Our Team

Hello! My name is Annam Qazi and I am a Registered Psychotherapist Qualifying (Candidate) Intern for ICA Counselling. I am dedicated and passionate about creating a safe, warm, and inclusive space where clients can feel empowered, can build resilience and meaningful growth. I will focus on helping individuals navigate life’s challenges using practical and skill-based approaches. I deeply value the therapeutic relationship and am looking forward to continuously refining my clinical skills through collaboration.

MA in Counselling Psychology, Yorkville University Registered Psychotherapist Qualifying #23031

I believe healing begins with feeling heard, understood, and safe. In my work, I offer a warm and respectful space where clients can openly share their experiences without fear of judgment.

I provide online psychotherapy in both Farsi and English, working with individuals and couples navigating a wide range of mental health and life challenges. My work focuses on supporting concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma-related experiences, relationship and communication difficulties, emotional regulation challenges, grief and loss, stress, neurodivergence (including autism), bipolar and borderline-related challenges, and major life transitions.

My approach is collaborative and tailored to each client’s unique needs, values, and strengths. I am particularly passionate about working with clients from diverse and refugee communities and increasing access to culturally sensitive mental health care. Together, we work toward greater clarity, resilience, emotional balance, and healthier relationships.

I am a bilingual (English/French) psychotherapist (qualifying) and military spouse with lived experience in the realities of service life: frequent relocations, operational stress, and the emotional impact of transition. I’ve supported pregnant and postpartum women in preventing depression and anxiety, worked with immigrant and multicultural families under diverse conditions, and contributed to research on mental resilience.

My approach is person centred, oriented in solution, collaborative and culturally sensitive. I help clients identify strengths, restore psychological balance, and adapt with purpose through life’s challenges.

My goal is to provide grounded, confidential and personalized support that aligns with the demands of military and family life for members and their families alike, as well as providing care for civilian wellness. I know that reaching out for support can feel intimidating, especially if you’re used to carrying everything on your own. In our sessions, you’ll find a safe and non-judgmental space where you can slow down, breathe, and begin exploring your challenges at your own pace.

I work with young adults and adults including couples.

Together, we’ll work on building coping skills, self-compassion, and confidence as you navigate change.

Dr. Rifakat Saiyad is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), holding a PhD, Master of Social Work (MSW), Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). He brings nearly 13 years of cross-sector experience working with individuals, families, and communities across government, healthcare, non-profit, and international development settings. He works with adults navigating career transition, anxiety, grief and loss, migration and settlement, and employment-related stress. Many of the people he supports are facing a threshold moment, a job loss, an unwelcome diagnosis, a move to a new country, the loss of someone they loved, when the ground they once stood on no longer feels steady. His approach is warm, relational, and grounded in genuine listening. He believes people already carry much of the wisdom they need to move forward, and that the work of therapy is to create enough safety and clarity for that wisdom to surface. He pays close attention to the cultural, spiritual, and relational context each person brings into the room, and he draws on this sensitivity often in his work with newcomers and immigrants working through the disorientation of starting over. He has authored books and articles on mental health, on the intersection of mental health and Islam, and on broader themes of self-help and personal growth. His priority is to support each client with patience, respect, and dignity, helping them find their way back to a peaceful life and the tools to sustain it. Having lived and worked across different countries and communities himself, Dr. Saiyad brings a cross-cultural fluency to his practice, he is multilingual in English, Gujarati, and Hindi, and a deep respect for the many ways people make sense of change, loss, and beginning again. Clients often describe him as easy to talk to, someone who listens without judgment, and who helps them feel less alone in whatever they are carrying.

Life gets messy, and sometimes it can be too much to carry alone. As a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) I offer psychotherapy for adults impacted a variety of mental health concerns including trauma, anxiety, stress, and interpersonal difficulties. I have experience working with individuals who have or are surviving narcissistic abuse, interpersonal violence, sexual abuse, and homelessness. Additionally, I have experience working with individuals new to Canada, including the isolation, culture shock and adjustment, and rebuilding in a strange environment.

