MY APPROACH

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My approach to therapy is collaborative and holistic, which means I work together with you, to help you reach your goals. It also means, I take into consideration all parts of your life, including your history, family, culture and identity, as I see these things as interconnected - all in relationship to each other.

I practice an integrative model, which means using a number of different therapy methods. I recognize that each person comes into this process with their own unique context and personality, and I try to honour this using evidence-based approaches and interventions that would best suit you. Having said that, I also recognize that there is a universality to the human experience and there is nothing more human than emotion! For this reason, I use an overall emotion-focused framework, where I make sense of what is going on for you based on how your emotions have showed up in your world, from childhood until now.

Our work together will begin where you are in the present moment, and will be at a pace that feels in alignment with you. My priority is to provide you with a space that is safe, compassionate and non-judgmental.

My Areas of Focus

  • Navigating a committed relationship with another person can be difficult for many reasons. Sometimes this is due to life circumstances, past traumas or lack of communication and understanding of one another. This can lead to things like infidelity, lack of intimacy and dissatisfaction in the relationship. Many times, with the right help, these dynamics can change and can bring a new sense of meaning and connectedness.

  • We are surrounded by relationships in our life and these can become strained, whether we are at work, or in the community, or with our families. Sometimes we choose to repair these and sometimes we choose a different path. It is important to recognize and be purposeful with the choices we make.

  • Anxiety is a normal process for all of us. However, it can start to interfere in our lives when we do not understand what it is and what it is trying to tell us. Anxiety can look like many things but it is usually when we feel scared and helpless, and can manifest as lack of sleep, inability to concentrate and panic. It is important to understand how anxiety works, and eventually how to make friends with it :)

  • Research shows that self-compassion works better than self-esteem in terms of our emotional well-being and building resilience. Whereas self-esteem focuses on feeling good about yourself, self-compassion acknowledges that failure is a part of being human and we all have days where we are in a dump. With self-compassion, you can learn a new way of being with yourself that is gentle and also gets you where you want to be.

  • Simply put, trauma is when we feel unsafe in our bodies. This happens after we have experienced an event, or series of events in our lives that leave us feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope. Trauma can create emotional and behavioral responses that are repeated and usually recreate the same pain that we are trying to escape. This can be confusing and scary and can leave us in a place of despair and helplessness. Gaining awareness can allow us to take back control of our lives and teach our bodies to be safe again.

  • Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) experience life in a way that can be oppressive within the Canadian and Western system. It is essential to acknowledge these power dynamics and the impact of intergenerational trauma that has been passed on from colonialism. As a person of colour myself, I aim to offer a space where exploring these nuances is welcomed and encouraged.

Therapy Modalities I Use

  • Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that helps people become aware of and transform their emotional responses. It emphasizes the importance of experiencing and expressing emotions to bring about change. EFT aims to help individuals access their core emotional experiences to resolve personal issues and improve their emotional well-being.

  • Trauma-informed therapy is an approach that integrates knowledge about trauma into all aspects of treatment, aiming to avoid re-traumatization and promote healing.

  • Systemic and relational therapy approach views problems within the context of relationships and the broader social system, rather than in isolation. It focuses on understanding and addressing the dynamics between individuals, such as family members, to bring about change. By exploring these interactions, systemic therapy aims to improve communication and resolve conflicts, fostering healthier relationships.

  • Socio-culturally attuned therapy acknowledges the influence of social and cultural contexts on an individual's experiences and well-being. It emphasizes understanding and integrating clients' cultural backgrounds, identities, and social environments into the therapeutic process. This approach aims to provide culturally sensitive and inclusive care, promoting respect and empowerment for diverse clients.

  • Narrative therapy helps people make sense of their lives by looking at the stories they tell about themselves and their experiences. It focuses on identifying and reshaping these stories to highlight strengths and positive outcomes. By rewriting their personal narratives, individuals can gain a more empowering and hopeful perspective on their lives.

  • Islamic psychotherapy integrates Islamic principles with therapeutic practices to address mental health from a spiritual lens. As a practicing Muslim, I see great value in incorporating faith as a source of strength and support, and I can help you draw on this if this is if you are interested in this approach.