Meet The Team

Iryna Azarova

MACP candidate

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Languages: English, Russian or Ukrainian languages.

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Do you struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, C-PTSD, or difficult relationships? Let's walk this path together and become the best version of yourself. You are not alone. We will explore your positive and negative cognition and overcome life difficulties together.

My prior practice focused on working with both individuals and couples, and my personal approach helps achieve long-lasting results. I am not looking to change your goals, but instead work with you to find a way which is right for you. Treatment begins with a focus on behavioral change and moves into deeper analysis of emotion and thoughts.

Let me guide you towards the best version of yourself.

I can practice in English, Russian or Ukrainian languages.

Iryna Azarova

Julie Jay, BA and MA in Buddhist Studies and MA in Counselling Psychology, RCC-Qualifying, CCC-Qualifying

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Languages: English, Cantonese (can understand but cannot speak)

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Julie first became interested in Buddhism in her youth when she began to search for the meaning of life. This began a lifelong journey that brought her to Thailand, India, and Nepal to discover herself through Buddhism, meditation, and languages. In Thailand, she practiced meditation and guided fellow practitioners in the practice of mindfulness. She began to explore her burgeoning interest in Buddhism by studying the Tibetan language in India. Later in Nepal, she completed an undergraduate and graduate studies in Buddhism and Himalayan Languages and later translated Tibetan Buddhist texts.

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After her study of Buddhism, she recognized the importance of balancing both spiritual and psychological healing which led her to graduate studies in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. The integration of both these approaches has allowed her to practice compassion in action with many types of people from all walks of life. 

As a second-generation Chinese Canadian, Julie is passionate about integrating your cultural wisdom, knowledge, and spirituality into therapy. She is passionate about meeting people as they are, in the here and now, and helping people authentically discover themselves with acceptance, kindness, and compassion.

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Julie integrates various approaches to therapy to find the right fit for you.  First and foremost is the therapeutic relationship based on unconditional positive regard, empathetic understanding, and genuineness. She works with you to collaboratively work towards your wellness and mental health goals. There are many ways to get there, but she is inspired by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness, Compassion-Focused Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Feedback-Informed Therapy, and parts work through Internal Family Systems. Julie also prioritizes ongoing supervision from an experienced counselling supervisor as a way to deepen her own learning and professional development, ultimately to better serve her clients.

She is currently in EMDR Level 1 training and has a few limited spots for clients without complex trauma for EMDR therapy. Please note that counselling would need to begin in the first week of October.  

Stefanie Stanley

MACP Candidate

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Languages: English and French

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Stefanie is finishing her master’s degree in counselling psychology and holds a BFA in Theatre and a Bachelor of Education from UBC.

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Originally from the east coast, Stefanie is a mom to two teenagers, and she has been a teacher in B.C. for the past 17 years.

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Stefanie enjoys helping children, adults, and families who are neurodiverse by supporting them to manage school, societal pressures, lifestyle demands, and anxiety. She is available for parent coaching to help develop strong connections and navigate systems such as developing IEPs.

Stefanie looks forward to working with anyone finding their way through life transitions and challenges, such as career changes, new relationships, marriage or separation/divorce, co-parenting, post-partum, loss of a loved one, and aging.

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In session with Stefanie, you can expect a conversational, warm, and safe space for you to uncover your needs and move forward with awareness, compassion, and a stronger sense of self.

Sarah Weissmeyer

MSW, RSW 

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Languages: German, English 

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I am passionate about helping people manage anxiety, depression, stress, self-worth, and identity crises. My goal is to provide a safe and welcoming space where you feel supported and comfortable to say what is on your mind. I am here to help you make sense of your emotions and feel more at ease working through negative thoughts and worries. 

My approach is based on your needs and is guided by principles of compassion, authenticity, and acceptance. I strive to help my clients feel empowered and ready to use their strengths to make changes toward their goals. I believe you deserve to have someone on your side while you explore new ways to overcome your challenges and gain the confidence to grow. 

Julianna Szczepanski

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP, RP (Qualifying), MAED

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Languages: English, Hungarian, Romanian 

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Are you struggling with life transitions, trauma, stress, depression, or anxiety? Did you go through a divorce, loss, or are you grieving? Are you diagnosed with an acute or chronic ailment that affects all aspects of your life? I am ready to assist your recovery with research-based therapeutic approaches. At any stage of your life we will be supporting you to deal with difficult thoughts, learn new coping skills, regain your clam, and learn resilience. Do you need help with developing healthy habits or change old ones? I can guide you in the process of dealing with insomnia, binging, and other harmful habits.

Imrana Khan

MACP Candidate

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Languages Spoken: English and Urdu

I am grateful to offer representation to those who are struggling with their mental health. I have extensive knowledge and understanding of varying family systems and how birth order, race, age, religion and culture effect ones mental health. I have the goal of helping you take steps towards healing by teaching you the skills you need for a mindset that your future self will thank you for. I have experience working with high school teenagers as well as young adults. I am an advocate for pre and post natal women’s health.
I strive to provide a safe space for you so that you can explore your feelings, personality and struggles confidently and see what approach works best for you. Although making the choice to begin therapy or counselling can be difficult, especially in cultures where vulnerability is faced, I hope that this step you take is one we can take together.

