My name is Afraa Akasha (She/Her) and I am a Mental Health Therapist with a Masters in Counselling Psychology with a designation of a Certified Canadian Counsellor (C.C.C).
I was born in Sudan and moved to Canada when I was a child. I became a counselor because I am curious about people and their stories and how you can learn to better manage your mental health and improve your overall well-being through therapy. I believe the therapeutic environment needs to be holistic, inclusive, and anti-oppressive, and can take into account your lived experiences and intersectionality
For my therapeutic approaches; I draw on a variety of counseling approaches that are trauma-informed, Strengths-based, Single Session therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and EMDR, shifting approaches based on each person’s individual needs.
Contact me to get the help you need
My name is Afraa Akasha (She/Her) and I am a Mental Health Therapist with a Masters in Counselling Psychology with a designation of a Certified Canadian Counsellor (C.C.C).
I was born in Sudan and moved to Canada when I was a child. I became a counselor because I am curious about people and their stories and how you can learn to better manage your mental health and improve your overall well-being through therapy. I believe the therapeutic environment needs to be holistic, inclusive, and anti-oppressive, and can take into account your lived experiences and intersectionality
For my therapeutic approaches; I draw on a variety of counseling approaches that are trauma-informed, Strengths-based, Single Session therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and EMDR, shifting approaches based on each person’s individual needs.
Contact me to get the help you need
I am a Registered Psychotherapist, Grief Recovery Specialist and Trauma Counsellor with over 10 years of professional experience working in the Violence against Women sector. I support caregiving women, individuals, and groups struggling through trauma, grief, loss, and other life transitions to establish and maintain a fulfilling life now and leave a lasting legacy for their loved ones.
I provide 1on1 counselling, grief recovery support, and group facilitation. My training and experience working with diverse people has equipped me to offer culturally sensitive, unique, customized support to my clients.
My therapeutic approach is focused on the mind and body connection. It is Anti-Racist Anti-Oppressive, client-centered, and strengths-based. I am committed to helping individuals identify their Challenges, and explore Choices available to them so they can make adequate Changes to live a fulfilling life now and leave a lasting legacy when they’re gone.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist, Grief Recovery Specialist and Trauma Counsellor with over 10 years of professional experience working in the Violence against Women sector. I support caregiving women, individuals, and groups struggling through trauma, grief, loss, and other life transitions to establish and maintain a fulfilling life now and leave a lasting legacy for their loved ones.
I provide 1on1 counselling, grief recovery support, and group facilitation. My training and experience working with diverse people has equipped me to offer culturally sensitive, unique, customized support to my clients.
My therapeutic approach is focused on the mind and body connection. It is Anti-Racist Anti-Oppressive, client-centered, and strengths-based. I am committed to helping individuals identify their Challenges, and explore Choices available to them so they can make adequate Changes to live a fulfilling life now and leave a lasting legacy when they’re gone.
Are you feeling stuck in negative patterns and want to experience something better? Are you struggling to manage the challenges of life? You may be feeling overwhelmed and finding it difficult to cope, or you may simply be feeling unlike yourself. Whether it is a difficult relationship, major transition, or the stresses of everyday life that you are trying to navigate, I can help you work towards the change you are hoping for. Together we will explore the thoughts, emotions, and behaviours that are hindering you.
I provide a safe and welcoming space for you to explore your experiences, perceptions and yourself. I use an approach that considers your unique life experiences, perceptions, needs and goals. I am also committed to providing therapy that is collaborative, trauma informed, and culturally sensitive.
I am passionate about being along side you as you journey into deeper parts of yourself, towards healing and wholeness. Most of my clients discover their own overlooked strengths and abilities to overcome difficulties. I welcome you to take the first step towards change. You deserve a meaningful and peaceful life!
Are you feeling stuck in negative patterns and want to experience something better? Are you struggling to manage the challenges of life? You may be feeling overwhelmed and finding it difficult to cope, or you may simply be feeling unlike yourself. Whether it is a difficult relationship, major transition, or the stresses of everyday life that you are trying to navigate, I can help you work towards the change you are hoping for. Together we will explore the thoughts, emotions, and behaviours that are hindering you.
I provide a safe and welcoming space for you to explore your experiences, perceptions and yourself. I use an approach that considers your unique life experiences, perceptions, needs and goals. I am also committed to providing therapy that is collaborative, trauma informed, and culturally sensitive.
