Our Team

Ahad Syed

Peace be upon you! My name is Ahad and I am completing my Masters in Counselling Psychology at City University in Edmonton, AB. I am honoured and privileged to have the opportunity to be a part of your journey and path to healing.

My educational/professional background has equipped me to appreciate the various biological, psychological, and social aspects of life that contribute to our well-being. This, along with my experiences working with diverse individuals and various populations, including youth, parents, young adults, and individuals with disabilities, has equipped me to appreciate the unique aspects of what it means to be human.

My approach is culturally sensitive, strengths-based, and holistic, drawing from therapeutic models such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), humanistic-existential therapy, and Carl Rogers' Person-Centred Approach (PCA).

Life is tough and challenging. However, the potential for healing lies within us, and we have more courage, strength, and capacity than we give ourselves credit for. I aim to create a therapeutic space that helps you acknowledge your strengths and capacity for healing. In this non-judgmental space, you deserve to feel safe, emotionally, culturally, and psychologically, as you navigate life’s complexities. Ensuring client safety is not just a clinical necessity, but a foundation of trust and dignity.

As an aspiring student therapist with a diverse cultural background, I recognize the challenges that can arise from the various aspects of our lives. I am drawn to helping clients reflect on the significance of their experiences and their unique identity, and how these can influence their interactions with others, the environment, and themselves. I also recognize the impact of stigma, particularly around men's mental health and for individuals from ethnic or racialized communities, where seeking support can sometimes feel like a weakness or cultural taboo. Part of my commitment is to help break down these barriers and affirm that reaching out for help is a courageous and powerful act.

By being more aware of our experiences and identity, we can come up with informed goals that align with who we are and who we hope to be. That being said, I also recognize that our experiences can bring forth various challenges into therapy, so I will commit to being flexible, and adapting to clients' needs to ensure they are receiving the best support from me as possible. To further this commitment, my goal is to be honest, humble, non-judgmental, and fully engaged with your concerns, so that you can be in a space that respects you fully as a unique individual.

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More About My specialties

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Teens
As a student therapist, I approach working with teens with deep respect for their unique experiences, identities, and perspectives. I aim to create a space where young people feel safe, heard, and empowered to express themselves without fear of judgment. ...read more
My approach is collaborative, culturally sensitive, and rooted in person-centred and strengths-based therapy. I often draw from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Humanistic-Existential models to support teens navigating identity, relationships, anxiety, or life transitions. I understand how hard it can be to balance pressures from school, family, and social media, and I work to meet each teen where they’re at. I believe therapy should help teens build insight, confidence, and practical tools they can carry with them.

Trauma
My approach to trauma therapy is gentle, grounding, and client-led. I recognize that trauma can impact the way we see ourselves, others, and the world, and I aim to create a space where clients feel safe to explore their stories at their own pace. ...read more
I draw from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), attachment-informed, and somatic awareness practices to support clients in reconnecting with their strengths and values. I am especially attuned to how trauma intersects with cultural identity, systemic oppression, and early life experiences. I believe healing from trauma involves both processing pain and building a meaningful life beyond it. I will walk alongside you with care, flexibility, and full presence.

LGBTQ+ and Gender Identity Counselling
As a student therapist, I am committed to providing an affirming, inclusive, and non-pathologizing space for LGBTQ+ clients to explore their identities, relationships, and mental health. ...read more
I recognize that experiences of gender and sexuality are deeply personal and can be shaped by cultural, familial, and systemic influences. As a Pakistani-Canadian immigrant, I can acknowledge what it’s like to feel “different”. My practice is grounded in respect, humility, and an ongoing commitment to learning and unlearning. I draw from person-centred and ACT models to support clients in exploring identity, navigating life transitions, and healing from internalized stigma or trauma. I welcome clients wherever they are in their journey and will work with them to honour their truth and build a life aligned with their values. You deserve to be fully seen, celebrated, and supported.