My goal is to provide a safe, non-judgmental, and compassionate space for clients to talk about and explore themselves and their past experiences. Together, we will work to help you better understand yourself, develop coping skills, and correct beliefs that no longer serve or protect you.

I offer virtual sessions in English, with evening and weekend availability.

If you are feeling emotionally stuck with burnout, negative self-talk, grief, reproductive issues, or any other issues affecting your mental health AND want to address through a licensed therapeutic approach, we may be a good fit to work together.

You want to: - Explore strategies to manage constant racing thoughts - Learn to regulate your emotions, - Navigate loss, - Set healthier boundaries,

You want to move forward in life with greater clarity and peace of mind. .

I am here to support you on this journey of self-empowerment, growth, and healing . While others around you may not see your struggles, I do. .

Over the past 5+ years, I have been honored to support women from various cultural backgrounds and walks of life with a range of mental health concerns. .

Supporting women to discover their strengths, build resilience, embrace healing and acceptance, and feel more empowered has always been a deep passion of mine.

I believe that women’s emotional well-being is foundational to thriving families and communities, and I am committed to supporting all women in their journey. .

Book a free 15-minute consultation and let’s talk about your journey. Can’t find the right availability? Email at info@icacounselling.ca

I’ve spent years talking with people on some of their hardest days. What I’ve learned is that people need two things: to feel truly heard, and something practical they can actually use. I work with adults dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and big life changes, including newcomers and refugees adjusting to life in Canada. My background is in crisis intervention. On a national suicide crisis helpline, I support people through moments of intense distress, helping them feel heard, get through the moment safely, and find a next step. My approach is flexible and trauma-informed. If things feel overwhelming, we can start with grounding and tools to help you feel steadier. From there, we’ll set clear goals together and work toward the changes you want to see. My family roots are in North Africa, so I know what it’s like to live between cultures. I’m completing my MA in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University under the supervision of Ilda Caeiro-Azzam, MSW, RSW. Sessions are in English or French.

If you’ve ever felt like you don’t fully belong anywhere — too “foreign” in one space, too “different” in another — you’re not alone.

I work with clients navigating cultural identity, immigration, and life transitions: third culture kids untangling the question of “where is home,” immigrants and refugees adjusting to a new country while holding onto what matters from the one they left, and anyone caught between the expectations of family, culture, and the life they’re trying to build for themselves. I also support clients through anxiety and overthinking, family and relationship dynamics, trauma, and attachment concerns.

My own experience moving between cultures shapes my work. I understand the quiet exhaustion of code-switching, the grief of leaving places behind, and the pressure of family expectations while figuring out your own identity. This isn’t abstract for me — it’s lived, and it informs the care I bring to sessions.

You can expect a space that’s warm and genuinely curious about your story. I draw on approaches like Emotionally Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Narrative Therapy to help you understand not just what you’re feeling, but why, and how your relationships have been shaped by the cultures you carry.

If any of this resonates, I’d love to talk!

As a first-generation immigrant who moved from Korea to Canada at age seven, I know how disorienting it is to rebuild a sense of safety in your body and identity after everything changes. I bring that lived understanding, along with nearly two years of crisis intervention experience, to my work supporting people through depression, anxiety, life transitions, burnout, and disconnection from the body. I am completing my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and practice under the clinical supervision of a fully registered psychotherapist. My work is primarily somatic and mindfulness-based, supported by psychodynamic, CBT, DBT, and schema frameworks when they serve you. Years of yoga and movement practice shape how I work with breath, grounding, and pacing. So much of what we carry lives in the body before it finds words, and I help clients listen to what theirs is saying. Depression and anxiety often show up as much in the body as in the mind, as exhaustion, tension, restlessness, or numbness. Therapy with me is not just symptom relief. It is healing with presence, care, and a commitment to return home to yourself.

