Life Transitions:
Divorce or Breakup, Immigration, Parenthood, Career Change
Divorce or Breakup
(Photo by Esther Tuttle on Unsplash)
When a partnership ends, it brings in a wide range of emotions – shock, rage, heartbreak, disillusionment, failure, freedom, relief, possibility, anxiety, confusion, doubt, sadness and loss! Not only are you left grieving the end of a relationship and the loss of a partner, but also the loss of the vision that you had of your life, your future and a significant part of your identity! It's easy to get wrapped up in the "what went wrongs", the “who did whats” and the "what ifs".
This ending is also the beginning of a new chapter of your life! It's an opportunity to rediscover who you are now, reflect on what you learned and what you need, and learn ways to improve your communication with others, your approach to connecting and being with yourself, as well as building safety and intimacy with others in your life (including potential future partners).
Immigration
(Photo by Toni Reed on Unsplash)
Whether by choice or by circumstance (either during childhood or later in life), you (and your family) have immigrated to Canada. Suddenly, you’re hit with culture shock – learning new ways of communicating and connecting with others, figuring out new systems and standards, and perhaps experiencing racism or xenophobia for the first time! There are unexpected barriers, every step of the way, as you work 10 times harder to build the life that you dreamt you (and your family) would have in this new land. On top of that, you’re far away from the people you love and the comforts and familiarity of “home”. You feel untethered, homesick, lonely, misunderstood and exhausted.
As time passes, you (and your family) feel stuck between two worlds with nowhere that you truly belong anymore… You’re still grieving all that you sacrificed and lost to be here, longing to experience freedom but also needing to feel rooted, and sensing the mounting pressure to succeed and make something of yourself (and, make sure your kids do too)!
The mental, emotional and physical toll of it all catches up with you, impacting your sense of self, wellbeing and your relationships. You need a safe place to unload it all, feel heard, seen and understood, and get guidance and support to find your way again, reconnect with yourself and your loved ones, and feel well and content.
Parenthood
(Photo by Mulyadi on Unsplash)
Whether you're a parent (or hoping to become a parent) biologically or through adoption, it's an experience that changes your life forever! While juggling work and family, trying to keep up with the latest info on parenting, and dedicating time and energy to raising your children and preparing them for a changing and uncertain world, it’s easy to lose yourself, your own identity, maybe even your dreams and desires, your health and wellbeing, and your connection to your partner(s) and friends.
Parenting, like everything else in our lives, requires balance… So, carve out a little time and space for yourself to reflect, express yourself, explore your expanding identity, cultivate gentleness and care, and reignite your connections with others!
Career Change
(Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash)
You’re a growth-oriented person, you get restless doing the same thing over-and-over again, and you love to learn and try new things. Maybe your last career (or job) was a “safe” choice for you, didn’t fit your identity and your passions well, or just didn’t feel engaging anymore. So you’re paving a new path for yourself – maybe you’re going back to school, you’ve landed a new job, or you’re striking out as an entrepreneur! Congrats!
Now what? You’re surrounded by newness and unknowns and the learning curve is steep – you’re excited and anxious, all at once! And, you’re starting to notice that you’re feeling pretty tired and overwhelmed, and you barely have time for yourself, the activities you enjoy or the people in your life. Maybe your confidence has even taken a bit of a hit and you’re doubting yourself!
Create a life that feels sustainable and fulfilling by investing in an ongoing practice of self-reflection, gentleness, balance and boundaries!
My fee for Individual Counselling is $180 / hr.
*Sessions are up to 1 hour. Short-term & long-term counselling available in English or Farsi. Services are provided through a secure video portal or by phone.
**If you’re a part-time or full-time Post-Secondary Student or you’re currently Unemployed / Precariously Employed, ask about the availability of $100 discounted spots**
I specialize in working with women (ages 18-55), gender-diverse, queer and trans folks (2SLGBTQIA+), people of colour (BIPOC), first & second generation immigrants, neurodivergent folks, students, professionals and entrepreneurs.