Therapist
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
CRPO #23194
My path to this work was not a straight one. I started my career as an international medical graduate, practicing medicine in Pakistan before immigrating to Canada, and after completing my Canadian licensing exams, I worked in a neonatal intensive care unit in Calgary. When my son began showing developmental challenges, later diagnosed as autism spectrum disorder, I stepped away from medicine to be the parent he needed, and that decision opened space to think about how I wanted to keep contributing in a meaningful way.
I come to this work carrying two kinds of experience: years of clinical practice as a physician, and the personal insight of raising a child who is nonverbal and on the autism spectrum. I am drawn to working with individuals and families moving through life transitions, stress, anxiety, grief, and health challenges, and my medical background gives me a particular lens for the emotional weight that comes with caregiving and health-related stress. Having immigrated myself, I also work often with immigrant women navigating cultural transitions and changes in identity, and I hold a particular interest in the experience of South Asian immigrant women.
For me, the heart of therapy is the relationship itself. I put real emphasis on building a space where clients feel safe, understood, and free to be themselves, and while we always keep sight of what brought someone to therapy, I stay flexible about how we get there, since growth is not linear and different moments call for different approaches. Therapy is something we do together, and I want clients to feel like we are working side by side toward what matters most to them.
I would describe it as steady and unhurried. My goal is for you to feel truly heard, without judgment, and we build our goals together rather than me deciding the direction for you. My approach stays flexible, since what works one week might shift the next, and I want our process to bend around your needs rather than the other way around.
Coming from a medical background, I have always been drawn to helping people, and what I love about therapy is that it lets me support healing in a different way. Rather than focusing on symptoms alone, I get to understand the whole person, their experiences, relationships, strengths, and hopes. Watching clients grow in confidence, resilience, and self-understanding is one of the most rewarding parts of this work.
Taking care of my own mental health is something I consider an ongoing practice. As the parent of a child with special needs, I know how important it is to be intentional about caring for myself, not only for my own well-being, but also so that I can continue to show up for my family and my clients. I have learned that self-care does not always have to be elaborate. I make a conscious effort to take small breaks throughout the day, create moments of quiet when I can, and spend quality time with my family. I also pay attention to my own limits, maintain healthy boundaries, and recognize when it is important to slow down and recharge. I believe that caring for myself helps me remain present, grounded, and able to support both my clients and my family.
I would say that feeling nervous about starting therapy is completely understandable. Reaching out for support can feel vulnerable, especially when sharing personal experiences with someone new. Therapy is a collaborative process, and you do not need to have everything figured out before you begin. My role is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space where we can explore what you are experiencing together, at a pace that feels right for you. Many people find that therapy becomes a place where they feel understood, supported, and empowered to create meaningful change.
What drew me to counselling was the opportunity to support people in a meaningful and personal way. My background in medicine taught me the importance of seeing the whole person, and counselling allows me to continue helping others through connection, understanding, and support.
Thirty minutes, no script. We'll listen for what you need. You don't have to have it figured out.