I offer online psychotherapy and clinical supervision services, with a flexible schedule. Working as both a psychotherapist and clinical supervisor, I support those impacted by trauma, including anxiety, depression, and interpersonal issues. Together, we’ll navigate the complexities of your experiences in a non-judgmental and compassionate space. We’ll explore the effects of trauma, build resilience, and help you reclaim your life. Whether it’s physical trauma that leads to PTSD or emotional, mental, or generational trauma, I can assist you in exploring the emotional, behavioural, cognitive, and spiritual impacts of your trauma. I believe that there is no right or wrong way to experience grief and trauma, and I can help you navigate difficult decisions and develop self-care practices.

I am compassionate, respectful, and non-judgmental. My top priority is making you feel safe as you explore the most fragile and vulnerable aspects of your life. I understand that cultural and faith-based values can influence your stress, and I use a culturally sensitive and trauma-informed approach to help you cope with emotional burdens.

Sessions available in English and Portuguese

Hi, I’m Isabella

You might be the person others rely on. The one who keeps pushing through, overthinking every decision, and holding yourself to impossibly high standards. You might be feeling constantly on edge, internally exhausted, and questioning whether you’re doing enough. Or maybe you’re carrying a heaviness that makes you feel disconnected from yourself and others. I understand how frustrating it can be to feel stuck in distressing patterns while wanting things to change, but not knowing where to begin. I work with adults experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, and self-doubt. I also work with students and individuals navigating perfectionism, intrusive thoughts, life transitions, and relationship stress.

Under supervision as a current Master of Psychotherapy student, my work draws on evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and somatic-based practices. Using an integrated approach, my aim is to help you begin taking steps towards adaptive coping mechanisms and healthier overall well-being by building on the strengths you already have. Together, we can explore patterns in thoughts, emotions, and relationships while building practical skills for daily life. My experience in fast-paced crisis settings, supporting individuals experiencing self-harm and suicidality, has shaped my calm, grounded, and compassionate presence during difficult moments.

I understand that starting therapy can feel intimidating, especially if you are used to handling things on your own. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, understood, and free of judgment, so you can show up as you are. I take a warm, collaborative, and culturally sensitive approach, working at a pace that feels comfortable and supportive for each client. I value understanding each person’s unique lived experience and approach this work with openness, curiosity, and respect.

If you’re curious about working together, I offer a free 15-minute consultation to see if it feels like a good fit. As a student therapist, I also offer lower-cost and pro-bono therapy to help make support more accessible.

Jessica is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). Her registration number is 17471. Jessica holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Social Psychology from McMaster University.

With her background, Jessica strives to view clients in their entirety, considering the emotional, cognitive, behavioural, and relational factors that contribute to their experiences. She offers a warm, empathetic, and relatable approach, aiming to create a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment for clients to explore their concerns.

Jessica works with adults (18+) experiencing anxiety, perfectionism, ADHD-related challenges, people-pleasing patterns, low self-esteem, stress, burnout, life transitions, and relationship difficulties. She also supports clients who are navigating overthinking, emotional overwhelm, difficulty setting boundaries, and patterns of self-criticism.

Her approach is collaborative and integrative, drawing primarily from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), client-centred therapy, and Geek therapy, tailored to each client’s needs and goals. Jessica focuses on helping clients build practical coping strategies, increase emotional awareness, and develop a more grounded and compassionate relationship with themselves.

“The wound is the place where the light enters you.” – Rumi

As a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) passionate about Emotion-Focused Therapy, as well as humanistic and existential approaches, I work from a holistic perspective—honoring each client’s inner wisdom and unique journey. I believe that every person inherently knows what is best for them; my role is to guide and support them in discovering their own answers and finding authentic, meaningful solutions.

