My approach

As a client you are unique; you have a distinct background, and you face particular challenges. To meet your individual needs, I apply a psychodynamic approach to therapy, yet might occsaionally suggest interventions from other modalities depending on your individual circumstances and goals for therapy.

My personal background and diverse professional experience enable me to apply an eclectic lens to therapy. Before migrating to Canada, I have lived and worked in different countries including Germany, Portugal, and Jordan. I integrate my experiences and combine different areas of expertise to offer a unique, holistic approach to therapy.

My mission is not just to support my clients as they navigate life's challenges but also to empower them to create positive, meaningful change.

I look forward to welcoming you into this journey of self-discovery, healing, and transformation. Together, let's make a difference in your life

What is psychodynamic therapy?

As a psychodynamic psychotherapist, my approach is rooted in understanding the deep, often unconscious processes that shape your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. We will explore not just your present concerns but how past experiences, especially early relationships, continue to influence your current life. This form of therapy looks at patterns in your relationships, ways you defend against painful feelings, and unconscious conflicts. The goal is to bring these into awareness, which can help you gain insight into yourself and make meaningful changes.

  • Key interventions include interpreting unconscious conflicts, examining how these manifest in our therapeutic relationship, and addressing defenses that block painful emotions. We work through these insights repeatedly, allowing you to slowly shift away from ingrained patterns. The therapeutic relationship itself is also a tool, as dynamics between us often mirror patterns in your life, offering valuable insights into how you relate to others.

  • Change in psychodynamic therapy comes from deepening awareness of unconscious patterns, integrating conflicted parts of yourself, and resolving core emotional issues. This leads to greater freedom in your choices, symptom reduction, and improved emotional resilience, allowing for healthier, more adaptive ways of relating to yourself and others.

  • While the frequency and number of sessions often depend on clients’ personal circumstances, I liken psychodynamic therapy to learning a new skill such as a musical instrument or going to the gym. If you wish to master the instrument or fundamentally reshape your body, you would want to invest the required time and effort. Therapy is not that different. You would ideally start with a minimum of one session a week and be prepared to invest time and dedication to reach your goal.

My background

MEd. in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy (University of Toronto, OISE)

Registered Psychotherapist (RP)

Member in good standing with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO)

Born and educated in Germany, I embarked on my initial career path as a lawyer. My deep interest in other cultures has led me to spend some time in Lisbon, Portugal, where I learned the language and studied Portuguese law. A remarkable period in Amman, Jordan, working alongside an esteemed lawyer and advocate for human and women's rights further opened my eyes to the complexities of different cultures and the intricacies of cross-cultural relationships.

The trajectory of my career took a significant turn when I moved to Canada where my legal degree was not recognized. Viewing this as an opportunity to reshape my career and enrich my perspective, I joined an immigration law firm specialized in refugee cases as a legal assistant and found a profound purpose in helping newcomers adjust to their new lives in Canada.

Eventually, I found my place in the Ontario government, serving as a Senior Policy Advisor across various ministries over a period of several years.

During this time, I began volunteering as a counsellor with a telephone helpline that serves Muslim women across North America, supporting them in matters including abuse, intimate partner violence, and mental health challenges. This transformative experience not only alerted me to the great need for mental health services within and beyond the Muslim community, but also inspired me to take my counselling skills to a professional level. I obtained a master’s degree in counselling psychology and psychotherapy to dedicate my future career to serving individuals one on one and support them on their life journey.