Online Counselling for Ontario

Need someone to talk to? Navigating today’s world can be challenging. My goal is to work collaboratively with you to help you reduce your daily struggles and optimize your quality of life. I specialize in using diverse evidence-based therapies that are best suited for your situation, personality type, and specific needs. I am passionate about working with individuals who are experiencing stress, anxiety, and depression.

Hi there! I am Shirley, a Ph.D. level Registered Psychotherapist and Supervisor with 25 yrs' experience. I work well with people who feel misunderstood elsewhere, who want a direct but caring approach. My background includes a meandering path, with participation in the Arts/Health/Fitness. I supervise an amazing team who have trained in evidence-based practices including mature Psychotherapists and a Nurse/Social Worker. We often see clients who are are intelligent, & creative, with diverse ethnicity or lifestyles. We welcome LGBT2SQ+ clients. Our fees are related to level of experience of the therapist.

I have over 15 years of experience working for the school community. I offer counselling services for children, youth, adults, elderly, as well as couples and family therapy for a wide range of issues including Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, parenting issues and family conflicts. I provide a non-judgmental safe environment where you can feel comfortable to discuss your personal issues and concerns including any life challenges that you like to discuss. Through my therapy, you will become aware of your experiences, learn techniques to make choices, set reasonable boundaries, and learn to let go of negative thoughts.

I always approach my clients in with an anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, harm reduction framework. What does that mean? It means that I will always ask "what happened to you?" instead of asking "what's wrong with you?". It also means that I will always respect you as the expert in your own life. Finally, it means that I believe that everyone does their very best to survive and thrive each day–even on the days that we can't see any hope. I am here to be with you, even through the darkest of days, and help you find inspiration and hope within yourself.

Welcome to the start of your journey toward your most authentic self! I am here to guide you as you navigate your culture, relationships, and feelings of stuckness in your life. I am here to help you discover coping skills to manage overwhelming, anxious, and overpowering emotions. You become my client, and I become a part of your support system. Together, we will create a personalized plan to support your mental health and your life goals. At the end of our journey together, you will leave with a better awareness of your emotions, an arsenal of tools for challenging times, and greater resiliency.

***NOW ACCEPTING CLIENTS FOR PHONE/VIDEO*** When our thoughts get the better of us and we feel overwhelmed, I believe there is always hope to reach the peace for which we all yearn. Through psychotherapy, I support clients struggling with anxiety, self-doubt, identity, and relationships. We all have times when we aren’t sure where we stand in our lives and with others, so I offer a safe and welcoming space where clients can express and find themselves. We are complex individuals with our own unique stories made up of our experiences. Therapy is an empowering space where we can explore these without judgment.

***NOW ACCEPTING CLIENTS FOR IN-PERSON (SAUGA/VAUGHAN) AND PHONE/VIDEO*** Let’s be honest, life is hard, and in many ways, we juggle more today than we ever have! Life’s challenges can leave us feeling stressed, confused, demotivated, even helpless and hopeless. It can be a tough road to travel, but you don't have to walk it alone. As a therapist, I don’t think anyone should feel that way. I am committed to supporting my clients with guidance, care, and connected to the proper resources. With experience working with youth, students, adults, and parents, I enjoy collaborating with clients on a variety of challenges.

ReNu Counselling & Psychotherapy offers counselling and psychotherapy services for a diverse range of issues. We offer culturally-informed care to people of various racial and ethnic backgrounds. Our therapists strive to create a welcoming environment that helps clients lead more fulfilling lives. We provide a range of services to meet different income-levels, therapeutic needs, and approach preferences.

***ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS: IN-PERSON & PHONE/VIDEO*** We believe that there is good in every person, and hope in every situation. We have helped individuals, couples, and families heal, grow, and connect. As relational therapists, we appreciate the impact that our relationships have on our well-being. We do not see clients as having something wrong with their minds that necessarily needs to be fixed. Rather, we see our clients as unique individuals, each with their own stories and perspectives, embedded in important relationships and contexts that impact them. We see strengths and we see hope, even when it feels like there is none.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS *Virtual Therapy* What brings you here today? Is it anxiety? Low mood? Relationship issues? Trauma? Whatever the reason you are here, I am here to help you overcome. Whenever we are facing a difficult life challenge, reaching out for support is a sign of courage, faith and resiliency. This tells me that you are here with purpose. Together we will strive to get you where you want to be, whether that means being back on track or moving forward in a whole new direction. Know that I am here to help guide you through this process.

