Zara Arshad
Zara Arshad, M.S.
Contact this Therapist
Availability
available
Office Hours + Location
- Online Counselling Only
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: Late evening hours only: 8pm, 9pm, 10pm, 11pm.
Languages Spoken
English, Urdu
Practice Areas
Individual
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Anger
- Attachment issues
- Self-esteem issues
- Personal growth
- Job related stress and other stress
- Postpartum anxiety and depression
- Adjustment to changes
Couples/Marriage Therapy
- Attachment issues
- Communication issues
- Anger
- Resentment
- Lack of understanding
- Emotional disconnect
- Managing expectations
- Postpartum couple’s therapy
- Becoming first time parents
- Raising small children together
- Parenting differences
- Conflict around division of labor
- Intimacy
- Premarital counselling
- Intercultural issues
Professional Memberships
- Registered Psychotherapist (RP) – College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) – Registration Number: 005185
Philosophy
I believe a problem does not necessarily exist within a person, it exists within a relationship, whether with a partner, a family member, a spiritual being, or even with oneself. I deeply appreciate and accept the complexities of each individual and each relationship, as everyone is comprised of a mixture of experiences, beliefs, fears, hopes, etc, all of which are not always in harmony. It is important for people to turn to healthy resources to help lessen or resolve an issue, much like one seeks a doctor to manage an illness or alleviate pain. Therapy provides the opportunity to explore how one’s present way of being may be influenced by relationships and experiences from the past, hindering them from having more meaningful relationships in the present. Such exploration leads to insight into parts of oneself that may require a deeper understanding and work in order to reach a more fulfilling future.
As your therapist, I create a safe, comfortable, and non-judgemental environment where I allow you to express who you are – the good and the bad. During this vulnerable process, I offer gentle support in reaching your therapeutic goals, by helping you make sense of the issues you are facing, gain insight into your thoughts, beliefs, and emotions, facilitate and enhance communication, connect with your inner resilience, implement changes, develop compassion towards yourself and others, and renew connections with people in your life. I also challenge you in order to help you grow and reach your greater potential. I use a strength-based and collaborative approach where I meet you where you are in your journey and help empower you to achieve the changes you want in your life. I believe with proper support and guidance, everyone has the power to change as they have the resources within themselves to do so.
Education and Training
- Perinatal Mental Health Certification (Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Trainings) – 2021
- Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University) – 2015
Treatment Approach
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy
- Mindfulness
- Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS)
- Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
- Structural Family Therapy (SFT)
I do regular consultation with my supervisor for the ongoing development of my professional and ethical expertise and to discuss client concerns in confidential manner. The receipt you will receive will be in my name as a Registered Psychotherapist in the province of Ontario, which is acceptable by most insurance companies (e.g. Sunlife). It is your responsibility to determine whether my receipt is acceptable for your workplace benefits and insurance.
The regular fee for counselling is $170 (plus HST).
