About Christina
Hello and welcome! I'm Christina, an Arab-Canadian registered psychotherapist (qualifying) who is passionate about and committed to mental well-being.
My journey began at the University of Ottawa, where I earned an honours degree in psychology. Since then, my path has taken me across borders and into diverse communities, enriching my understanding of the profound impact of culture on mental health.
During my time as a Mental Health Coach in Ottawa, I specialized in supporting children and youth, helping them navigate stress, anxiety and family-related challenges. I also had the unique opportunity to extend my support beyond Ottawa by travelling to Arviat, Nunavut, where I worked closely with families in the Indigenous community and developed a more holistic approach that considers the interconnectedness of mental, emotional, and cultural aspects in fostering overall well-being.
My professional journey continued in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, working with neurodiverse children and their families. This experience deepened my understanding of Eastern cultural practices and the vital role of cultural sensitivity. Recognizing the growing need for culturally competent counselling, I pursued further education at Yorkville University, earning a Master's in Counselling Psychology.
I believe that merging psychology with identity is fundamental to empowering underrepresented communities. I am committed to providing culturally sensitive counselling that respects the unique experiences and perspectives of individuals from all backgrounds.
Life is filled with twists and turns, and we all encounter challenges that can feel overwhelming. Whether you're grappling with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or simply seeking personal growth, my goal is to provide you with a safe and confidential space to explore these aspects of your life.
My therapeutic approach is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and evidence-based practices. Together, we can address your challenges and work towards finding the clarity you seek. Navigating life's complexities can be intimidating, but seeking support is a courageous step toward well-being.
Please feel free to reach out for a free 15-minute consultation to see if I’m the right fit for you.
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 clients 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 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 struggling with anxiety, navigating family or cultural expectations, or going through a major life transition, there is often a common thread of wanting to better understand themselves and break patterns that no longer serve them.
A lot of my work involves helping clients make sense of how their past experiences, relationships, and upbringing have shaped the way they see themselves and the world. Together, we explore these patterns with curiosity rather than judgment while learning to set healthy boundaries, communicate their needs, and build relationships that feel safe and fulfilling.
These conversations are especially meaningful to me because they're deeply human. We all want to feel understood, accepted, and connected. Watching clients begin to trust themselves, set boundaries with confidence, and create lives that feel more authentic is one of the most rewarding parts of the work I do.
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. A client might start noticing their patterns a little sooner, or respond differently in a situation that used to overwhelm them completely.
People often come in feeling like they’ve been stuck for a long time, and over time something softens. Not everything at once, just small shifts in how they relate to themselves and others.
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. I meet clients where they are and adapt to what they need, whether that's a space to process, practical tools, or someone to gently challenge the stories that are keeping them stuck.
I tend to be curious, and collaborative. I'll ask questions, notice patterns, and sometimes point out things you may not see yourself, but I believe you're the expert on your own life. My role isn't to tell you 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 they appreciate that 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 meaningful change happens when people feel safe enough to be themselves.
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
Therapy isn’t only for crises, it can also be a space for reflection, self-understanding, and learning how to navigate life in a more intentional way.
What I wish more people knew is that you don’t need to arrive in therapy fully prepared or articulate. You just need to show up as you are. The work unfolds from there.
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