I am passionate about being along side you as you journey into deeper parts of yourself, towards healing and wholeness. Most of my clients discover their own overlooked strengths and abilities to overcome difficulties. I welcome you to take the first step towards change. You deserve a meaningful and peaceful life!
We’re a team of BIPOC therapists passionate about building real connection. Our team works from an anti-racist, relational-cultural and trauma informed lens. We help individuals and couples navigate through tough emotions, process traumatic experiences and grow in their personal and professional relationships.
We offer virtual or in-person therapy to individuals, couples and adolescence. We have affordable therapy options with our sliding scale program or therapist in training program.
We’re a team of BIPOC therapists passionate about building real connection. Our team works from an anti-racist, relational-cultural and trauma informed lens. We help individuals and couples navigate through tough emotions, process traumatic experiences and grow in their personal and professional relationships.
We offer virtual or in-person therapy to individuals, couples and adolescence. We have affordable therapy options with our sliding scale program or therapist in training program.
If overwhelmed, stressed out, and anxious seem to be your common state of being, or if you are struggling with feelings of guilt, shame, and hopelessness, or if despite all your best efforts you can’t seem to get from where you are to where you want to be, leaving you feeling stuck; then therapy can provide you with a safe space to be seen, heard, and understood. We can uncover the root of why you are stuck and struggling and discover the innate wellness and wisdom that resides within you, which can help create a new way of being in the present, so that your future can look like what you desire.
In individual therapy, together by working with your mind and body, we can address thought, feeling, and behaviour patterns that are keeping you stuck. In couple and family therapy, we can work to reduce conflict cycles, harmful communication patters, and discover ways to be with each other’s differences, in order to support change and enhance connection.
My own personal journey alongside my years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families allows me to provide a safe, non-judgemental, and compassionate space for you to explore, uncover, and discover your self, which can allow you to move from where you are to where you want to be. I offer free 15-minute phone consultations.
If overwhelmed, stressed out, and anxious seem to be your common state of being, or if you are struggling with feelings of guilt, shame, and hopelessness, or if despite all your best efforts you can’t seem to get from where you are to where you want to be, leaving you feeling stuck; then therapy can provide you with a safe space to be seen, heard, and understood. We can uncover the root of why you are stuck and struggling and discover the innate wellness and wisdom that resides within you, which can help create a new way of being in the present, so that your future can look like what you desire.
In individual therapy, together by working with your mind and body, we can address thought, feeling, and behaviour patterns that are keeping you stuck. In couple and family therapy, we can work to reduce conflict cycles, harmful communication patters, and discover ways to be with each other’s differences, in order to support change and enhance connection.
My own personal journey alongside my years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families allows me to provide a safe, non-judgemental, and compassionate space for you to explore, uncover, and discover your self, which can allow you to move from where you are to where you want to be. I offer free 15-minute phone consultations.
LGBTQ+ Friendly & Transgender Safe Space
Life can be hard sometimes, but we don’t have to do it all alone.
Opening yourself up to someone you do not know is hard, but I strive to make that part as comfortable as possible.
I work from an integrative (e.g., psycho-dynamic, emotion-focused, cognitive-behavioural) perspective that is trauma-informed. I always cater therapy to whomever I am working with in order ensure that we are working towards the goals you would like to achieve. The therapeutic relationship is important to me. I strive to create an environment that is warm, open, and non-judgmental. I am open and accepting to any and all of your identities, whether that be religion, race, sexuality, beliefs or even if you have a lifestyle that is different.
Individual (Adults and Adolescents)
During our first session, I will orient you to what therapy is and how we should be progressing through it. I will also be sharing a bit about myself and how I work. During our first session, you will have a chance to discuss the concerns that have brought you to therapy. We will also get a chance to map out your goals and come up with a plan as to how we will address them within our sessions.
A psycho-dynamic perspective will help me understand your past and how it’s influenced your current state, an emotion-focused perspective will help us understand your emotions and how they play a role in your distress and how to alleviate them if they ever feel overwhelming. Lastly, the cognitive-behavioural perspective will help us hone in on maladaptive behaviours and work towards undoing them with a systematic plan.
I understand that no two people are the same, so I do my best to be open to learning about a person’s context (religion, culture, race, gender, sexuality, etc.). I believe that these are important aspects of who you are and should be taken into consideration to make therapy more meaningful.
Couples
The ones who say that relationships are easy are probably the ones who aren’t in relationships. In my work with couples, I strive to equally take both (or more) partners into consideration as we work towards creating a healthier relationship. The journey is ongoing, but it’s worthwhile. Together, we will be tackling communication issues, misunderstandings, triggers, hostility, and more. Sometimes you feel like you’re stuck in an endless cycle with your loved one. But taking the step to address your concerns can alleviate tensions.
