Muslim Therapists in British Columbia
Counselling can be seen as planting a seed that, with nurturing and attention, will grow into something beautiful. Every individual is akin to a seed that undergoes continual growth, advancing through each fleeting season filled with moments of happiness, sorrows, triumphs, bravery, disappointments, and fresh starts. Like seeds, humans require sources and resources to aid them in reaching their full potential, such as sunlight, rain, and soil. And just like every seed holds importance, every human being also possesses inherent value. By choosing to seek counseling, you have taken the first step towards transformation.
Counselling can be seen as planting a seed that, with nurturing and attention, will grow into something beautiful. Every individual is akin to a seed that undergoes continual growth, advancing through each fleeting season filled with moments of happiness, sorrows, triumphs, bravery, disappointments, and fresh starts. Like seeds, humans require sources and resources to aid them in reaching their full potential, such as sunlight, rain, and soil. And just like every seed holds importance, every human being also possesses inherent value. By choosing to seek counseling, you have taken the first step towards transformation.
Hi there, my name is Alishia. I am a strength based multicultural Registered Clinical Counsellor with extensive experience in treating mental health. I work with Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Autism, grief, women issues such as infertility, traumatic births, NICU experiences or other postpartum difficulties. I work with all ages including children, youth, adults and seniors. I have years of experience working in Community Mental Health settings, with adult mental health and trauma. I am registered to work with ICBC and CVAP clients and am able to do direct billing.
Hi there, my name is Alishia. I am a strength based multicultural Registered Clinical Counsellor with extensive experience in treating mental health. I work with Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Autism, grief, women issues such as infertility, traumatic births, NICU experiences or other postpartum difficulties. I work with all ages including children, youth, adults and seniors. I have years of experience working in Community Mental Health settings, with adult mental health and trauma. I am registered to work with ICBC and CVAP clients and am able to do direct billing.
Your mind understands your story, but your body hasn't found peace yet. For women and mothers navigating the silent weight of daily life, it can feel like a series of plateaus. You are doing everything right, yet you remain stuck in survival mode. This exhaustion often ripples through the family. I see it in children and youth carrying hurdles they do not yet have the words to describe. When a person feels depleted or a child struggles, these plateaus can make meaningful change feel impossible. I provide a space where you are truly understood, allowing the heavy layers to finally lift.
Your mind understands your story, but your body hasn't found peace yet. For women and mothers navigating the silent weight of daily life, it can feel like a series of plateaus. You are doing everything right, yet you remain stuck in survival mode. This exhaustion often ripples through the family. I see it in children and youth carrying hurdles they do not yet have the words to describe. When a person feels depleted or a child struggles, these plateaus can make meaningful change feel impossible. I provide a space where you are truly understood, allowing the heavy layers to finally lift.
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BCACC. With a deep commitment to helping women navigate life’s challenges, I aim to provide a warm, supportive space to explore emotions and experiences, heal from past traumas, and uncover patterns of behaviour, helping you gain valuable insight into your personal growth and well-being. I am passionate about supporting women struggling with anxiety, stress, burnout, and relationship challenges, as well as those navigating various life transitions and low self-esteem.
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BCACC. With a deep commitment to helping women navigate life’s challenges, I aim to provide a warm, supportive space to explore emotions and experiences, heal from past traumas, and uncover patterns of behaviour, helping you gain valuable insight into your personal growth and well-being. I am passionate about supporting women struggling with anxiety, stress, burnout, and relationship challenges, as well as those navigating various life transitions and low self-esteem.
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with over 10 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families from diverse cultural backgrounds. My approach is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and evidence-based practices, including Narrative Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFIT/EFCT), and Gottman Method Couples Therapy. I am particularly passionate about supporting clients through relationship challenges, trauma, and life transitions, with a focus on fostering resilience and meaningful change.
As a bilingual counsellor fluent in Farsi and English, I provide culturally responsive care, especially for immigra
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with over 10 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families from diverse cultural backgrounds. My approach is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and evidence-based practices, including Narrative Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFIT/EFCT), and Gottman Method Couples Therapy. I am particularly passionate about supporting clients through relationship challenges, trauma, and life transitions, with a focus on fostering resilience and meaningful change.
