Arlen Tom, RSW

he/ him

Life can shift in an instant, and when it does, it’s natural to feel unsteady.

Whether you’re navigating grief, identity, career changes, relationship endings, or new beginnings like parenthood, you don’t have to do it alone.

I became a social worker and therapist through my own experiences with grief and loss at a difficult time in my life. Having a neutral and attuned person to sit with shaped not only how I understand healing, but how I show up for others.

I too know what it’s like to feel like you don’t quite belong, or what direction you want to take in life. I grew up feeling different, as a bi-racial kid in a community that I really didn’t see myself in. In addition, I was diagnosed with ADHD later in life, which helped me to make sense of some of the challenges growing up. The busy-ness in my head, the difficulty with deadlines and procrastination, the overwhelm with tasks; it all helped me understand myself more, and give me a direction to improve myself.

I am honoured to be in a position where I can now show up for others in a way that has been so helpful for me. I look forward to meeting you at The Nook.

Book with Arlen
Book with Arlen

  • Relational

  • Narrative

  • Person-centred

  • Solution-focused

  • Strengths-based

  • DBT

  • Existential

Modalities

  • Bi-racial identity

  • Masculinity

  • ADHD/ Neurodivergence

  • Grief

  • Parenthood

  • Life transitions

  • Existential crisis

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

Specialties

  • Tuesdays

    Days/ Evenings

  • Thursday

    Evenings

Clinical Hours

  • Master of Social Work

  • Bachelors of Creative Writing w/ Minor in Counselling

Education

If We Work Together, It Might Look Like…

Therapy with me is relaxed, real, and welcoming, with some humour along the way when it fits.

You don’t have to show up any particular way or have the “right words;” we’ll just start where you are.

Our experiences can shape our inner voice that influences how we see ourselves and the world around us. I am here to help you make sense of these experiences and build awareness around how they may be impacting your life now. We can work on understanding, and creating tools to try to shift the patterns you’re wanting to change.

I’ll meet you as a whole person, not a label, and we’ll figure out together what actually feels helpful for you. I always welcome feedback along the way, as this is a collaborative journey towards growth and healing.

Book With Arlen
Book With Arlen

Now offering direct billing with Green Shield

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Yes. Exploring identity can feel complicated, especially when you’re navigating different cultures, expectations, or a sense of not fully belonging. Therapy can be a space to unpack those experiences at your own pace, making sense of where you come from, how you see yourself, and what feels true for you. There’s no “right” way to have an identity, and you don’t have to figure it out alone.

  • That’s a valid concern. You won’t be expected to educate your therapist or prove your experiences. These conversations are approached with openness, respect, and curiosity, while also recognizing the real impact of culture, race, and systemic factors. If something feels off or misunderstood, we can talk always talk about it.

  • Absolutely. Therapy can support you in understanding how ADHD might show up in your life (ex: like challenges with focus, organization, time management, or emotional regulation) whether or not you have a formal diagnosis. We can explore strategies that actually work for you, while also looking at how ADHD affects your relationships, work, and sense of self.

  • This just means we are creating a space where men can explore their thoughts, feelings, and life challenges safely and without judgment. It’s about addressing issues that are sometimes harder to talk about, like stress, relationships, identity, emotions, or societal expectations of masculinity. It doesn’t require “being tough” or having all the answers. Therapy for men is about support, understanding, and finding strategies that work for you, in your own way and at your own pace.

  • This is a common question for people beginning therapy, and the answer is no.

    You can self‑refer and book directly with anyone on our team without needing a doctor’s note.