My Approach and Style

I truly believe that when people are provided with a safe space and responded to with compassion, everyone has the ability to gain clarity, meet their goals and reach their full potential. I am naturally an optimistic person and operate from a strength-based lens.

My therapeutic approach is one that is very client centred. What does this mean?

A client-centred approach means your voice matters during sessions and you will be playing a significant role in the therapy process. I do not claim to be an expert on your life and sessions will not be about me telling you what to do. We will work together to explore and come up with strategies to manage your concerns and worries. These strategies will be catered to your unique needs and context. Along the way, I will also gently challenge you as needed and keep you motivated towards meeting your desired goals.

What therapeutic modalities do I use?

While I draw on many models of therapy, I tend to use Solution Focused, Emotion-Focused and Narrative Therapy models. In addition, I incorporate elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) in my therapeutic approach. I am also a trauma-informed psychotherapist. I don't believe in a "one size fits all" approach and will work with you to come up with a treatment plan that meets your unique needs and goals.

What does it mean to be a trauma-informed psychotherapist?

Part of being human means we will go through difficult experiences. Some of these experiences, in particular, may leave us feeling overwhelmed and challenge us beyond what we have the tools to cope with. Whether it's a single significant event or a series of ongoing smaller events, over time this can have a negative impact on our mental and emotional wellbeing. These experiences can be defined as traumatic. Traumatic experiences often leave us feeling unsafe in the world and in relationships make being open and vulnerable much harder. As a trauma-informed psychotherapist, I'm aware of the impact trauma can have on a person's sense of self and in their relationships. I am knowledgeable about using appropriate tools and strategies to manage and undo the impact of trauma without re-traumatizing the client.

My Passion for Social and Systemic Justice:

Growing up in Canada as a Muslim and an Afghan Canadian has helped to significantly inform my lens as a therapist. Naturally, I am passionate about issues of social justice and my mission is to use my unique lens and awareness to provide culturally and spiritually sensitive counselling services. I am attuned to influences of culture and power dynamics and I practice from an anti-opressive and anti-racist lens.

Education

Professional Affiliations

Master of Science in Individual, Couple, and Family Therapy

University of Guelph, Guelph ON

Bachelor of Applied Science

Adult Development, Families and Wellbeing

Minor in Family and Child Studies

University of Guelph, Guelph ON

College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO)

Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals (OAMHP)

Career Highlights

Before starting my own private practice, I worked with various mental health agencies and have years of direct experience with individuals, couples, young people, and their families.

Helping To Reconnect

Since early 2018, I have been working with Helping to Reconnect as a Psychotherapist. I provide ongoing therapy to individuals, couples, and families experiencing mental health concerns, substance abuse, relationship difficulties, grief & loss, loneliness, low self-esteem, and concerns with self-harming/suicidal behaviour or thoughts.

Family Connections Counsellor at Associated Youth Services of Peel (AYSP)

For almost two and a half years I worked as part of the Family Connections intervention program in order to stabilize crisis and high levels of conflict within families. This included safety planning, goal setting, service plan reviews, and using various models tailored to fit individual client needs. I often worked with families to enhance parenting skills and improve parent-child/youth relationships. In addition, I coordinated with other service providers (school social workers, hospital staff, etc ) to ensure a collaborative approach.

Co-facilitator of Six-Month Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Skills Group with AYSP

I worked with young adults struggling with regulating emotions and experiencing suicidal thoughts and/or behavior. During group sessions, I provided psycho-education on DBT strategies and skills youth and their caregivers could use in order to manage distressing thoughts and emotions.

Catholic Family Services of Peel-Dufferin

I supported countless clients through the agency's long-term and single-session walk-in therapy programs. I worked in collaboration with clients in order to identify and implement intervention techniques to suit their unique needs and goals.

I implemented trauma-informed practice due to the fact that I worked with a high volume of clients from marginalized groups experiencing domestic violence and childhood abuse.

Guelph Couple and Family Therapy Centre

I used a systemic lens to provide ongoing counselling to individuals, couples, and families. I also supported a high volume of students attending the University of Guelph in managing concerns related to anxiety, depression, loneliness, self-esteem, grades, and time management.