As a bilingual counsellor fluent in Farsi and English, I provide culturally responsive care, especially for immigra
You may feel overwhelmed. You overthink, doubt yourself, struggle with mood shifts, or feel easily triggered with your partner or child. You react in ways you later regret and wonder, “Why do I keep doing this?” These patterns often begin early in life, as our nervous system learns to stay on guard. Deep down, you want to feel calm instead of reactive, confident rather than self-critical, and connected without losing yourself. As a parent, you may long to be more patient, steady, and present. You want to feel connected, valued, safe, and secure; not just with others, but within yourself.
You may feel overwhelmed. You overthink, doubt yourself, struggle with mood shifts, or feel easily triggered with your partner or child. You react in ways you later regret and wonder, “Why do I keep doing this?” These patterns often begin early in life, as our nervous system learns to stay on guard. Deep down, you want to feel calm instead of reactive, confident rather than self-critical, and connected without losing yourself. As a parent, you may long to be more patient, steady, and present. You want to feel connected, valued, safe, and secure; not just with others, but within yourself.
My name is Maria Atherton, MPCC-P, and I bring over 30 years of combined personal and professional experience to my work as a clinical counselor. As the founder of Hidayah Counselling, I offer a supportive and results-oriented approach to therapy, grounded in evidence-based practice and a deep commitment to client care. With over 13 years of specialized experience working with children, youth, adults, and families—including those with neurodivergent profiles such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and PDA.
My name is Maria Atherton, MPCC-P, and I bring over 30 years of combined personal and professional experience to my work as a clinical counselor. As the founder of Hidayah Counselling, I offer a supportive and results-oriented approach to therapy, grounded in evidence-based practice and a deep commitment to client care. With over 13 years of specialized experience working with children, youth, adults, and families—including those with neurodivergent profiles such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and PDA.
You are human, which means you are complicated, full of contradictions, and probably carrying more than you let on. Maybe you feel stuck, in your thoughts, your relationships, your career, or just life in general. You might be a young adult navigating independence, a university student drowning in expectations, or a professional battling self-doubt and burnout. Maybe anxiety keeps you up at night, relationships feel more confusing than they should, or you're just exhausted by the weight of figuring everything out on your own. You don’t have to navigate this alone, let’s talk.
You are human, which means you are complicated, full of contradictions, and probably carrying more than you let on. Maybe you feel stuck, in your thoughts, your relationships, your career, or just life in general. You might be a young adult navigating independence, a university student drowning in expectations, or a professional battling self-doubt and burnout. Maybe anxiety keeps you up at night, relationships feel more confusing than they should, or you're just exhausted by the weight of figuring everything out on your own. You don’t have to navigate this alone, let’s talk.
عربى/ Arabic/ English. If you feel you need to talk or need support, but are concerned that your unique experiences might be misunderstood, I am here to provide a welcoming and empathetic environment. Your voice matters, and I am committed to offering the understanding and assistance you deserve. إذا كنت بحاجة للتحدث أو تلقي الدعم، وتشعر أن تجاربك الفريدة قد لا تُفهم بشكل صحيح، فأنا هنا لتقديم بيئة مرحبة ومتفهمة. صوتك مهم، وأنا ملتزمة بتقديم الفهم والمساعدة التي تستحقها في بيئة آمنه و سرية.
عربى/ Arabic/ English. If you feel you need to talk or need support, but are concerned that your unique experiences might be misunderstood, I am here to provide a welcoming and empathetic environment. Your voice matters, and I am committed to offering the understanding and assistance you deserve. إذا كنت بحاجة للتحدث أو تلقي الدعم، وتشعر أن تجاربك الفريدة قد لا تُفهم بشكل صحيح، فأنا هنا لتقديم بيئة مرحبة ومتفهمة. صوتك مهم، وأنا ملتزمة بتقديم الفهم والمساعدة التي تستحقها في بيئة آمنه و سرية.
I work at the crossroads of culture, mental health, and social-economic integration. My counselling is for people who want to belong while staying true to themselves – especially racialized first and second-generation Canadians who may feel torn between worlds.