I provide individual, couples & family therapy to children, youth & adults. Deciding to seek therapy is an important step forward & I look forward to supporting you on your journey of personal growth. Whether you desire to make strides in your emotional, personal, social, or mental health, I will facilitate positive changes to improve your quality of life. I believe that safely & openly exploring your emotions in a positive & helpful environment is crucial. We will collaboratively create treatment plans & goals together, according to your unique needs, preferences & values. I apply an intersectional lens to promote cultural safety.

Among all the things we want for ourselves, perhaps happiness tops the list for most. But life may not always turn out the way we expect, and that can hurt. There may be times when we feel stuck, angry, lost, confused, unhappy, or overwhelmed. What do we do then? In such times, I like to remind myself that “Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional” (Haruki Murakami). This perspective offers us strength to move towards inner healing and positive change. Seeking therapy is brave work, and a beautiful way to practice self-love; when you truly love yourself, you value who you are and can grow towards the best version of yourself.

I am a culturally attuned psychotherapist fluent in English and Farsi. I can offer you a unique perspective—one born from the experience of embracing two worlds. I understand intimately what it’s like to navigate the complexities of living between cultures, to feel the pull of traditions while embracing the freedoms of modernity. I believe that the relationship between therapist and client is paramount, and I strive to create a warm and nurturing space where you feel valued and understood. Through collaborative efforts, you’ll discover the support and guidance necessary to heal, grow, and confidently embrace life’s challenges.

Accepting NEW patients! I offer counselling to children, youth & adults using a variety of evidence based therapeutic approaches. Everyone faces challenges & sometimes we are too afraid to ask for help in fear of being judged, so I commend you on taking the first step. I believe that we can become our most authentic selves, when we have a safe space to comfortably express our thoughts, take accountability & develop new understandings/skills-this is what I aim to do in our work together. I will help you/your children achieve goals by creating a brave space for you to learn, grow & thrive and move forward effectively together.

I believe that when we come to therapy, we have the potential to heal ourselves. We are the masters of our own paths in life. It’s the circumstances in our lives—such as our social environment and various other factors—which can prevent us from living up to our full potential. I believe that through therapy, these hidden potentials can be realized. As a therapist, I act as a facilitator to help my clients see what they already have inside of them, foster self-acceptance, and help them reach their life goals through discovery of the self and of one’s own strengths.

I am fascinated by the beautiful interconnection between the mind and body. As a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) my vision is to promote mental wellness and reduce the stigma around it. I am passionate about improving the mental wellness of individuals along with facilitating personal growth and effective change. As my client, I will meet you where you are. I see you as a unique individual with your own strengths. Respecting your perspective, culture, and individuality is a key aspect of how we will build a therapeutic relationship. I am also constantly working towards providing a safe and inclusive space for you.

Marital issues can weigh heavily on our heart, leaving us feeling lost, confused, and disconnected from the partner we once cherished. Perhaps communication has become strained, leading to unresolved conflicts and increasing emotional distance. Trust may have been broken, leaving wounds that are yet to heal. You are longing for more intimacy, both emotional and physical, but find yourselves stuck in negative patterns that seem impossible to overcome. These challenges are slowly eroding the foundation of your relationship, leaving you with a sense of dissatisfaction, loneliness, and unmet needs.

During the decade I spent working as a social scientist, I heard stories of strength, resilience, and courage. I also heard stories of humiliation, abuse, and grief. Throughout, what I have found most compelling is the storytelling. If you are here and are considering reaching out, I cannot wait to hear your story. My own journey with therapy has led me here. For most of my life, I felt I was walking in the dark, often stumbling and getting hurt. When I began therapy, it felt like someone switched a light on, allowing me to finally see the obstacles I had been running into. My goal is to help each client to turn on their own light.

Helping you shape a new narrative about who you are, where you belong and how to settle confidently into your intercultural identity. You will learn to understand your feelings and unhelpful intergenerational patterns and deal with self-doubt, toxic shame and guilt. You will learn to navigate your cultural confusion and develop an inner voice and confident sense of self that integrate. Let’s move past parental approval and traditions, leaving behind insecurities, toxic shame, and self-doubt. Our support goes beyond textbooks. We offer research-based treatment in various languages to support your journey. Visit our website for more.