Where Psychology Meets Real Change
I’m Dr. Stephen Stotland — psychologist, author, researcher, and professor. I help people understand themselves more deeply and change more effectively, especially when old patterns around weight, health, emotions, or direction in life have become hard to shift alone.
This work is compassionate, thoughtful, and practical. It is also active: lasting change usually requires honesty, structure, and engagement — not just insight.
My Philosophy: You’re Not Broken. You’re Becoming.
- You’re not a problem to fix — but some old ways of coping may no longer be serving you.
- Change starts with understanding, not self-judgment.
- The mind, body, and emotions are always in conversation.
- Old patterns often began as protection.
- Lasting change takes compassion, honesty, structure, and practice.
Who I Work With
I work best with people who want more than reassurance or quick fixes. They are ready to look honestly at what is happening, understand themselves more deeply, and stay engaged in a meaningful process of change. 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, chronic dieting, body distress, or the deeper psychological patterns shaping your relationship with food and your body. Whether or not weight loss is your goal, our work will focus on building a healthier, steadier, more peaceful relationship with yourself.
🌱 People seeking clarity, direction, and mind-body integration
You may feel stuck, disconnected, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next step. You might be dealing with stress, burnout, self-doubt, or a broader sense that life is not coming together the way you hoped. Together, we work to bring your thoughts, emotions, values, and daily choices into better alignment.
Not perfection. But willingness.
Meaningful change requires more than willpower. It takes awareness, support, and a process strong enough to help new ways of living take hold.
How I Work
My approach is integrative, collaborative, and grounded in both science and lived reality. It is warm and non-shaming, but also clear enough to help something actually move.
1. Understanding the full picture
I take time to understand your situation from biological, psychological, and social perspectives. We look at your history, your current challenges, your relationships, your habits, and the direction you want your life to move in.
2. Working on change in the present
Therapy is not just reflection. We work on practical changes that can improve how you feel, how you function, and how you relate to yourself and your goals. Small shifts, repeated consistently, can create real momentum.
3. Going deeper when needed
As the work unfolds, we may explore earlier patterns, protective strategies, self-image, and larger questions of meaning and direction. The goal is not only to solve problems, but to help you grow into a fuller and more aligned version of yourself.
My role is not to judge or push you. It is to help you see clearly, stay engaged, and move forward with greater integrity.
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 more than 30 years studying the psychology of change, with a particular focus on obesity, self-regulation, and the relationship between mind and body.
My work as a clinician, researcher, teacher, and writer has given me many ways of understanding change. What matters most to me, though, is helping people use that understanding in real life — to suffer less, function better, and live with greater clarity, strength, and coherence.
Psychotherapy offers something rare: a space to think clearly, feel honestly, and speak without pretense. I feel privileged to bring knowledge, perspective, and care to that process — and to help people build a life that fits them more deeply.
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 with a clearer sense of what needs attention, this is a place to ask questions, explore fit, and begin a more honest conversation about change.
You do not need to have everything figured out before reaching out. But it helps to be ready to engage.
Dr. Stephen Stotland
Psychologist · Author · Coach
Based in Montreal · Serving Quebec and beyond