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Meet and Greet
This gives you a chance to see if we would be a good fit. The best outcome for counselling is not the method of therapy, but the connection you have with your therapist. So take this time to ask any questions, fears or concerns you might have. I look forward to talking with you.
Initial
The intake session is my chance to get to know you as a whole person, to better understand the all the different aspects of your life, so we can put together a plan that will reach your goals, in a way that makes sense for you. By asking you the questions I will be, I'll be able to understand you better, what you're struggling with and what could be making things worse, and therefore I'll be better equipped to help you.
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Supervision
Fizza Abbas
Who I am
Born and raised in Mississauga, Ontario, I am deeply connected to the traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, Anishinabek, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee, and Ojibway/Chippewa peoples, as well as the land of the Métis. As a South Asian Muslim woman belonging to the Shia sect of Islam, I am part of a minority within a minority, a community that faces ongoing challenges and oppression around the world. My identity fuels my passion for advocating for those whose voices are often overlooked.
Growing up in the South Asian community, I observed a prevailing belief that having a high pain threshold is something to admire. This mindset often led my peers to hide their struggles rather than seek help. My experiences drive me to challenge these norms and support individuals in openly addressing their challenges, fostering a culture where vulnerability is valued, and everyone feels heard and understood.
My interest in working with Embodied Resilience Counselling and Consulting is also deeply personal. A recent diagnosis of ADHD brought me a deep sense of relief and understanding, further inspiring me to support others in similar situations. I am committed to supporting individuals navigating their own journeys with empathy and compassion. Areas of Interest Supporting individuals as they navigate life with ADHD, and those who are experiencing grief and loss.
My lived experience as a caregiver for over a decade and having experienced loss has shaped my approach, and I’m here to support those who are in the midst of experiencing tremendous stressors such as caregiver burnout or losing loved ones to critical illness.
I understand how one’s identity can impact their experience of the healthcare system and ultimately, their ability to have their needs adequately met. I wholeheartedly believe that each person is the expert of their own lives. Together, we’ll address personal stressors, develop coping strategies, and build resilience to help you adapt and thrive through life’s challenges.
My Professional Journey
If you are considering Embodied Resilience Counselling and Consulting, you’re already taking an important step toward discovering your true self. I know the journey can be tough, and my goal is to offer a warm and welcoming space where you feel genuinely heard and supported. I have over five years of experience working within the mental health sector, and a decade of experience working with racialized communities.
My approach is culturally inclusive, trauma-informed, and holistic, aiming to empower you through every challenge. Together, we’ll navigate the complexities of life, finding a space where you can be yourself without judgement. I believe in the power of laughter and lightness, even amidst struggle, as they play a vital role in the healing process. I understand that mental health struggles, trauma, and grief can sometimes make us feel lost or stuck. My commitment is to support you as you build resilience and hope, fostering a healthy relationship with yourself. As you start to heal and recognize your strengths, you’ll uncover just how capable and powerful you truly are.
My Interests
- I love exploring new foods in different cities—every adventure deserves a delicious discovery!
- Volunteering is close to my heart, inspired by the amazing support I’ve received from my own community.
- I enjoy building Lego, specifically the botanical collection —there’s something truly fun about crafting bouquets out of bricks!
Who I am Born and raised in Mississauga, Ontario, I am deeply connected to the traditional terri... Read More
Andrea Best
(She/Her/Hers)
Who I am
I am a mother of a 23-year-old son and two fur babies, my rescue pups from Korea. I am a late-diagnosed ADHDer and social worker. I grew up in North Yorkshire, England and initially trained as a nursery nurse before moving to Canada. In my forties, I changed career and became a social worker. After many years I finally received an ADHD assessment and diagnosis.
Currently, I am pursuing a Master of Social Work at Dalhousie University and working as a practicum student at Embodied Resilience. Throughout my academic studies, I have focused on neurodiversity and used my master’s degree to explore neurodiversity-affirming clinical social work practice.
Area of Focus My area of focus is people diagnosed with ADHD, both youth and those diagnosed later in life. We will work on unpacking how ADHD has, and continues to, impact you. Such as any difficulties you’ve face and examine neuronormativity and how it relates to your life. I offer neurodivergent informed mindfulness practice as an alternative to traditional mindfulness practices. My professional Journey As a late-diagnosed ADHDer, I know what it can feel like to be overwhelmed and anxious by many of life’s challenges.
