I’ve spent my life studying the magic of human change and development. How do we become our best selves? My first subject was—and still is—myself. As they say, first heal the healer.
The search for healing, meaning, and coherence is something we all share. In my case, I made it my life’s work. And I love accompanying others on their own journeys of self-discovery and renewal.
Life is short, but there’s hope—and it starts with taking a stand for yourself.
In my view, healing doesn’t belong exclusively to psychology or medicine. Anything that inspires you, soothes your soul, or gives you direction can be healing. That might be art, nature, movement, or meaningful connection.
What psychotherapy offers is something rare: a space to think, to feel, to express yourself honestly—and to begin rewriting your personal story. I feel privileged to play the role of witness, collaborator, coach, and confidant.
I bring to the role the knowledge, perspective, and whatever wisdom I’ve managed to gather—along with a deep belief in your potential to change and grow.
You’re Stronger Than You Think – Upcoming Book
This book weaves together stories, science, and strategies to help you build lasting change in how you relate to your body, your emotions, and yourself.
If you’ve ever struggled with weight, stress, or self-doubt—and want a path that’s grounded, compassionate, and practical—this book is for you.
Blog
The Weight of the World
Carrying More Than Just Physical Weight
We often hear the phrase, “carry your own weight”, usually meant as a call to responsibility. But what happens when the weight we carry isn’t physical at all?
Many people feel burdened by stress, regret, guilt, shame, and uncertainty — invisible yet heavy loads that affect every aspect of life. It’s no wonder that we sometimes feel like we’re carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders.
Hungry for Something More
Do you ever feel like you’re craving something—but you’re not quite sure what?
It might show up as a restless scroll through your phone, a late-night snack, or an overwhelming urge to do something, buy something, eat something. These moments are more than habits. They’re signals.
Signals that something deeper is stirring beneath the surface.
Let's Talk
If something here resonates with you, I’d be glad to connect.
Whether you’re exploring therapy for the first time or returning to it with a new focus, I offer a calm, collaborative space to begin the conversation.
You’re welcome to reach out with questions below.
Dr. Stephen Stotland
Psychologist · Author · Coach
Based in Montreal · Serving Quebec and beyond