Compassionate therapy to help you honour where you come from and step into who you are.

About me

Hi, I’m Iren — a Registered Psychotherapist, first-generation immigrant, and someone who understands the complexities of navigating life between cultures, identities, and expectations.

Growing up, I moved around a lot, constantly adapting, often at the cost of losing parts of myself just to fit in. Like many first-gen children of immigrants, I balanced family expectations with my own desires, shifting between cultures and identities.

That experience shaped my deep curiosity about human behavior and relationships—and ultimately led me to this work. I know how heavy it can feel to figure things out alone, and in therapy, you don’t have to.

With cultural awareness, warmth, and practical tools, I’ll support you as you set boundaries, heal from relational wounds, and explore who you are—beyond other people’s expectations.

Therapy isn’t about fixing you. You’re not broken. It’s about creating space to hear your own voice, understand your patterns, and build a life that feels true to you.

My Style & Approach

I believe therapy should feel like a conversation with someone who truly sees you — all of you. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and culturally responsive. I understand that your culture, family dynamics, and personal history shape how you experience the world, and that understanding is woven into everything we do.

In my practice, I regularly integrate mindfulness techniques to help you gently tune into your thoughts, emotions, and body with curiosity rather than judgment. Through somatic practices, we’ll explore how your body holds onto stress, trauma, and emotion — and how you can begin to release that tension to feel more grounded and at ease. And because so many of my clients struggle with harsh inner criticism and feelings of "never enough," self-compassion is an important part of my work. Together, we’ll practice treating yourself with the kindness and care you so easily extend to others.

I also draw from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and emotion-focused therapy (EFT) to help you better understand the patterns shaping your thoughts, emotions, and relationships. Every session is tailored to your unique needs, values, and lived experience.

As someone who has personally navigated cultural tensions, identity struggles, and the weight of family expectations, I bring lived experience alongside professional training. I understand the challenges of balancing your own voice with the expectations of those around you, and I’ll support you in building confidence, setting boundaries, and living more authentically — in a way that honours both where you come from and where you want to go.

My Areas of Focus

I work with adults and adolescents who are navigating a range of challenges — often at the intersection of cultural identity, relationships, and personal growth. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to move forward, we can work together to untangle what’s holding you back and help you step into a life that feels more aligned with who you are.

  • Some of the areas I can support you with include:

    • Anxiety & Overthinking – Managing constant worry, racing thoughts, and physical symptoms of stress.

    • Cultural Identity & Belonging – Exploring how your cultural background, family dynamics, and lived experiences shape your identity and sense of self.

    • Family & Relationship Dynamics – Navigating family pressures, boundary-setting, intergenerational conflict, and healthy communication.

    • Self-Esteem & Self-Compassion – Quieting your inner critic and building a kinder, more compassionate relationship with yourself.

    • Life Transitions & Identity Shifts – From career changes to becoming a parent to figuring out who you are outside of cultural or family expectations.

    • Stress & Burnout – Especially for first-generation immigrants, high-achievers, and those balancing caregiving roles.

    • Healing from Relational Trauma – Unpacking past relationship wounds, whether from family, partners, or friendships, and learning to build healthier relationships moving forward.

    • Perfectionism & People-Pleasing – Releasing the need to be everything for everyone, and learning to prioritize yourself without guilt.

    If you see yourself in any of these, know that you’re not alone — and that healing and growth are possible when you have support.

Session Fee

Individual Therapy (50 minutes): $150 per session

Insurance Coverage: Many extended health benefits plans cover psychotherapy services provided by a Registered Psychotherapist. Please check with your insurance provider to confirm your coverage.

Sliding Scale: A limited number of reduced-fee spots are available for clients experiencing financial difficulties. If cost is a barrier, please don’t hesitate to reach out — I’m happy to discuss options.

Qualifications

  • Member of the College of Registered Psychotherapist of Ontario

  • Adler University

    Master of Counselling Psychology

  • University of Toronto

    Honours Bachelor of Science (Psychology & Biology)

  • Member of Ontario Society of Registered Psychotherapists (OSRP)