I will be implementing tools and interventions that pertain to strengthening partnership whilst incorporating what I’ve learnt throughout my education.
I have an M.A. in Counselling Psychology from the University of Ottawa. I have experience working with marginalized populations (e.g., Planned Parenthood Ottawa, Family Services Ottawa), in addition to working in private practice. I have worked with a variety of presenting concerns throughout my career (e.g., anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, interpersonal conflict, burnout, sex addiction, self-harm, panic disorder, etc.).
LGBTQ+ Friendly & Transgender Safe Space
Life can be hard sometimes, but we don’t have to do it all alone.
Opening yourself up to someone you do not know is hard, but I strive to make that part as comfortable as possible.
I work from an integrative (e.g., psycho-dynamic, emotion-focused, cognitive-behavioural) perspective that is trauma-informed. I always cater therapy to whomever I am working with in order ensure that we are working towards the goals you would like to achieve. The therapeutic relationship is important to me. I strive to create an environment that is warm, open, and non-judgmental. I am open and accepting to any and all of your identities, whether that be religion, race, sexuality, beliefs or even if you have a lifestyle that is different.
Individual (Adults and Adolescents)
During our first session, I will orient you to what therapy is and how we should be progressing through it. I will also be sharing a bit about myself and how I work. During our first session, you will have a chance to discuss the concerns that have brought you to therapy. We will also get a chance to map out your goals and come up with a plan as to how we will address them within our sessions.
A psycho-dynamic perspective will help me understand your past and how it’s influenced your current state, an emotion-focused perspective will help us understand your emotions and how they play a role in your distress and how to alleviate them if they ever feel overwhelming. Lastly, the cognitive-behavioural perspective will help us hone in on maladaptive behaviours and work towards undoing them with a systematic plan.
I understand that no two people are the same, so I do my best to be open to learning about a person’s context (religion, culture, race, gender, sexuality, etc.). I believe that these are important aspects of who you are and should be taken into consideration to make therapy more meaningful.
Couples
The ones who say that relationships are easy are probably the ones who aren’t in relationships. In my work with couples, I strive to equally take both (or more) partners into consideration as we work towards creating a healthier relationship. The journey is ongoing, but it’s worthwhile. Together, we will be tackling communication issues, misunderstandings, triggers, hostility, and more. Sometimes you feel like you’re stuck in an endless cycle with your loved one. But taking the step to address your concerns can alleviate tensions.
I will be implementing tools and interventions that pertain to strengthening partnership whilst incorporating what I’ve learnt throughout my education.
I have an M.A. in Counselling Psychology from the University of Ottawa. I have experience working with marginalized populations (e.g., Planned Parenthood Ottawa, Family Services Ottawa), in addition to working in private practice. I have worked with a variety of presenting concerns throughout my career (e.g., anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, interpersonal conflict, burnout, sex addiction, self-harm, panic disorder, etc.).
Our wealth of experience with numerous mental health challenges enables us to offer specialized service. We provide a neutral space for individuals to grow and meet their goals.
In the interest of creating holistic experiences, offering tailored support to couples, parents and students (including highschool and post-secondary) serve as a powerful way to reclaim structure and unity amongst families
Our wealth of experience with numerous mental health challenges enables us to offer specialized service. We provide a neutral space for individuals to grow and meet their goals.
In the interest of creating holistic experiences, offering tailored support to couples, parents and students (including highschool and post-secondary) serve as a powerful way to reclaim structure and unity amongst families
Dieko’ is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors. She is honoured to hold space for everyone that comes through the door. Dieko’ takes a genuine, positive, non-judgmental approach with all of her clients.
Dieko’ believes that everyone deserves to have a sense of belonging, to feel seen and heard. She therefore takes a relational, encouraging, reflective, and sometimes, spiritual approach in counselling. Dieko’ acknowledges that the journey through life can present with many challenges and therefore strives to work with clients from a holistic and trauma-informed lens, to guide individuals through these life transitions.
She has over six years’ experience working with people with physical and/or developmental disabilities, supporting them to lead full and rich lives in their communities. She empowers clients to build resilience, hope, compassion, and acceptance by using their life’s challenges to enhance personal growth and healing.