I understand the diverse challenges life presents at different stages. I also believe that our identities evolve naturally, shaped by life experiences and transitions. My approach is grounded in the understanding that the body, mind, and soul are deeply interconnected. Often, our symptoms serve as signals, inviting us to pay closer attention to areas in need of care and healing. In addition, I have a special interest in supporting individuals living with chronic pain and chronic health conditions. I understand how ongoing physical challenges can impact not only the body, but also one’s emotions, relationships, identity, and sense of purpose. In my work, I help clients navigate the emotional toll of pain and illness, address feelings of loss or isolation, and reconnect with a life of meaning and value despite health limitations.

In my practice, I integrate Emotion-Focused Therapy, somatic therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Pain reprocessing psychotherapy (PRT), narrative therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to support individuals, couples, and families. Whether navigating personal growth, relational dynamics, or life transitions, I help clients connect more deeply with themselves and those around them—fostering resilience, healing, and lasting change.

Languages: Arabic, English and French

Hello! My name is Kholood Elhady. I am a Master of Social Work student and a Registered Social Worker in Ontario. I am passionate about supporting individuals and families as they navigate life’s challenges and work toward their goals. My areas of interest include mental health, trauma-informed care, and community support services. I strive to create a safe, respectful, and supportive environment where people feel heard and valued. I am fluent in English and Arabic, and I enjoy working with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. I look forward to learning, growing, and supporting the community.

Hi, I’m Lena. It’s wonderful to meet you—I’m so glad you’re here.

Stepping into a counselling space is a courageous act of self-care, and I truly believe that your story matters. At the heart of my counselling philosophy is the belief that no one is broken. No matter who you are, where you’ve been, or what you’ve been through, you hold the power to make positive change. Given the right space and support, I believe all people have an inherent capacity to heal and grow, and it is an honour to be a part of your journey.

My approach is rooted in person-centered therapy, which means that I see you as the expert in your life. I’m here to be a steady, grounding presence—a safe haven where you can explore your experiences without judgment. Together, we’ll create a space where you can not only land but begin to grow, planting the seeds for the most beautiful wildflowers within yourself.

While I’ve been formally studying counselling psychology for the past two years, my commitment to understanding healing and human nature began long before. I’ve spent years learning what it means to truly listen, to be present, and to walk alongside others in their journeys toward growth. My love for humanity and unwavering belief in people’s capacity for change guide my work, and I’m committed to walking with you, wherever you may be on your path.

I believe in you, even if you’re not sure you believe in yourself yet. You don’t have to do this alone—l’m so glad you’re here.

Maheen Hyder, MSW, RSW is a Registered Social Worker, psychotherapist, and clinical supervisor with more than 10 years of experience across community mental health, refugee-serving organizations, healthcare, humanitarian settings, and private practice in Canada and internationally.

Her professional experience includes work with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Médecins Sans Frontières, the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture, Access Alliance Community Health Centre, St. Michael’s Hospital, the Centre for Refugee Studies at York University, and the El Nadeem Center for Rehabilitation of Victims of Violence and Torture**.

At ICA Counselling, Maheen provides dyadic and group clinical supervision to the clinical team, supporting therapists with case conceptualization, clinical judgment, ethics, risk, boundaries, and complex presentations.

Her areas of focus include complex trauma, PTSD, grief, migration, refugee mental health, attachment, anxiety, depression, and culturally responsive care. Her supervision is relational, trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and attentive to culture, identity, power, and the broader social conditions shaping clients’ lives.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or weighed down by past or present experiences, you’re not alone. You may be trying to make sense of what you’ve been through or looking for ways to feel more grounded and at ease. I provide a supportive, confidential virtual space where you can explore your experiences safely and at your own pace. My approach focuses on helping you process difficult emotions, develop self-understanding, and build lasting resilience. I integrate EMDR, IFS, CBT to meet your individual needs.

Charlie Mackesy’s words resonate deeply with me: “Asking for help is not giving up, it’s refusing to give up.”