Our background is not a footnote in our lives; it shapes our strengths and struggles, and how and where we find home. With years of learning and teaching language, religion and culture, and lived experience across the Arab world, South and Southeast Asia, and Canada, I help clients identify tools as well as traps in their heritage and discover their authentic selves.
I work at the crossroads of culture, mental health, and social-economic integration. My counselling is for people who want to belong while staying true to themselves – especially racialized first and second-generation Canadians who may feel torn between worlds.
Our background is not a footnote in our lives; it shapes our strengths and struggles, and how and where we find home. With years of learning and teaching language, religion and culture, and lived experience across the Arab world, South and Southeast Asia, and Canada, I help clients identify tools as well as traps in their heritage and discover their authentic selves.
My ideal client is someone who feels overwhelmed by life’s challenges and is seeking a safe, compassionate space to be heard and understood. They may be experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, or difficulties navigating relationships and life transitions. Often, they want more clarity, balance, and emotional resilience, and they are ready to take steps toward healing and personal growth.
My ideal client is someone who feels overwhelmed by life’s challenges and is seeking a safe, compassionate space to be heard and understood. They may be experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, or difficulties navigating relationships and life transitions. Often, they want more clarity, balance, and emotional resilience, and they are ready to take steps toward healing and personal growth.
Embarking on a therapy journey is about self-discovery, healing, and growth. I offer a supportive, empathetic space where we can explore your challenges together, build resilience, and develop healthier coping strategies and tools. Through individual counselling sessions, we can address anxiety, stress, trauma, depression, and low self-esteem while building resilience and healthier coping tools. Each session is tailored to help you create meaningful change and healing.
Whether you’re seeking therapy in Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, or across BC, I’m here to walk alongside you with care, empathy and guidance.
Embarking on a therapy journey is about self-discovery, healing, and growth. I offer a supportive, empathetic space where we can explore your challenges together, build resilience, and develop healthier coping strategies and tools. Through individual counselling sessions, we can address anxiety, stress, trauma, depression, and low self-esteem while building resilience and healthier coping tools. Each session is tailored to help you create meaningful change and healing.
Whether you’re seeking therapy in Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, or across BC, I’m here to walk alongside you with care, empathy and guidance.
My integrative approach, ACT,EFT, EMDR, and polyvagal-informed care, is steady and paced to your nervous system, not rushed, and shaped to honor your culture, including BIPOC and Muslim clients.
I offer EFT-informed and Gottman couples therapy alongside ACT, CBT, DBT, EMDR, IFS, and mindfulness for individuals. Whether you're a couple wanting to break repeating patterns or an individual working through anxiety or trauma, I tailor sessions to your pace, focusing on nervous system regulation, not just symptom management.
My integrative approach, ACT,EFT, EMDR, and polyvagal-informed care, is steady and paced to your nervous system, not rushed, and shaped to honor your culture, including BIPOC and Muslim clients.
I offer EFT-informed and Gottman couples therapy alongside ACT, CBT, DBT, EMDR, IFS, and mindfulness for individuals. Whether you're a couple wanting to break repeating patterns or an individual working through anxiety or trauma, I tailor sessions to your pace, focusing on nervous system regulation, not just symptom management.
If you’ve been looking through multiple profiles, this a gentle reminder that taking one small step forward can be more meaningful than not reaching out at all. I work with adults impacted by relational and event-based trauma, including intimate partner violence (IPV), emotional abuse, difficult relationships, and motor vehicle accidents. Many of my clients come in experiencing anxiety, emotional overwhelm, feeling “stuck,” difficulty trusting or feeling disconnected from who they used to be. I support clients in processing trauma’s impact across mind and body while building insight, regulation, resilience, and growth.
If you’ve been looking through multiple profiles, this a gentle reminder that taking one small step forward can be more meaningful than not reaching out at all. I work with adults impacted by relational and event-based trauma, including intimate partner violence (IPV), emotional abuse, difficult relationships, and motor vehicle accidents. Many of my clients come in experiencing anxiety, emotional overwhelm, feeling “stuck,” difficulty trusting or feeling disconnected from who they used to be. I support clients in processing trauma’s impact across mind and body while building insight, regulation, resilience, and growth.
