Warm And Supportive Care Is Around The Corner

"Listening is plenty of doing." Esther Perel

I am passionate about making therapy accessible, approachable, comfortable and enjoyable. With me, you will not feel judged. My approach is simple: I ask that you show up. You don't have to know what to talk about or where to go; we will figure it out together.

How I Got Here:

Trauma is in my bones. My great grandparents were indentured servants. My grandma and hero, Sakunat Ali was forced into an arranged marriage at the age of 14, into a religion where girls have no rights. Forced to have 12 children, she was not allowed to leave the house. Without school, she did not learn to read or write. This intergenerational trauma had ripple effects: my mom and her siblings emigrated to Canada at a young age, and, like many immigrants, worked hard and sacrificed. Being able to provide emotional support to her children was not a luxury or priviledge my mom was given. My dad was emotionally unavailable, which means I was raised with little emotional support. 

From the time I was a baby, my grandma Sakunat raised me, she was my support. She always listened with warmth. Her natural quick wit, sarcasm and humour made me laugh when I needed it most. When I was 13, she passed away and I learned grief. From my grandma, I learned how to listen. I also learned how it felt to be listened to. I carry her legacy with me.

My Specialties Are My Story:

As I became older and found my voice, I developed my passions: listening, relationships and helping others to find their voice. Though I'm an introvert, my relationships are important to me (humans are social creatures and we seek comfort in others).

After one decade of working in the non-profit industry, at the age of 36 and pregnant with my second child, I tragically lost my 34 year old sister Tania. My sibling, my best friend was gone. I decided to channel my grief and bridge my passion for social justice with my interest in helping others and went on to become a registered psychotherapist.

Qualifications:

I bring my grandma's strong listening skills, unwavering support, reliability, sharp wit, intellect and honesty. I also bring two masters degrees, 40 trainings, a passion and commitment to ongoing learning and life experience. Over time, I've seen clients deepen their understanding of self, grow their confidence by finding their voice and begin to show up more meaningfully in their relationships. 

Modalities:

I use a client-centered approach with evidence-based, integrative approaches to foster healing and resilience in the long run. Some of these approaches include narrative therapy, attachment theory, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and The Gottman Method (Couples) Level Two. I tailor our sessions to your unique needs and I'm invested in your outcomes.