Before my diagnosis, I often compared myself to other people and wondered why I struggled with the typical ways of doing things. Once I began to appreciate the beauty of different neurotypes I learned to work with my brain rather than of against it. Understanding our uniqueness can be empowering and a catalyst for positive change.
As a counsellor, my goal is to provide a safe space for you to explore all of your traits and develop strategies to manage stress and overwhelm so that you feel more productive and organized. You already possess many strengths and capacities that we can build upon in our sessions, as well as develop new strategies for moving forward. Our sessions are a safe place for you to discuss the challenges you’ve been experiencing. Together, we will embrace your neurodivergence, work towards your goals and aspirations and process any losses that result from living in a neurotypically biased world.
My Interests - Hiking - Working in my pollinator garden - Spending time with my pups - Going to the movie theatre with friends
Who I am I am a mother of a 23-year-old son and two fur babies, my rescue pups from Korea. I am ... Read More
Shaneen Duffield
(She/Her/Hers)
Who I am
Growing up adopted, especially coming from Bangladesh to Canada at the age of three months, imbued my life with a unique set of challenges. This seismic shift not only uprooted me geographically but also instilled a profound sense of dislocation in my personal and cultural identity. The trauma of feeling disconnected from my biological roots while simultaneously trying to graft onto a new cultural tapestry was bewildering.
I often found myself caught in the tangle of questioning who I was meant to be, feeling like an outsider peering into two worlds, yet not fully belonging to either. This internal struggle was a constant companion, shaping my journey towards understanding and accepting the multifaceted nature of my identity.
Now, as I navigate the season of midlife, I draw upon my personal journey and professional expertise to guide others through their own paths of self-discovery and positive transformation.
Area of Focus
Specializing in empowering BIPOC women over 40 to overcome people-pleasing and isolation by setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care and building meaningful relationships for a more connected, fulfilling life. My Professional Journey Navigating the complexities of work, family, and caregiving has deeply ingrained in me the significance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care. Through my own struggles and those I’ve witnessed in my work, I’ve come to understand how crucial boundaries are in maintaining our mental health and preventing caregiver burnout.
In my role as a therapist, I emphasize to my clients that establishing boundaries isn’t about distancing ourselves from others but about safeguarding our well-being. It’s a delicate balance, ensuring we don’t lose our sense of self amid the competing demands placed upon us. I work with my clients to recognize the importance of setting boundaries, not as a rejection of others but as an affirmation of their own needs and limitations. This shift in perspective is often a pivotal moment in therapy, empowering individuals to engage more fully in their lives and relationships, with a renewed sense of clarity and purpose.
Having walked, and continuing to walk, the path of personal exploration and growth myself, I’m deeply committed to creating a compassionate and safe space for my clients to delve into their own histories, celebrate their individuality, and pave their way to a more fulfilling future. Life’s journey, with its solo battles and intricate interpersonal intricacies, can be daunting. Yet, in my work, I strive to offer not just deep empathy but also thoughtful guidance, empowering my clients to move through life’s mazes with both strength and elegance. Whether it’s untangling the knots of the past or co-creating strategies for a brighter tomorrow, my aim is to stand beside each client, supporting their journey toward healing and personal growth.
My Interests
- visiting quaint towns on the weekend with family,
- reading on a dock by water
- expanding my record collection with music from a wide variety of genres.
Who I am Growing up adopted, especially coming from Bangladesh to Canada at the age of three mon... Read More
Robert Simms
My name is Robert Simms. I am non-status Metis. I became involved in the Indigenous community and began learning about the culture when I went to University for my Bachelor of Social Work. Although I began my journey of self discovery and involvement in the Indigenous community through school, it has continued through my life and I have worked with Indigenous People in many parts of Turtle Island.
I also have lived experience with ADHD. I was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult and also have a daughter of ADHD. My diagnosis sent me on a journey to learn as much as I could about ADHD, how it effects people and how to help people live their best life, whatever that looks like for them.
My name is Robert Simms. I am non-status Metis. I became involved in the Indigenous community and... Read More
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