Our wounds show up in our relationships — social, professional, intimate, and even with ourselves. You may seem to "have it all together" on the outside, but continue to doubt yourself; berate yourself with negative self-talk; and wonder if you'll ever feel enough — at work, with friends, or with your partner. I help you work on the barriers of your healing & growth so that you're grounded in who you are and no longer tippy toe, mold yourself or bend backwards out of fear of rejection or disapproval. You'll finally build relationships where you actually belong, feel safe, and connected — truly and authentically!
Our wounds show up in our relationships — social, professional, intimate, and even with ourselves. You may seem to "have it all together" on the outside, but continue to doubt yourself; berate yourself with negative self-talk; and wonder if you'll ever feel enough — at work, with friends, or with your partner. I help you work on the barriers of your healing & growth so that you're grounded in who you are and no longer tippy toe, mold yourself or bend backwards out of fear of rejection or disapproval. You'll finally build relationships where you actually belong, feel safe, and connected — truly and authentically!
You may be someone who looks like you're doing fine on the outside, but internally you're anxious, overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck in patterns you can't seem to change. I work with individuals and couples navigating relationship challenges, anxiety, perfectionism, attachment patterns, and the complexities of bicultural identity. Many of my clients are thoughtful, self-aware people who already understand why they feel the way they do, but still struggle to create meaningful change.
You may be someone who looks like you're doing fine on the outside, but internally you're anxious, overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck in patterns you can't seem to change. I work with individuals and couples navigating relationship challenges, anxiety, perfectionism, attachment patterns, and the complexities of bicultural identity. Many of my clients are thoughtful, self-aware people who already understand why they feel the way they do, but still struggle to create meaningful change.
When we experience traumas or life stressors it can be not only overwhelming but also very isolating as it often feels like no one can understand what you are going through. Without having a space to explore and unpack these stressors in a meaningful way, we often turn those thoughts and feelings inwards, internalize our issues, and experience guilt and shame. This can also lead to negative interactions with our loved ones and can adversely impact our relationship with them. My focus is to help individuals grow from their struggles, heal from their pain and move forward to where they want to be in life so that they can thrive.
When we experience traumas or life stressors it can be not only overwhelming but also very isolating as it often feels like no one can understand what you are going through. Without having a space to explore and unpack these stressors in a meaningful way, we often turn those thoughts and feelings inwards, internalize our issues, and experience guilt and shame. This can also lead to negative interactions with our loved ones and can adversely impact our relationship with them. My focus is to help individuals grow from their struggles, heal from their pain and move forward to where they want to be in life so that they can thrive.
Are you struggling with the lasting effects of trauma, CPTSD, or narcissistic abuse? You may feel anxious, disconnected, constantly on edge, or find yourself questioning your experiences and sense of self. I specialize in helping adults heal from childhood and relational trauma, narcissistic abuse, toxic relationships, and harmful workplace experiences. Together, we work to process what happened, reduce shame and self-blame, rebuild trust in yourself, strengthen boundaries, and help you feel safer, more grounded, and more like yourself again. You don’t have to keep carrying the past alone.
Are you struggling with the lasting effects of trauma, CPTSD, or narcissistic abuse? You may feel anxious, disconnected, constantly on edge, or find yourself questioning your experiences and sense of self. I specialize in helping adults heal from childhood and relational trauma, narcissistic abuse, toxic relationships, and harmful workplace experiences. Together, we work to process what happened, reduce shame and self-blame, rebuild trust in yourself, strengthen boundaries, and help you feel safer, more grounded, and more like yourself again. You don’t have to keep carrying the past alone.
Rashiqah supports individuals who face cross-cultural issues, especially those who identify as South Asian Canadian women, as she identifies with this community herself. Through lived experiences, she understands the challenges you may face and can support you in finding your identity, building your self-worth, boundary setting, and better managing family dynamics and their expectations. She can also support you with anxiety, life transitions, workplace stress, and grief and loss.
Rashiqah supports individuals who face cross-cultural issues, especially those who identify as South Asian Canadian women, as she identifies with this community herself. Through lived experiences, she understands the challenges you may face and can support you in finding your identity, building your self-worth, boundary setting, and better managing family dynamics and their expectations. She can also support you with anxiety, life transitions, workplace stress, and grief and loss.
