Shayesteh Zarieh
MA, B.H.S., B.Sc.
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
EnglishFarsiLet’s be honest—starting therapy isn’t always a bold, empowered choice. Sometimes it’s a quiet, messy, or reluctant one. Maybe you’re simply tired of pretending everything’s fine. This space is for the parts of you that don’t have to be impressive, productive, or put-together. The parts that are unsure, grieving, angry, numb, or just curious about what else is possible.
Background
"Transforming minds, building resilience" - This isn’t about fixing you. It’s about being heard, being seen, and learning how to work with your defenses rather than against them. We build resilience together—through insight, safer coping, and compassionate exploration. I hold dual degrees in Psychology and Health Policy, with certifications from the University of Toronto and TICP. With 7+ years in social service and healthcare, I bring both depth and practicality to the work. My lens is psychodynamic, relational, and culturally aware; especially for those navigating identity, burnout, or complex family dynamics.
Your therapeutic experience with me
Therapy with me is spacious and client-led. I follow your pace, your stories, your associations; because the way you speak reveals more than any structured checklist ever could. I bring a calm, grounding presence, with warmth and just enough humour to keep things human. Clients often tell me they feel deeply heard, gently challenged, and surprised by how much more they uncover; sometimes leaving with better questions, not just answers. We don’t rush to “fix” anything. Instead, we explore what’s underneath with curiosity, care, and emotional honesty.
Therapeutic approaches
These are the approaches at the heart of my work, and I use them often because they help create meaningful change:
Psychodynamic Therapy
Strength-based Approach
Emotion-focused Therapy (EFT)
Motivational Interviewing
I also draw on other evidence based approaches that can gently support you when they align with what you need:
Attachment Focused Therapy
Trauma-informed Therapy
Culturally Sensitive 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
Millenials
Young Adults
Adults
Cultural communities
Middle Eastern
Newcomer And Refugee
Professional credentials
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
- No.14309
College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario
Educational background
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Toronto Institute of Contemporary Psychoanalysis, Canada
B.Sc., Psychology
York University, Canada
B.H.S., Health Studies
York University, Canada
Practice locations & services
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