Our Team
Jakia
My Beliefs
I believe in the power of connection—connection with others, with the world around us, and perhaps most importantly, with ourselves. Life is often complex, and being human can be hard. We carry many roles and responsibilities, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Amidst all of this, I believe in practicing self-compassion, nurturing hope, and making room for our inner experiences with kindness rather than judgment.
We are all meant to experience the full spectrum of human emotions. Yet many of us are socialized to only express the positive ones, leaving us alone with the difficult ones. This can lead to internalizing or expressing our pain in ways that may not serve us. I see therapy as a space to sit with those emotions, understand where they come from, and learn how to express them in healthier, more sustainable ways.
Counselling can offer a supportive and empowering environment where you can make sense of your thoughts and emotions, reconnect with your strengths and values, and find your way forward—at your own pace and on your own terms.
My Approach
My approach is person-centred and collaborative. It is grounded in the belief that you are the expert of your own life. I am here to walk alongside you as we explore your inner world, acknowledge emotional pain, and move toward healing and meaningful change.
I primarily draw from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to explore the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. I also integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, and Mindfulness. I believe movement, music, and creative expression can also hold a powerful place in the therapeutic space.
I aim to offer trauma-informed experience that incorporates psychoeducation to help you understand how your brain and body respond to stress. I also weave in feminist, social constructivist perspectives, and humanistic principles to honour your identity, values, and lived experiences.
Ultimately, I want to create a space where actionable change and deep self-understanding can co-exist, and where healing is both practical and personal.
My Background
I am currently completing the final year of my Master of Counselling degree at City University of Seattle. My academic background also includes an undergraduate degree in psychology and biological sciences, where I developed a deep curiosity about the human mind and a passion for supporting others through emotional and mental challenges.
About 11 years ago, I immigrated to Canada in pursuit of education, and during this journey, I fell in love with the warmth of the people and the natural beauty of Alberta. This province has become home, and its community continues to inspire my desire to give back through meaningful, compassionate care.
I am Bangladeshi by descent and I was born and raised in Kuwait, which has shaped my ability to view the world through multiple cultural lenses. Living between cultures has helped me develop a strong appreciation for difference and a deep respect for each person’s unique story. Working with individuals with diverse abilities has further deepened my capacity to see the world from many different perspectives and to approach each person’s experience with openness and curiosity. This background allows me to bring a culturally sensitive and inclusive approach to my work in a way that values identity, belonging, and lived experience.
Professionally, I have had the privilege of supporting individuals with diverse abilities in building meaningful community connections. I have volunteered on the distress line, providing emotional support and helping people access resources in times of need.
These experiences inform my approach in being grounded in compassion, respect, and the belief that with compassionate support, people can uncover their own resilience and wisdom.