As my mentors have helped me in my life, and as they have guided me through difficult points of self-growth and reflection, I have come to learn the value of being there for others to progress through our own difficult times. We need each other. I do believe it is far less problematic to overcome challenges with guidance and direction. Even more so when that guidance is refined through education, experience, and a standardized expectation of practice. I am capable of direct billing for ICBC and CVAP and can be accepted through other insurance agencies (i.e. Sunlife, BlueCross, GreenShield)
As my mentors have helped me in my life, and as they have guided me through difficult points of self-growth and reflection, I have come to learn the value of being there for others to progress through our own difficult times. We need each other. I do believe it is far less problematic to overcome challenges with guidance and direction. Even more so when that guidance is refined through education, experience, and a standardized expectation of practice. I am capable of direct billing for ICBC and CVAP and can be accepted through other insurance agencies (i.e. Sunlife, BlueCross, GreenShield)
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FAQ - About Muslim Counselling
What can a Muslim therapist help with?
Muslim therapists can help you with the same range of mental health concerns that any qualified therapist can, including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, life transitions, relationship challenges, and family conflict. They can support you in developing coping skills, communication strategies, and improving self-esteem. If you are Muslim, seeing a therapist who personally identifies as Muslim may be especially helpful when your mental health concerns intersect with your faith, culture, or identity. Topics that may be especially relevant to discuss with a therapist who shares your background include navigating discrimination, family expectations, gender norms, marriage expectations, religious questioning, or feeling disconnected from your faith or community.
Why might faith context matter in therapy for Muslim clients?
A therapist who understands Islamic beliefs may be better able to recognize how spirituality and religious observance affect your life. In some cases, a therapist may directly incorporate faith into therapy, which may be described as Islamic counselling, and is used alongside other types of mental health support. A shared faith context may also strengthen the therapeutic alliance since you may find more trust with a therapist who understands your background. At the same time, you and your therapist do not need to share the same faith or cultural background to work together effectively. Many therapists who are not Muslim can still provide culturally responsive care if they approach your beliefs, practices, and experiences with respect and humility, rather than making assumptions or dismissing the role of faith or culture.
How can a Muslim therapist support couples counselling or family therapy?
A Muslim therapist can support couples counselling, family therapy, and marriage counselling for concerns such as communication challenges, conflict, parenting, intimacy, life transitions, and extended family stress. For example, Muslim marriage counselling may help a couple navigate disagreements about religious practices or managing expectations from extended family. For Muslim couples or families, therapy may include discussion of how Islamic values or community norms shape relationships. Therapy may be especially helpful when partners or family members have different expectations around marriage, gender roles, parenting, caregiving, or religious practice. Depending on your preferences, a Muslim therapist may incorporate faith-informed discussion alongside traditional therapy approaches, such as communication skills, emotional regulation strategies, and conflict-resolution techniques.
How might I enquire about a therapist's experience working with Muslim clients?
If faith or cultural background is important to you in therapy, it can be helpful to ask a prospective therapist whether they have experience working with Muslim clients. In initial conversations with potential therapists, you might ask questions such as, “Have you worked with Muslim clients before?” or “How do you approach conversations about faith in therapy?” If a specific branch or tradition of Islam is important to you, you may also ask whether they have experience with your specific community, such as Sunni, Shia, or another Muslim community. As sessions begin, it can be helpful to notice how the therapist responds to your concerns. A good therapist should respond with respect, curiosity, and cultural humility. If you feel dismissed, misunderstood, or find yourself having to explain your beliefs or cultural context constantly, it may be worth considering another therapist.
Who is included in Psychology Today's directory of Muslim therapists?
The directory of Muslim therapists includes mental health professionals who have shared their cultural background in their profiles. Psychology Today uses this information to assist clients in finding a therapist with a similar background. However, not all therapists choose to disclose this information, and they may not appear in search results for this reason. When the number of therapists identified as Muslim is limited, the directory will also show therapists with extensive experience working with clients from relevant backgrounds.