Meet Rana Shami
Registered Social Worker
Welcome, my name is Rana, and as a therapist my goal is to help my clients turn struggles into opportunities and new beginnings. For me, that begins with providing culturally sensitive services that are tailored to the client’s unique needs and beliefs about parenting and family values.
Navigating relationships is never easy; relationships with your partner, family, friends, children and even your self, can often leave us feeling drained. In that exhausted state, people may experience wavering confidence and question their idea of happiness. I work with individuals and people in relationships. When working with my clients I hear stories of feeling stuck and repeating relational patterns that are not serving them. People often talk about working hard on change and not seeing progress. I want my clients to know that they are not alone, and these are common human experiences.
In my work, I support people who have had traumatic experiences, harmful childhood experiences and/or feelings of self-doubt, anxiety and depression. With my clients we create an environment to explore the patterns and themes that may be holding them back from having the relationships or life they want. I believe that people deserve a space to be heard, seen and validated while they process the obstacles or struggles that are in the way.
My approach to therapy is strength-based, trauma-informed and attachment-informed, and I use a variety of strategies including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), emotion-focused therapy (EFT), and mindfulness. I am a Registered Social Worker in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). I received my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from the University of Waterloo. I am a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW) and the Canadian Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (CAMFT), and I am a registered Circle of Security parenting coach (COSP).
When I can, you will find me on an adventure exploring the world through travel.
Counselling services are provided in English and Arabic.