إذا كنت تشعر بالإرهاق، أو بأنك عالق في مكانك، أو مثقلاً بتجارب من الماضي أو الحاضر، فأنت لست وحدك. قد تحاول فهم ما مررت به أو تبحث عن طرق لتشعر بمزيد من الاستقرار والراحة في حياتك. أوفّر مساحة افتراضية آمنة وسرّية تتيح لك استكشاف تجاربك بهدوء ووفق وتيرتك الخاصة. يركّز نهجي على مساعدتك في معالجة المشاعر الصعبة، وتعزيز فهمك لذاتك، وبناء مرونة نفسية مستدامة. أستخدم أساليب علاجية بما يتناسب مع احتياجاتك الفردية.

EMDR: إزالة التحسس وإعادة المعالجة بحركات العين IFS: علاج الأنظمة الأسرية الداخلية CBT: العلاج المعرفي السلوكي

Hi, I’m Mariam 👋

I’m a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) who takes a holistic, compassionate approach to supporting clients through life’s challenges. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all method; instead, I collaborate with each person to create a plan that truly fits who they are and what they’re going through.

My background is a little unique — before stepping into the therapy world, I spent over a decade working in higher education, helping students navigate complex systems and life transitions. Along the way, I saw how identity, mental health, and big life events can shape the way people learn, grow, and connect with the world. That inspired me to expand my work into psychotherapy and focus on helping individuals find clarity, confidence, and resilience through change.

I work with clients navigating:

• Identity exploration and finding a stronger sense of self

• Anxiety, stress, and self-doubt that impact daily life

• Major life transitions and events, such as school changes, career shifts, or relationship changes

• Neurodivergence, including building executive functioning skills and self-advocacy

• Emotional expression and relationship challenges, especially in intercultural or multifaith contexts

My style is warm, curious, and non-judgmental. I draw on approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), and Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), blending them to meet each client’s unique needs rather than sticking rigidly to one method. My goal is to create a safe, collaborative space where you can explore, heal, and feel empowered to move forward.

My name is Nadeem Mirza, a student psychotherapist doing my Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychotherapy.

My experiences have included working with Immigrants and Newcomers to Canada and helping them in struggling in settlement.

Under the supervision of Ilda Caeiro-Azzam, MSW, RSW I hope to help you make meaningful change.

The types of therapies modalities I am interested in working together with you are solution-based, CBT, narrative, and others depending on your needs.

Nagham Azzam is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) and has been in clinical practice for nearly a decade. As a Clinical Supervisor at ICA Counselling & Supervision, Nagham brings a compassionate, strengths-based, and culturally responsive approach to her work. She integrates trauma-informed, CBT, DBT, and mindfulness-based frameworks to support clinicians and students in developing confidence, clinical competence, and reflective practice. Her supervision style fosters professional growth, ethical practice, and self-awareness in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Rami Safi is a Registered Psychotherapist with over 28 years of multidisciplinary healthcare experience across Canada, West Asia, North Africa, and Europe. His work is grounded in a client-directed, holistic, and culturally sensitive approach, recognizing the uniqueness of each individual and supporting clients in discovering their strengths and capacity for healing.

Before settling in Canada 18 years ago, Rami lived and traveled extensively across several regions, shaping his commitment to cultural humility and understanding how emotional experiences are shared across cultures.

Rami holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy and a Master of Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, allowing him to integrate medical, psychological, and cultural perspectives in his work. His therapeutic focus includes anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance use, ADHD-related challenges, behavioural addictions, and cross-cultural adjustment, using CBT-informed, DBT, and ACT-based approaches.

He provides therapy in English and multiple Arabic dialects, creating a space grounded in empathy, curiosity, and respect to support clients in moving toward healing and growth.

Rawan is a Registered Nurse with a dual academic background in Nursing and Kinesiology. She brings a strong, holistic understanding of health that integrates clinical care with movement, prevention, and overall well-being.

Through her clinical training, Rawan has gained experience across diverse care settings, including medicine, surgery, rehabilitation, mental health, emergency, and neurology. These experiences have shaped her patient-centered approach and her commitment to providing compassionate, evidence-informed care.

