About
Hi, I’m Cliff Stornel.
A counsellor, a fellow traveller, and a firm believer that no one should have to navigate the hard chapters of life alone.
My philosophy
You are the author of your own story.
I believe people are not broken and don’t need fixing. We all carry stories — about who we are, what we’re capable of, and what we deserve. Sometimes those stories, shaped by hard experiences, stop serving us. Therapy is a chance to notice them, question the ones that no longer fit, and re-author a narrative that reflects who you truly are and where you want to go.
My style is warm, collaborative, and down-to-earth. I’ll meet you with curiosity rather than assumptions, and we’ll move at a pace that feels safe. You bring the expertise on your own life; I bring tools, questions, and a steady presence to help you find the way forward.
Background & training
Education & credentials
My path to this work wove together psychology, the study of conflict, and a deep interest in the stories that shape our lives.
Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP)
Graduate training in counselling theory and clinical practice, grounded in evidence-based and person-centred care.
Background in Psychology
Foundational study in psychology, informing a nuanced understanding of how we think, feel, relate, and grow.
Conflict Resolution
Specialized training in conflict resolution — helping individuals, partners, and groups move through tension toward understanding.
Certified in Narrative Therapy
Certification in narrative therapy, the approach at the heart of my practice — separating people from problems and re-authoring life stories.
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA).
A little more about me
Beyond the counselling room.
My path to becoming a psychotherapist grew from both personal loss and a lifelong ability to connect with people. After losing family members, I came to understand how important it can be to have someone who will sit with you through life’s hardest moments. Throughout more than 20 years of working with people in different professional settings, I often found that others felt comfortable opening up to me. I bring that same curiosity, openness, and genuine interest into therapy—along with a dad’s sense of humour when the moment calls for it. I believe we all have the ability to shape our own stories in ways that help us feel more empowered, connected, and hopeful.
I welcome adults and older youth of all genders, orientations, lifestyles, and relationship structures. As someone who is pansexual, polyamorous, and personally familiar with ethical non-monogamy, I offer an affirming space where you don’t have to explain or defend who you are or how you love. Outside the therapy room, I’m a lifelong nerd and geek who loves science fiction, fantasy, board games, tabletop role-playing games, and video games. I’m also a regular supporter of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Above all, I want our work together to feel real, useful, and human—and for you to leave feeling that your time with me was time well spent.
Let’s see if we’re a good fit.
The right fit is one of the most important parts of effective therapy. Book a free consult and let’s find out together.