ABOUT
About Samira Alam
I work with adults who are often managing a great deal on the outside while feeling depleted underneath.
Much of my work is with anxiety, burnout, the effects of trauma and patterns of perfectionism or people-pleasing. My approach is collaborative and trauma-informed. I want to understand your experience in context, recognise the strengths you already bring and help you find practical ways to respond to what is difficult.
I understand how Muslim identity, family and faith can shape what you’re carrying. Your cultural background and the values that matter to you can be part of the conversation whenever you want them to be.
Why I do this work
My own experience of therapy shaped the work I do today. Trauma-focused therapy brought real relief, but Islam and my relationship with Allah often felt separate from that process. I wanted to offer a place where clients could speak about all of their experience.
Before private practice, I spent over nine years in the non-profit sector supporting women and newcomers to Canada. That work continues to inform how I understand people’s circumstances and relationships. Alongside therapy, I offer professional consulting to clinicians, organisations and community groups on culturally responsive, faith-sensitive and trauma-informed care.
Qualifications and training
EDUCATION AND REGISTRATION
Registered Psychotherapist (RP), College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO)
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Candidate)
MA in Counselling Psychology
Bachelor of Science in Psychology, University of Toronto
Diploma in Social Service Work
CLINICAL TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist – Individual (CCTS-I) Training
Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) Training
Gottman Method Couples Therapy
Level 1 completed · Level 2 in progress · Therapy Sessions: Live completed
Mental Health First Response Training
Khalil Center and Canadian Council of Muslim Theologians
ISLAMIC EDUCATION
Taleem al-Qur’an Diploma in Qur’anic Studies
Ijazah in Qur’anic Recitation (Hafs ʿan ʿAsim)
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP
Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)
Outside the practice
I value time with family and friends, travel, time in nature, reading and journalling.