Alice Kong

Languages: English, Mandarin, Cantonese

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Yorkville University's Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology

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“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!”

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Sometimes life situations throw at us so many unexpected challenges and difficulties that we find it difficult to navigate. Asking for help can be intimidating; therefore, I will provide a warm and non-judgmental environment so you can feel safe and supported as we collaborate to help you move toward your goals.

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My approach is a combination of cognitive behavioural therapy, solution-focused therapy, and person-centered therapy because I will tailor the treatment plan to your needs and goals. I am fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin and am aware of cultural differences, intergenerational, and intercultural conflicts.

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If you are being thrown with lemons, I would like to invite you to have a brief (and free) consultation with me to discuss how I may assist you. You can schedule a time through the booking page on our website. I look forward to working with you!

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古語有云：隨遇而安。

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有時，生活會帶來許多意想不到的挑戰和困難，以至我們難以駕馭 、不能喘息。尋求幫助可能使人恐懼，尋求輔導亦需要勇氣。因此，我將提供一個溫暖和無批判的環境，透過我們的合作，幫助閣下實現目標時，同時感到安全和獲得支持。

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我會結合認知行為療法、以解決方案為中心，和以人為本的療法，配合您的需要和目標。我能說流利的英語、廣東話和普通話，並且了解文化差異、代際和跨文化衝突。

如果您需要幫助，歡迎與我進行一次簡短的（免費）諮詢， 從而討論我可以如何引導/幫助您解決問題。您可以通過網頁的預約頁面安排時間。 我期待與您合作！

Darlene Zidar

Language: English

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I earned my M.A. master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. I hold BA degrees in Psychology and Literature from CSULB in California, and a multiple-subject teaching credential from Vanguard University in California where I taught primary school before relocating to Canada. I have worked in the field of addiction, and earned a diploma in Addiction Studies from McMaster University. My knowledge and experience working with substance misuse and concurrent disorders have informed my nonjudgmental perspective. Unfortunately, today’s modern world is contributing to anxiety and loneliness; neurodiversity and symptoms of ADHD are overwhelming many people. I hope my knowledge and experience can be helpful to you.

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My approach to counselling is integrative and includes client-centered and psychotherapeutic techniques, along with Gestalt Therapy, CBT, behavioral activation, and creative communication strategies. I look forward to hearing from you.

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I work with individuals, couples, and children

Issues: Anxiety, addictions, neurodiversity, concurrent disorders, depression, fear, trauma, attachment, personal empowerment.

Zafrin Alam

 Languages: English, Bengali

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Zafrin Alam, BA, BEd (BC Secondary School Teacher)

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Zafrin is finishing her master’s degree in Counseling and holds a BA in Arts with a major in English, and minor in Kinesiology from SFU, and a Bachelor of Education from UBC. She is a Vancouver native and has been a teacher for 7 years, teaching abroad and in the North Vancouver district.

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Zafrin enjoys helping youth, adults, and new immigrants adapt to life stressors by supporting them to combat societal pressures, anxiety, balancing school and work, and lifestyle concerns. Zafrin is passionate about working with adults from all walks of life and youth who are facing challenges or major transitions and need help navigating them through this difficult endeavour.

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In a session with Zafrin, you can expect a calm, safe space, inviting smile and warmth to help you create a path forward to uncover your needs. Her experience teaching internationally and across all grades from K-12 has helped her think of inventive ways to help people navigate, communicate and understand their emotions.

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I love to laugh, be social, and have a slight obsession with coffee. In my down-time you can find me combining my love for all the above, sitting at a coffee shop with a friend or enjoying a nice cup of coffee at home and enjoying a good movie. My other passion is travelling. I have spent some time volunteering, teaching in China, and a few years living and teaching in Sweden. Living in Sweden, I had the pleasure to visit 18 different countries in two years. I aim to make it to every continent and explore more uncommon destinations. I would say the top 3 most unique travel destinations have been to the Faroe Islands, Reykjavík, and Casablanca.

Amreen Lakdawala
(She/Her/Hers)

MACP Candidate

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Languages: English and Hindi

We must all occasionally confront the harsh truth that the world is not always a safe and comfortable place. Life’s lows can either weigh us down indefinitely, or they can become fertile ground for meaningful and lasting growth. If you choose the second path, then I am here to help you sow the seeds of change.

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The quest is yours. It begins with a discussion to understand what your story is so far, and in which direction you wish to take it. I don’t have all the answers, but I will listen to you with respect and compassion, and we will brainstorm together to find a way forward. There will be easy days and hard days. That’s okay. You can learn the skills to reasonably co-exist with conflicting parts of yourself. 

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In my work, I draw from a range of evidence-based psychotherapeutic approaches to help you build the emotional habits that will take you toward your life goals. With practice, you will develop the tools and techniques that will make my role in your life gradually redundant. 