Dieko’ has experience working with mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, grief & loss, life transitions, chronic illness, substance-use, and relationship difficulties. She uses a combination of evidence-based therapeutic modalities tailored to each person’s unique needs. Dieko’ is a person with physical disability. She strives to create a safe and empathetic environment, walking alongside her clients towards living a fulfilling life.
Dieko’ is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors. She is honoured to hold space for everyone that comes through the door. Dieko’ takes a genuine, positive, non-judgmental approach with all of her clients.
Dieko’ believes that everyone deserves to have a sense of belonging, to feel seen and heard. She therefore takes a relational, encouraging, reflective, and sometimes, spiritual approach in counselling. Dieko’ acknowledges that the journey through life can present with many challenges and therefore strives to work with clients from a holistic and trauma-informed lens, to guide individuals through these life transitions.
She has over six years’ experience working with people with physical and/or developmental disabilities, supporting them to lead full and rich lives in their communities. She empowers clients to build resilience, hope, compassion, and acceptance by using their life’s challenges to enhance personal growth and healing.
Dieko’ has experience working with mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, grief & loss, life transitions, chronic illness, substance-use, and relationship difficulties. She uses a combination of evidence-based therapeutic modalities tailored to each person’s unique needs. Dieko’ is a person with physical disability. She strives to create a safe and empathetic environment, walking alongside her clients towards living a fulfilling life.
Petrina Atawo (she/her) is a Registered Social Worker with over a decade of experience working with individuals and families across the lifespan and provides an inclusive, anti-oppressive framework.
Petrina’s experience includes working in youth and women’s shelters as well as extensive experience as a medical social worker in both hospital and community settings across the healthcare spectrum. Petrina utilizes several therapeutic approaches and integrates values of kindness and compassion across various counselling topics, including grief and loss, life transitions, and academic and career challenges. As a BIPOC woman, Petrina offers an understanding of race-based trauma and discrimination and an awareness of systemic inequalities rooted in colonialism. Petrina’s hope is for clients to reach a state of being where their thoughts, emotions and actions are guided from a place of self-worthiness and true belonging to themselves.
Petrina Atawo (she/her) is a Registered Social Worker with over a decade of experience working with individuals and families across the lifespan and provides an inclusive, anti-oppressive framework.
Petrina’s experience includes working in youth and women’s shelters as well as extensive experience as a medical social worker in both hospital and community settings across the healthcare spectrum. Petrina utilizes several therapeutic approaches and integrates values of kindness and compassion across various counselling topics, including grief and loss, life transitions, and academic and career challenges. As a BIPOC woman, Petrina offers an understanding of race-based trauma and discrimination and an awareness of systemic inequalities rooted in colonialism. Petrina’s hope is for clients to reach a state of being where their thoughts, emotions and actions are guided from a place of self-worthiness and true belonging to themselves.
John Nweke is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors.
He has been working in the community mental health field for 5 years, in a variety of roles including as a behavior interventionist, shelter support worker, and clinical counsellor. He works from a Cognitive-Behavioral lens that is informed with a biopsychosocial framework. As such, John utilizes evidence- based practice, while placing them in the context of each client’s concerns. John has experience with a wide variety of clients and concerns with a focus on matters of anxiety, depression, and substance use.
Many spheres interact to contribute to well-being, particularly cognitions, emotions, physiology, environment, and social contexts. John’s undergraduate experience in biology makes him equipped to provide psycho-education as to the biological components impacting wellness. This information, in combination with the other contributing factors mentioned above, will be utilized to the benefit of moving clients towards their goals. Oftentimes, people facing challenging moments feel disconnected and isolated from those in their lives. John aims to create a supportive and empathetic therapeutic relationship that encourages the growth and well-being of each client.
John Nweke is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors.
He has been working in the community mental health field for 5 years, in a variety of roles including as a behavior interventionist, shelter support worker, and clinical counsellor. He works from a Cognitive-Behavioral lens that is informed with a biopsychosocial framework. As such, John utilizes evidence- based practice, while placing them in the context of each client’s concerns. John has experience with a wide variety of clients and concerns with a focus on matters of anxiety, depression, and substance use.
Many spheres interact to contribute to well-being, particularly cognitions, emotions, physiology, environment, and social contexts. John’s undergraduate experience in biology makes him equipped to provide psycho-education as to the biological components impacting wellness. This information, in combination with the other contributing factors mentioned above, will be utilized to the benefit of moving clients towards their goals. Oftentimes, people facing challenging moments feel disconnected and isolated from those in their lives. John aims to create a supportive and empathetic therapeutic relationship that encourages the growth and well-being of each client.
