Counselling and psychotherapy for individuals
Counselling and psychotherapy for individuals
Change is possible, that's why you're here...
A little bit about me...
I will walk alongside you as you are, at your own pace, to where you want to be.
I consider it an absolute privilege every single time someone welcomes me to share in their therapeutic process. My intention is to bring authenticity, empathy and non-judgemental guidance to the room. Therapy is a very personal experience, so I try to enter the therapeutic relationship as a 'clean slate', free of judgement or any agenda other than working towards what you want and need in your healing.
Just like you, I have sought guidance and support during painful and challenging times. Although at times it may feel like things will never get better, you being here today is a very important first step towards change and fulfillment. Reflecting on my own lived experiences, I believe that adversity helps us better understand who we were, who we are now, and where we want to be in our lives and our relationships.
I recently moved to Hamilton and am honoured and excited to work within the community I call home. If you have any questions or would like to set up an appointment, please reach out.
Let's do this!
Modalities That I Practice From...
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a focused approach to treating trauma and other mental health concerns by reconnecting the person in a safe and measured way to the images, thoughts, emotions, and physiological body sensations associated with the trauma, and allowing the natural healing powers of the brain to move toward an adaptive resolution.
To learn more, visit:
emdrcanada.org/about/
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a method of psychotherapy that has been demonstrated to be effective for a range of problems including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, addiction, interpersonal relationships, eating disorders, and severe mental illness.
To learn more, visit: psychcentral.com/lib/in-depth-cognitive-behavioral-therapy
Dialectical Behavioural Informed Therapy
Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is a form of talk therapy that was originally developed to treat people who were diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD), especially those who were chronically suicidal or struggled to regulate their emotions. DBT is a form of cognitive behavioural treatment that is used to treat BPD but also, eating disorders, depression, and in some cases used in combination with other treatments for PTSD. DBT informed work is collaborative, and therapists work alongside their clients. DBT requires commitment to change and working towards agreed goals but doesn’t require all the aspects of the complete program. With this approach, only the methods that are most needed are used.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a unique and creative model for both therapy and coaching, based on the innovative use of mindfulness and values. The aim of ACT is to maximize human potential for a rich, full and meaningful life; to cultivate health, vitality and well-being through mindful values-based living.
Trauma Informed Therapy
Trauma informed therapy involves accounting for clients’ trauma and its impact on their behaviour, mental health, and ability to engage in treatment. Trauma-informed therapy is not about a specific intervention but rather tailoring interventions in the context of the individual’s trauma history, triggers, and specific needs.
Mindfulness-Based Interventions
Mindfulness is the practice of gently focusing your awareness on the present moment over and over again.
It often involves focusing on sensations to root yourself in your body in the here and now. It can be practiced during formal meditation or during everyday activities, like cooking, cleaning, or walking. To learn more, visit:
https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/types/mindfulness-based-interventions
Education and Professional Development
Education
Indigenous Canada from the Faculty of Native Studies.
University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB (in progress).
Master of Social Work with a specialization in Mental Health.
University of Toronto, Toronto, ON.
Bachelor of Social Work, Anti-Oppressive Practice (AOP).
Toronto Metropolitan University,Toronto, ON.
Bachelor of Arts, Fine Arts.
University of Guelph, Guelph, ON.
Professional Development
2023
Psilocybin Research Therapist Training. Claivoyant Therapeutics.
2022
EMDR Training (part 1 and 2) EMDRIA approved. ENVISION.
2018
Adult Attachment in Clinical Practice: Understanding & Treating Insecure Adult Attachment with Annette Kussin, MSW, RSW. Mission: Empowerment!, Stratford.
2017
Advanced DBT: Going Beyond The Basics with Sheri Van Dijk, MSW RSW. Mission: Empowerment!.
2016
Gottman Seven Principles (for Making Marriage Work) Program: Leader Training with Laura Heck, LMFT. Mission: Empowerment!.
2015
Stuck In The Muck: Creative approaches to getting un-stuck and moving in therapy with Margaret Notar, MSW RSW. Mission Empowerment!.
2014
2nd Annual Frederick W. Thompson Anxiety Disorders Centre Conference – Dr. G. Steketee; Dr. M. Anthony.
“Psychotherapy for Borderline Personality Disorder: Research to Practice Update.” – Dr. S. McMain.
“An Update on Depression in 2014:
The Good, the Bad and the New.”– Dr. A. Schaffer.
Trauma Informed Care: Working Compassionately with Individuals Who Have Experienced Interpersonal Trauma.” - M. Duarte Giles MSW RSW; L. Hughes MSW RSW; S. Persaud MSW RSW.
Narrative Approaches to Health Professional Education.” – K. Gold MSW RSW PhD.
2013
“Thyroid Disease and Mental Health: The Mind-Body Connection.” – Dr. S. Sujana Kumar.
“Triple-P: Introducing Parenting Support to Empower Mothers* and Strengthen Families * and Fathers Too.” – Dr. A. Israel; M. Galliger MSW.
“Maternal and Newborn Outcomes Among Women with Schizophrenia: A Retrospective Population- Based Cohort Study.” – Dr. S. Vigod.
“Becoming Competent: Caring for Women with Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), Mental Health and Substance Use Problems.” – Dr. R. Mason.
2012
“Harm Reduction Workshop: A pragmatic approach to the problem of severe hoarding.” - Mark Odom LCSW.
Andrea Zahra Therapy
P: 905-736-0682
F: 1 866 924 1531
info@andreazahratherapy.com
Paid/metered parking avail. in front of building or beside building in paid parking lot. $2 per hour. Entrance to clinic is at front of building, through the red door. Not wheelchair accessible.
We at Andrea Zahra Therapy are grateful to have the opportunity to work and practice on the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation as well as the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat, Neutral and the Haudenosaunee peoples of the Six Nations Grand River Territory. This land is now, and always will be, the home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
We recognize that we must do more to learn about the rich history of this land so that we can better understand our roles as residents, neighbours, partners and caretakers.