In her role as a Health and Wellness Program Director, she leads the development of supportive and educational initiatives focused on women’s health, with particular emphasis on menopause, perimenopause, and bariatric care. She is passionate about creating accessible spaces where individuals feel informed, supported, and empowered to navigate their health with confidence.

Sadia is a compassionate and client-centered Registered Psychotherapist dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and youth (12+) navigate life’s challenges with confidence and resilience. She provides personalized, evidence-based care by integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Trauma-Informed Care, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and the Gottman Method for couples. Sadia also offers Muslim faith-based therapy, thoughtfully incorporating Islamic values and principles for clients seeking spiritually aligned support. With experience in crisis intervention and supporting individuals with diverse emotional and mental health needs, she creates a safe, inclusive, and non-judgmental space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered. Fluent in English, French, and Mauritian Creole, Sadia brings a multicultural perspective to her practice and works collaboratively with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, relationship concerns, emotional regulation challenges, and life transitions. Her warm, culturally responsive approach helps clients build practical coping skills, strengthen relationships, foster emotional well-being, and achieve meaningful, lasting growth.

I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and create meaningful, lasting change. I offer therapy in both English and Bangla, creating an inclusive and culturally responsive space where clients feel understood and supported.

I have experience working with IFHP clients and understand the unique challenges faced by newcomers to Canada, including cultural adjustment, language barriers, isolation, and the stress of rebuilding life in a new environment. I strive to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their experiences and feel heard.

My approach is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and respect. I draw from evidence-based therapeutic approaches and tailor each session to meet the individual needs of my clients. Whether working through anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship concerns, I support clients in building insight, developing practical coping strategies, and strengthening resilience.

I believe that healing and growth are possible for everyone. My role is to walk alongside my clients, offering guidance and understanding as they move toward greater self-awareness, balance, and well-being.

Based in Mississauga, Tatiana provides psychotherapy in English, Portuguese, and Spanish to teens, adults, couples, and families from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Her approach is grounded, relational, and client-centred, with a strong focus on helping clients develop emotional insight, resilience, self-awareness, and meaningful coping strategies that support long-term well-being.

She supports clients navigating anxiety, stress, depression, emotional overwhelm, ADHD, grief and loss, burnout, chronic illness, low self-esteem, eating disorders, identity exploration, relationship difficulties, communication challenges, family stress, and major life transitions. She also works with couples and families seeking to improve communication, strengthen emotional connection, and navigate conflict or change with greater understanding.

Tatiana’s therapeutic style integrates Expressive Arts Therapy with evidence-based modalities including CBT, DBT, mindfulness-based approaches, motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, relational psychotherapy, humanistic therapy, and existential–integrative psychotherapy — because therapy is most effective when it reflects each client’s unique experiences, strengths, values, and goals.

Her training includes a master’s-level psychotherapy program in expressive arts therapy and training in existential–integrative psychotherapy. She is also a certified coach practitioner, supporting individuals seeking clarity, personal growth, and meaningful life change.

Clients often describe Tatiana as calm, intuitive, approachable, and easy to connect with. Her work is rooted in compassion, cultural humility, authenticity, and the belief that healing and growth are possible through connection, reflection, and self-understanding.

Whether you’re seeking support for yourself, your child, your relationship, or your family, Tatiana would be honoured to walk alongside you. Book a free 15-minute consultation at icacounselling.ca.

I am completing my Master of Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University. I support clients navigating life transitions, anxiety, perfectionism (e.g., professional and academic), and challenges in relationships. I use a flexible “mosaic” approach to therapy, drawing from various evidence-based frameworks and modalities to provide culturally responsive care.

I strive to create a space where your identities and lived experiences are welcomed, knowing that healing happens when all parts of ourselves are acknowledged. I am a first-generation Pakistani woman who grew up in Canada, come from a Muslim background, and am fluent in Urdu/Hindi.