Irfa Samnani

She/Her

MEd

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

English

Irfa's

Warm video welcome

Your therapeutic experience with me

Walking into therapy with me, you’ll find a space that is soft, steady, and deeply attuned to you. My approach is warm, collaborative, and thoughtful, gently guiding without rushing, offering structure when it's needed, and always honouring your pace. Whatever you're navigating, I bring a calm and compassionate presence that helps you feel safe to show up just as you are. Together, we’ll make space for the complexity of your experience, your strength and your struggle, your grief and your growth. I blend evidence-based approaches like CBT, DBT, EMDR, ACT, and CFT with a deep respect for your lived experience, culture, and values.

Areas of expertise

These are the areas I commonly work with, and they form a big part of the support I offer in my practice:

Anxiety & Worry?

EMDR?

Perinatal Mental Health?

Chronic Illness?

Relationship Issues?

Disability?

I also support you in these additional areas and welcome you to reach out if any of them speak to what you are going through:

Parenting?

Coping Skills

Grief, Loss, And Bereavement

Self Esteen & Self-worth

Assertiveness & Boundaries?

Relational Attachment Oriented Approach

Medical Trauma?

Experiential And Process Oriented

Caregiver Stress (caregivers Of Plwd)

Anxiety & Worry?

Guilt & Shame

Culturally Humble And Contextually Responsive

Therapeutic approaches

These are the approaches at the heart of my work, and I use them often because they help create meaningful change:

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)

Helps my clients heal from trauma. It uses eye movements or gentle stimulation while you think about a troubling memory, helping your brain process it in a healthier way. EMDR can reduce the emotional impact of past events so they don't feel as overwhelming. I offer this for birth trauma as well.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT helps clients navigate difficult thoughts and emotions with more openness and self-compassion. It supports my clients in letting go of struggle, connecting to their values, and taking meaningful steps toward a more fulfilling life even with pain present. It is about accepting and connecting.

Emotion-focused Therapy (EFT)

EFT helps clients explore emotions with depth and compassion. By understanding and transforming emotional patterns, clients develop a stronger sense of self, improve relationships, and begin to respond to life from a place of clarity and authenticity.

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

IFS helps clients explore the different “parts” within them like the inner critic, the people-pleaser, or the wounded child with curiosity and care. By building a relationship with these parts, clients find healing, balance, and a deeper connection to their true self.

I also draw on other evidence based approaches that can gently support you when they align with what you need:

Anti-oppressive Therapy

Brief Solution-oriented Therapy

Collaborative Therapy

Integrative

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Gottman Couples Therapy

Mindfulness

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy

Narrative Therapy

Client-centered / Rogerian Therapy

Focused populations and cultural backgrounds

These are the communities and cultural backgrounds I focus on, and I bring a sincere commitment to supporting you in a way that feels respectful and genuine:

Populations

Perinatal (pregnant, Postpartum, And Transitioning To Parenthood)

Professionals

Parents

Couples

People Facing Chronic Illness Or Pain

Cultural communities

BIPOC

South Asian

1st And 2nd Generation Immigrant

Newcomer And Refugee

First Responders

Professional credentials

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
- No.19427

College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario

Educational background

Master of Education

University of Toronto, Canada

Specialized training

EFCT

ICEEFT

EMDR

EMDRIA-Approved EMDR Training with Suzanne Rutti

Gottman Level 1

The Gottman Instititue

Practice locations & services

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FAQ

What services do you offer?

We offer in-person individual and couples therapy in Kitchener-Waterloo, Mississauga, and virtually throughout Ontario, with services available in English, Hindi, and Urdu. Our approach is inclusive, culturally responsive, and grounded in trauma-informed care. In addition, we seasonally offer walk-and-talk therapy in local parks—including stroller-friendly “talk and stroll” therapy for new moms or seated park bench options based on the needs of our clients.

Where do sessions take place?

I offer therapy in a variety of formats to suit your comfort, accessibility, and preferences: In-Person (Office) – Sessions take place in a calm, private office setting designed to support comfort and connection. Walk-and-Talk Therapy – For clients who feel more comfortable processing outdoors, we can meet for a gentle walk in a nearby park. This can support regulation and reflection through movement and nature. Phone Sessions – A flexible option for those who prefer to talk by phone, offering

What issues do you work with?

I work with adults and couples navigating a wide range of challenges, including (but not limited to): Anxiety and Depression Relationship and attachment issues Parenting challenges Postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression Infertility, hormonal health, and PMDD Pregnancy loss and grief related to reproductive challenges Couples navigating the transition to parenthood and postpartum relationship challenges Grief, loss, and anticipatory grief Chronic Illness

Do you accept insurance?

Many extended health insurance plans include coverage for psychotherapy, allowing you to focus on your mental well-being without worrying about extra costs. We recommend checking with your provider to confirm eligibility for services. We provide you with a receipt at the end our sessions that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

Did you know?

I’m a lifelong learner at heart. I love deepening my knowledge in relational work, trauma, perinatal mental health, and culturally responsive therapy.

My path to becoming a therapist was shaped by personal experience navigating postpartum struggles, chronic illness, and the complex cultural dynamics.

I believe healing happens in spaces that are non-judgmental, affirming, and deeply attuned. My style is warm, thoughtful,& collaborative not rushed.

As a South Asian woman and a disabled therapist, I hold space for the complex ways culture, family roles, and identity shape our emotional world.

Immediate crisis support available

If you're experiencing a mental health crisis, help is available right now:

🚨 Call 911 for immediate emergency assistance
💬 Call or text 988 for mental health crisis support and suicide prevention