Specialized mental health care designed for women of colour
Learn to overcome people-pleasing tendencies, set boundaries, practice more self-care, and make yourself a priority without guilt or shame.
Welcome!
I’m a Registered Psychotherapist and a Canadian Certified Counsellor practicing in Ontario.
When I was two, my parents migrated from their home country to Canada. Growing up, I observed them juggling various responsibilities, such as learning a new language and culture while preserving their traditions, caring for young children, and supporting our family back home.
I often felt like I didn't entirely belong to my parents' culture or the mainstream culture around me. I realized I wasn't alone after speaking with other women from diverse backgrounds.
I became a therapist to provide a safe space for women of colour to express their needs, give voice to their pain, dream without guilt, and work toward their goals.
“Mental Health problems don’t define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain and feel the rain but you are not the rain”
-MATT HAIG
I specialize in and have received extensive training in a form of therapy called Narrative Therapy. It is a client-centred and empowering approach that explores the stories that shape our lives, experiences, and identities.
We identify and challenge negative or self-limiting problem stories and explore other stories in our lives- the stories of our preferred identities, skills, values, and knowledge that are often forgotten, minimized, or live in the shadows.
We bring these stories to the surface and strengthen them to the point where they dominate, and the problem stories lose their influence. This will enable you to live the life you truly want and align with the vision you have for yourself.
“Amina has expertise in CBT and narrative modalities with a culturally competent lens. Her ability to relate and engage with clients and colleagues is exceptional. Amina is responsive and supportive in both her practice and with her colleagues.”
-SANDY M. KOOBLAL, MSW (candidate), BSW, RSW
Areas of Focus
Do you often feel pressure to balance cultural expectations with mainstream society’s norms and timelines? Do you feel torn between different identities and competing responsibilities while feeling pressured to prove your worth and be heard and seen?
BREAKING GENERATIONAL CYCLES CAN FEEL OVERWHELMING AND EXHAUSTING, LEAVING LITTLE ROOM FOR SELF-CARE AND PERSONAL GROWTH.
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Are you feeling intense worry, fear, overwhelmed, or constantly on edge? Do you feel like you are walking on eggshells or about to explode? When you have been in survival mode for a long time, it is natural to feel like you have reached a breaking point. We were not designed to be in survival mode for so long, which may have left you exhausted. We can work together to identify the symptoms you are experiencing and what is causing them and develop coping mechanisms tailored to your specific needs.
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Do you feel depressed, exhausted, and unmotivated? Have you been so unhappy that you cannot remember the last time you felt carefree? Have you lost interest in activities that you used to enjoy? Is it difficult to get out of bed or stick to a routine? We can feel disconnected from ourselves, our relationships, and the world. Together, we can unpack what has gotten in the way, rediscover your values and what you find meaningful, and take steps toward a life worth living.
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Do you feel overwhelmed by the amount of work you have to do and do not know where to begin? Do you find your mind racing or wandering? Is your body tense and sore, but you can not seem to slow down or take a break because you have so much on your plate? Do you make to-do lists but do not feel like you are making any progress? While everyone experiences stress, the degree and duration of stress vary from person to person. Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by chronic stress. We will look at ways to slow down, prioritize self-care, set boundaries, and create action plans together.
Get In Touch
Are you ready to take the first step and get the help you deserve? It is only a click away. Simply fill out this form to schedule your free 15-minute consultation.
Please note that messages are only checked during regular business hours, Monday to Friday. I'll respond to all messages within 24 to 48 hours.
In an emergency, please call 911 or visit the nearest hospital. If you are experiencing a crisis, please contact the Suicide Crisis Helpline at 988, which is available 24/7.
FAQs
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Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, helps people understand and manage their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. It involves talking with a trained therapist or counsellor to address psychological issues and improve emotional well-being. Psychotherapy can be helpful for many mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, trauma, and interpersonal difficulties.
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Therapy sessions can vary in length depending on the type and the therapist's approach. Typically, sessions last about 50 to 60 minutes. The frequency and duration of sessions are tailored to the client's specific situation and treatment goals. Usually, clients have weekly sessions, but some may have them more or less frequently, depending on their progress and needs.
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A consultation call is like a meet-and-greet. Its purpose is to decide if we are a good fit. I will gladly answer any questions about my professional background and approach. I will also ask about what brings you to therapy, your goals, and your expectations. If we agree to continue working together, we will discuss the next steps and schedule our first session.
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Each session costs $170. You can pay with interac e-transfer or credit card. Payment is required at the beginning of each session.
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I can offer a limited number of appointments at reduced rates upon request and based on need. Please inquire about this during the consultation call.
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I don't bill insurance companies directly. However, most insurance providers cover services from Registered Psychotherapists. Please check with your provider to confirm this and find out how much coverage you have. To get insurance coverage, you'll need to make a payment. I'll give you a receipt to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
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Seeking therapy is challenging. You've already taken the hardest and bravest step by recognizing you need help and can't do it alone. I firmly believe you should never have to do it alone. The next step is to book a free 15-minute consultation, and we will go from there.
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I do not offer in-person sessions; all sessions are done by phone or secure video.
Are you ready to take the first step towards change?
I’M HERE TO WALK THIS PATH WITH YOU.
I understand that your problems may seem overwhelming and you may not know where to begin. Our initial focus will be on creating space between you and the issues, allowing us to examine how they affect your life and what is maintaining them. We will then work together on identifying your needs, preferences, knowledge, skills and what truly matters to you. This will serve as a compass, guiding you towards the life you crave for yourself.