About Christina
Hello and welcome! I'm Christina, an Arab-Canadian Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) who works with individuals and couples navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, life transitions, and the complexities of culture and identity.
I believe mental health cannot be separated from the cultures, families, and communities that shape us. My goal is to provide a safe, collaborative, and culturally responsive space where you feel understood and supported without having to leave important parts of yourself at the door.
My work has taken me across Canada, Boston in the United States, and the United Arab Emirates, supporting children, youth, adults, couples, and families from diverse cultural backgrounds. These experiences deepened my understanding of how identity, family dynamics, and culture influence the way we experience stress, healing, and relationships.
Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, navigating family or relationship concerns, adjusting to a life transition, or simply wanting to better understand yourself, we'll work together to find an approach that fits your unique experiences and goals. My practice is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and evidence-based care, with a strong commitment to honouring each person's cultural and personal story.
Who I Work Best With
I work best with people who are looking to better understand themselves and the patterns that shape their lives and relationships.
Many of my clients are navigating anxiety, relationship challenges, life transitions, or cultural and family expectations, and want a space where they can show up authentically without judgment.
If you're looking for a space where you can feel heard, reflect on what's been keeping you stuck, and create change, I think we'd work well together.
The conversations I find myself having again and again
I often find myself having conversations about identity, relationships, and boundaries. Many people come into therapy feeling like they've spent so much of their lives meeting other people's expectations that they've lost touch with what they actually need or want for themselves.
In those first few sessions, I often hear things like, "I don't know who I am anymore," "I keep ending up in the same unhealthy relationships," or "I feel guilty every time I say no."
Whether someone is navigating anxiety, family or cultural expectations, relationship difficulties, or a major life transition, there's often a shared desire to better understand themselves and break patterns that no longer serve them.
A lot of my work involves helping people make sense of how their relationships, upbringing, and life experiences have shaped the way they see themselves and the world around them. Together, we explore those patterns with curiosity rather than judgment while building healthier boundaries, communicating needs more confidently, and creating more fulfilling relationships.
One of the things I LOVE about this work is watching people realize they're not "broken." As they better understand the patterns that shaped them, they begin trusting themselves, communicating what they need, and making choices that feel more aligned with who they are.
What gives me hope
One of the things I come back to most in this work is how change often shows up in quiet ways. It might be noticing a pattern a little sooner, responding differently in a situation that once felt overwhelming, or feeling just a little more like yourself again.
People often come in feeling like they've been stuck for a long time. Then, almost without realizing it, something begins to soften. Not everything at once, but enough to change how they relate to themselves and the people around them.
What's my story
Growing up in a Middle Eastern family in Canada meant I was often navigating different cultural values, expectations, and ways of seeing the world. Balancing family traditions with the culture around me gave me an early understanding of how complex identity, belonging, and relationships can be. It also sparked a curiosity about people's stories and the experiences that shape who they are.
Those experiences taught me the importance of listening not only to what people say, but also to what they struggle to put into words. That perspective continues to guide the way I work with clients today.
As a therapist, I strive to create a space where people feel safe, heard, and accepted without judgment. I believe that our relationships, culture, and life experiences all play a role in shaping how we see ourselves and others. My goal is to help clients better understand themselves, recognize patterns that may be holding them back, and move through life's challenges with greater confidence, and authenticity.
Modalities
Specialties
What's it like to work with me
I don't believe there's a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. Every person brings a different story, different relationships, and different experiences into the room, so we'll work together to find an approach that feels right for you. Some days that might mean making space to process what's been weighing on you. Other days it might mean learning practical tools or gently challenging patterns that are keeping you stuck.
I'm naturally curious, collaborative, and honest. I'll ask questions, notice patterns, and sometimes reflect things back that might be difficult to see on your own.
At the same time, I believe YOU are the expert on your own life. My role isn't to tell you who to be or what to do. It's to help you better understand yourself so you can make choices that feel right for you.
Clients often tell me our sessions feel like real conversations. We can explore difficult emotions, laugh when it feels natural, and make room for the messy parts of being human. I believe people grow when they feel safe enough to show up as they are, not who they think they're supposed to be.
Education
Languages
Who are you when you're not working
When I'm not working, you'll probably find me at the gym or a Pilates class. Movement has been one of the ways I reconnect with myself and clear my mind, especially after a busy week.
I recharge with good food, a lot of laughter, and time spent with the people I love. I also enjoy reading, and right now I’m making my way through Love’s Executioner, the kind of book that stays with you and makes you reflect on people and the stories we carry.
I think the things that ground me most are the same things I encourage my clients to make space for: meaningful relationships, moments of joy, and taking care of yourself in ways that feel sustainable rather than perfect.
What misconceptions about therapy do you often challenge
One thing I often hear is, "I don't think my problems are serious enough for therapy."
The truth is, therapy isn't only for moments of crisis. It can also be a place to better understand yourself, untangle patterns in your relationships, explore questions about identity, or navigate life transitions before they become overwhelming.
I also want people to know that you don't have to come in with the right words or know exactly where to start. You don't need to have everything figured out.
We can make sense of it together ~
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