I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in counselling from City University of Seattle in Vancouver. I can offer therapy in both English and Hindi.

Anar Bhagudi

MACP Candidate

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Languages: English, Urdu, Hindi, Gujrati, and Punjabi

Hello,
I am in the final year of Master in Counselling Psychology (MACP) from Yorkville University. I have been working with a non-profit agency for over ten years, helping people managing anxiety, stress, self-esteem, through radical acceptance, self- compassion. I also recognize that past trauma and abuse can impact our current self- image which could be disruptive to our individuality, intimacy, sexuality, and relationship. I provide a safe, warm and caring space for you to share your vulnerability and strength.
Allow Yourself to be YOU!
Thank You!

Sumara Riaz

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and MACP Candidate

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Languages: English, Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi

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Sumara has a background in psychology and she is finishing her master’s degree in counselling psychology.

Monira Dali

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and MACP Candidate

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Languages: English and Arabic (اللغة العربية)

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Appointments available: Fridays from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm EST

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Monira is an intern currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. Her educational background includes a Master of Arts in Social Data Analysis, a Bachelor of Arts in Developmental Psychology, and a Bachelor of Arts in Disability Studies.

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Throughout her professional journey, she has had the privilege of working with diverse individuals, including children, youth, and adults. Her experience extends to engaging with people from various cultural backgrounds and providing support to refugees. She is deeply committed to adopting a client-centered approach, ensuring a non-judgmental and compassionate environment in her counseling practice. With a strong emphasis on cultural sensitivity, she strives to collaborate with her clients and empower them throughout their therapeutic journey.

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Ereny Saleh ايرينى صالح

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and MACP candidate

Areas of Specialty: Individual counselling, Relationship difficulties, Stress, Anxiety & Depression, Personal Growth and Recovery, Divorce & Separation Support, Self-Esteem and Life Purpose & Direction.

Languages Spoken: English, Arabic العربيه 
Appointments available: Mondays to Fridays, 4:30 pm – 8 pm EST, Saturdays (days), Online and in-person Appointments.

Ereny strives to provide a compassionate, non-judgmental, and safe environment for you to share your personal experiences and challenges. She hopes to accompany you along your journey to explore and deal with any ambiguous feelings that may occur in various situations in our lives. From an EFT and CBT, SFT approaches, we will work together to collaboratively discover your fears, vulnerabilities and difficulties to set long-term plans and solutions. She is passionate about helping couples reconnect and build long loving relationships. From a culturally responsive, personal experience and social justice lens, Ereny is fully aware of how experiences in the cultural and socio-economic context impact our physical and mental health. Ereny’s primary goal is to encourage you to bring awareness to emotions, behaviours, and environmental factors that may interfere with your ability to maintain a complete, authentic, and meaningful life. Ereny’s medical background allows her to obtain appropriate knowledge about general health and well-being. Ereny has a Spiritual Counselling Diploma from the USA. She has had the privilege of coming from a different country and occupying different jobs that allow her to experience meaningful engagement with many people from various cultural and ethnic backgrounds, abilities, and life stages. Interacting with diverse cultures has profoundly enhanced her compassion and humility for all humanity. This invaluable experience has shaped her personal journey towards helping others seek clarity and direction, finding balance and a deeper understanding of oneself. She is providing counselling services in English and Arabic under the supervision of Joseph Wong, RP CCC RCC.

Ereny is currently providing both pro bono counselling sessions. If you would like to book with her, please email us.

Sidra Batool

MACP candidate

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Languages Spoken: English and Urdu

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Sidra is an intern completing her master’s degree in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University.

She believes that each client comes with unique needs and therefore, uses an integrative approach with evidence-based theories customized to fulfill the needs of each client. She provides counselling services from a culturally sensitive perspective and her counselling strategy is highly collaborative in nature. Sidra believes that the client should be in the driving seat in the therapeutic process, with her offering counselling support as a facilitator. She aims to bring out the best in her clients by taking a strength-based approach in counselling. She empowers her clients by handing them some coping tools which they can use to deal with any struggles that they bring to the therapy room.

Through her non-judgmental approach, Sidra creates a safe space for her clients where they can uncover any unsettling thoughts and feelings. She welcomes clients of all ages whose lives are affected by mental health issues, and provides online (video and voice call) sessions for individuals, couples and families in English and Urdu.

Larysa Lubnina

BCACC application in process

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Language spoke: English, Ukrainian, Russian

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Appointments available: Mondays to Saturdays 8 am- 5 pm Pacific time

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Larysa has a Master’s degree in Applied Psychology and is currently undergoing specialized training in Consonance Therapy that helps clients to heal traumas and PTSD as well as other issues related to anxiety, panic attacks, depression, autism, ADHD, grief, and emotional issues.

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In her practice and approach, she adheres to one foundational belief that behind any inner conflict of personality are unmet basic needs that must be addressed. When we learn to identify our own basic needs and be able to manage our emotions we can nurture and strengthen an adult part of our personality and live an effective, prosperous, and productive life. She believes that every one of us is worth living in joy, peace, and a loving connection with ourselves.