What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead…”
Nelson Mandela
I am a registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist with two Masters degrees: one in Social Work from York University and the other in Sociology from Concordia University. I earned those qualifications after having first gained a Bachelor of Arts and Science degree in Sociology from York University and a Community College Diploma (Honours) in Law Enforcement. I have more than ten years of professional experience within the field of social work and my practice is both informed by my awareness of cultural sensitivities and supported by an anti-oppressive framework.
My main interest and area of expertise lies in working and supporting children, youths, and families of all cultural and ethnic backgrounds who are experiencing a wide range of social and personal issues. The issues that I often work to help people overcome include (but are not limited to): parent-teen conflict; marital conflict; domestic violence and abuse; mental health problems; suicidal ideation; trauma; grief and loss; and school-related difficulties.
My extensive experience and record of achievements in clinical assessment, counselling, and crisis intervention are primarily grounded in the successful implementation and application of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. I also employ strength-based and solution-focused therapies.
My passion and commitment to supporting others stem from my Christian faith, cultural background, and lived experiences. It is my firm belief that every human being has potential and the ability to ‘make it’ in life. We can all, however, find ourselves at a difficult point in life in which we need someone with genuine compassion and empathy who can provide direction, support, and a seed of hope.
Sponsored by my father, I immigrated to Canada in 1990 as a teenager, alongside my mother and four siblings. Growing up, my mind was filled with high expectations and lofty goals: I thought that life was going to be smooth and easy. Well, guess what, I was dead wrong. I experienced, and endured, many personal and family struggles that together almost shattered and derailed my dreams. I lived through anxiety, depression, low-self-esteem, and emotional issues due to pressures imposed by my peers and society. At school I was bullied and ridiculed because of my accent, my appearance, my skin colour. In fact, at one point, I considered dropping out of school because it seemed that all the odds were stacked against me. At the time, I believed that I was simply not good enough to succeed in school, to realise my career aspirations, or even to progress in life in general. I felt that I was alone in my struggles and misfortunes until I found sources of strength, courage, and inspiration: my Christian faith; the support of my family; and certain, genuine, individuals with whom I was fortunate enough to have been connected.
My own personal story and lived experiences drive me to support others who are struggling with crises, and to help them to regain control of their own lives. Perhaps, due to misfortunes and struggles, a person’s mind is full of negative thoughts and doubts about their worth. Perhaps their life feels pointless, and perhaps they have ideas about giving up. They shouldn’t! No matter the nature of a person’s circumstances, it is never too late for them to break through, to get back on their feet and realize their God-given destiny.
It would be my pleasure to first listen to your unique story and to then provide you with both support and the practical tools that will enable you to overcome obstacles and attain realistic change and solutions. All you need to do is turn towards a new chapter with optimism, faith, and hope.