We grow through what we go through.

Therapeutic approach

I work with children and adolescents (0-19) and their parents. I practice from a family centered, holistic and trauma-sensitive framework, that is culturally sensitive and honours the strengths and wisdom of each child and family. I endeavour to meet each child and youth where they are, and support them and their parents to feel empowered with the tools and skills in order to make the changes that they desire, and to blossom into their fullest potential. It is a sincere privilege and responsibility to do this work that I love, and my greatest teachers continue to be each youth and family with whom I have the great fortune of working.

When working with children and youth, a family systems/bio-psycho-social approach is always taken and parent guidance/involvement is frequently part of the work. My services include:

• psychological/psychodiagnostic assessment
• psycho-educational evaluation (for Learning and Intellectual disabilities and ADHD)
• individual therapy for children and adolescents
• group therapy
• parent consultation

While I am trained in several therapeutic approaches (including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, parent-child attachment interventions, Play Therapy and ​Emotion Focused Family Therapy), mindfulness informs all of my work. I use an integrative and collaborative therapeutic approach that is tailored to each client’s unique needs and situation. I also integrate evidence-based mindfulness practices when appropriate. I have developed and facilitated mindfulness-based therapeutic groups for children, adolescents and parents/caregivers.

What is mindfulness? It’s a practice that teaches us how to relate to the present and to our experiences in a wise, accepting and compassionate way. Mindfulness is also about noticing our experience with curiosity and non-judgement, which helps us get distance from our emotions and thoughts.

I believe in continuous self-reflection and growth and am committed to ongoing learning, development and refining of my skills.  I continue to keep myself up-to-date with the latest research and literature in the field, and regularly consult with peers and colleagues, in order to provide the best possible service to clients and families.

Some of my trainings and certifications include:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• Connect for Parents/Caregivers: An Attachment-based program
• Child and Parent Relationship Therapy
• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for children and adolescents
• Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) Core Training
• Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT)- Level One
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy training and year-long practicum with youth and young adults
• Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) in Mind-Body Medicine Intensive Training for Health Professionals
• Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy workshop with Dr. Zindel Segal
• Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy for Anxious Children
• Motivational Interviewing for Adolescents
• Advanced Motivational Interviewing with Dr. William Miller
• Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
• Violence, Threat, and Risk Assessment training Level 1
• Aboriginal Cultural Sensitivity training and Building Bridges workshop
• First Responder Mental Health cultural competency for Psychologists
• Mental health counselling with Trans and Gender-Diverse Youth (with Rainbow Health Ontario)

Clinical services

My clinical experience includes over 15 years (10 as a Licensed Psychologist) of working with children and youth with varying presenting concerns, including: depression and mood disorders, anxiety disorders, self-injury, suicidality, high risk behaviours, low self-esteem, Trauma, OCD, emotion regulation challenges, ADHD, Autism, learning disabilities, neurodiverse and sensory processing issues, disruptive behaviours, cultural identity, eating disorders, concurrent disorders, grief and loss, life transitions, stress, somatic/health concerns, parenting stress, relationship concerns, gender identity, and parent-child attachment concerns.  Having worked in diverse settings (i.e., schools, hospital, community mental health, private practice, and a nonprofit social service agency) has given me a strong understanding of how to effectively deliver assessment and treatment and collaborate across systems.  Most recently I worked as a Clinical Psychologist at the Victoria Child and Youth Mental Health Clinic (BC Public Service), working with children/youth with moderate to severe mental health difficulties. I have also worked as a School Psychologist in several school boards in the Greater Toronto Area, most recently the York Catholic District School Board, which has given me a thorough understanding of special education and learning disabilities. Apart from my clinical work, I also serve as a Clinical Supervisor for Doctoral trainees in Clinical Child/Adolescent Psychology.

Currently, I provide psychological services to children and adolescents (0-19) at a local children’s mental health centre and through my private practice in southwest Toronto. I am registered in Ontario as a Clinical and School Psychologist. I provide services in English, Hindi and Urdu.

My fees are as follows and follow the recommended guidelines by the Ontario Psychological Association: child/adolescent therapy ($225/hour), parent consultation ($225/hour), comprehensive psycho-educational assessment ($3800), ADHD assessment ($2500+), comprehensive mental health/diagnostic assessment with report ($2500) and Gifted assessment ($1500 + $700 if academic testing is required). All assessments include a detailed report with recommendations and diagnosis (if applicable). Psychological services are not covered under OHIP but may be eligible for reimbursement by your extended health benefits provider. They can also be claimed as a medical expense on your tax return.

Please feel free to reach out if you are interested in working together for your child or teenager. I would be very happy to speak with you/your child over a free initial virtual or telephone consultation to determine if it feels like a good mutual fit.

Read the Ontario Psychological Association Blog Post on “How to prepare your child for therapy: Tips for Parents“