Farah Dawood, RCC

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

I feel privileged to help instil hope and positive change in my clients’ lives, leading them to live more joyfully. This journey can take many shapes and forms, and it relies on the authentic relationship that forms between myself and my clients.

Furthermore, I 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 whom I’ve worked with in the past decade to inform my current approach.

My own experience of becoming a mother led me to pursue further specializations in Perinatal Mental Health counselling, to work with parents in the pregnancy and post-partum period. This is a time when many are struggling with the various issues that arise in this season of life.

I draw from different approaches that I have trained in. These include Synergetic 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-centred 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.

Additionally, I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocess (EMDR), and certified in Perinatal Mental Health Counselling.

I provide counselling services to individuals of all ages 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.