Farah Dawood, RCC

I believe that everyone has a story to tell. Everyone has a unique set of circumstances, or an ordeal that they live through or try to overcome. These can take the form of one big roadblock or event in our life that changes everything. Or they can be small day to day struggles that decrease your overall wellness and life satisfaction. I am someone willing to walk through the path of change with you in a safe, compassionate place. I can be present alongside you to assist you in finding your voice, facing these challenges in your life, and growing in your confidence to overcome them.

I am passionate about helping others make changes in their life. After all, we are all more alike than different and our need to be heard and valued is universal. I feel fortunate to bear witness to my clients’ stories and am dedicated to assisting them in achieving their goals. Through my intensive research and education in the field of Mental Health, I am capable of helping clients set goals and utilize innovative techniques and strategies to reach those goals.

My Counselling Approach

It is my privilege and passion to help instill hope and positive change in clients’ lives, leading them to live in a more joyfully. The journey leading to this achievement can take many shapes and forms, and it relies on the authentic relationship that forms between myself and my clients. I further believe that my clients are the source of the direction for therapy. Therefore, I look forward to being there for my clients on their journey and in helping them to see that they are truly the experts in their lives. Sometimes all that is needed is a little perspective and a whole lot of listening.

I utilize skills and learning I gained from my work with individuals, couples, children and their parents and caregivers who I’ve worked with in the past decade to inform my current approach. My experience of becoming a mother myself lead me to pursue further specializations in Perinatal Mental Health counselling to work with parents in the pregnancy and post-partum period who are struggling with the various issues that arise in this season of life.

My modality draws from different approaches that I have trained in, namely, Synergistic Play Therapy (SPT), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and advanced training through Postpartum Support International (PSI).

My approach is also informed by Trauma Focused Therapy, Attachment Based Therapy, Mindfulness, Person Centered Therapy, Dialectic Behavioural Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. I also have a particular interest in how trauma and our past affect our current experiences, whether physical or mental, and to dive deep into these roots and traumas to help bring healing, meaning, and positive change.

My Credentials

I completed my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Niagara University in New York, US, and my Bachelor of Science from McMaster University in Hamilton, ON.

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor and a member in good standing with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocess (EMDR), and certified in Perinatal Mental Health Counselling.

I provide counselling services to individuals of any age dealing with:

• Trauma
• Parenting Issues
• Motherhood and mental health issues; Pregnancy and Postpartum issues
• Mental health (depression, anxiety, panic, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, Self harm, and Suicidal Ideations, Bipolar disorder diagnoses)
• Self-esteem, Body Image Issues, Eating Disorders
• Abuse (emotional, physical, sexual)
• Grief and loss
• Life transitions (relationships, work, career counseling, balance)
• Anger management
• Family issues (conflict resolution, parenting)
• Stress, Anxiety
• Problematic Behaviour, Assertiveness, Social Skills (For children and youth)

I look forward to connecting with you and to becoming a part of your story.

Book an appointment with me now.