Hafsa Alavi
Registered Social Worker/Psychotherapist
Compassionate
Thoughtful
Culturally Sensitive
Clientele: Young adults and Adults
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Welcome! I am Hafsa, a registered social worker practising psychotherapy in Ontario. Navigating the path to healing isn't easy, but you've already shown incredible courage by considering therapy.
I understand the unique struggles faced by individuals and couples of diverse backgrounds, like Asian, South Asian, Arab, Persian, and BIPOC communities. It often feels like being caught between two worlds, never truly feeling at home in either.
Together, we'll create a safe and supportive space where you can share your experiences without fear of judgment. Each person's journey is different, and I'm here to honour and support yours every step of the way. We'll explore how your early experiences, family dynamics, cultural influences, and societal pressures have shaped your worldview and relationships.
My approach to therapy is holistic and trauma-informed, focusing on your physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. Having grown up navigating the complexities of identity as a South Asian immigrant in Canada, I understand firsthand the challenges of trying to balance cultural expectations with a desire to fit in.
I'm passionate about breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health in ethnic and minority communities. Together, we will work towards understanding your intercultural identity so you can feel at peace with your inner voice without any self-doubt.
A bit about myself:
Outside of therapy sessions, you will find me enjoying the simple comforts of life, curled up with a warm cup of chai and my favourite sitcom.
Together, we'll create a safe and supportive space where you can share your experiences without fear of judgment. Each person's journey is different, and I'm here to honour and support yours every step of the way. We'll explore how your early experiences, family dynamics, cultural influences, and societal pressures have shaped your worldview and relationships.
My approach to therapy is holistic and trauma-informed, focusing on your physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. Having grown up navigating the complexities of identity as a South Asian immigrant in Canada, I understand firsthand the challenges of trying to balance cultural expectations with a desire to fit in.
I'm passionate about breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health in ethnic and minority communities. Together, we will work towards understanding your intercultural identity so you can feel at peace with your inner voice without any self-doubt.
A bit about myself:
Outside of therapy sessions, you will find me enjoying the simple comforts of life, curled up with a warm cup of chai and my favourite sitcom.
Masters in Social Work
Education
Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
membership
Canadian-Pakistani
background
English
Hindi/Urdu
languages
My areas of focus:
My therapy toolkit:
My publications:
George, P., Medhekar, A., Chaze, F., Osborne, B., van Heer, M., & Alavi, H. (2022). In search of interdisciplinary, holistic and culturally informed services: The case of racialized immigrant women experiencing domestic violence in Ontario. Family Court Review, 60(3), 530-545.
Medhekar, A., George, P., Osborne, B., Chaze, F. & Alavi, H. (2020). Expert paper on the impact of family violence in ethnocultural communities: The potential impact on the identification and response to family violence by family law lawyers. Department of Justice, Government of Canada.
- Anxiety
- Social Anxiety
- Borderline Personality Traits
- Depression
- Grief
- Attachment
- Parenting
- Boundaries
- Self-esteem
- Stress Management
- Immigrant Challenges
My therapy toolkit:
- Narrative therapy
- Cognitive Behavioural therapy
- Dialectical Behaviour Informed Therapy
- Psychodynamic therapy
My publications:
George, P., Medhekar, A., Chaze, F., Osborne, B., van Heer, M., & Alavi, H. (2022). In search of interdisciplinary, holistic and culturally informed services: The case of racialized immigrant women experiencing domestic violence in Ontario. Family Court Review, 60(3), 530-545.
Medhekar, A., George, P., Osborne, B., Chaze, F. & Alavi, H. (2020). Expert paper on the impact of family violence in ethnocultural communities: The potential impact on the identification and response to family violence by family law lawyers. Department of Justice, Government of Canada.
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"The comfort level that I share with Hafsa is unmatched. She comes across as a very compassionate person and I find myself fortunate to have started on this journey with her."
"Our relationship has transformed significantly, especially in our ability to communicate, resolve conflict and regulate our emotions. Natasha's ability to connect with us and create a safe space for both of us has encouraged us to be more vulnerable and express ourselves freely. Her use of dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) has enabled us to manage our conflict. Since seeing her, we are a much stronger couple."
"Working with Natasha has been a life changing experience. Her empathetic, non-judgmental approach creates a safe space for sharing. She helped me to develop skills to work through life’s challenges and unlearn patterns that were holding me back. I would not be where I am today without her support."
