Aelea Syed
Registered psychotherapist
Welcome to my virtual practice! I am so grateful you are here.
I believe that therapy is like building a warm and safe sanctuary together. A therapeutic space is one where we can comfortably be ourselves and process our past and present lives. As a member of a visible minority myself, I realize how difficult it can be for individuals to feel comfortable talking about sensitive topics to a complete stranger. Regardless of race, class, religion, or cultural background, my aim is to provide you with a safe and non-judgemental space for you to share your life story and work collaboratively to discover or rediscover your values and meaning in life.
I am trained as a client centered and culturally sensitive therapist and my approach to therapy is compassionate. I alter my approach based on your unique lived experiences, worldviews and values in life. I strive to encourage a supportive environment to reach a place of healing and growth.
Taking the first step to reaching out can be difficult so I want to thank you for taking this step and beginning this journey towards healing. I hope to support you and make this process as comfortable as I can. I offer free 15 minute consultation as I believe that it’s important for my clients to get a feel of what my presence is like
Treatment Approach
One size does not fit all when it comes to exploring our inner world and individual healing journeys. I use a variety of approaches to address my clients unique needs. As a client centered therapist I use an eclectic approach and draw from integrative therapeutic modalities. Some of the approaches used in therapy include: Acceptance and Commitment therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, compassion focused therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, emotionally focused therapy, existential/humanistic and somatic and nervous system based approaches. Additionally, I integrate self compassion and mindfulness based approaches in my practice. It is my honor and mission to help my clients move past what’s blocking them from reaching their full potential individually and in their relationships.
“ Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light. Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we’ll ever do.”
– Brené Brown
Education & Credentials:
- Licenses & Memberships:
- Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), License #11558, College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario
- Certified Canadian Counsellor, Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association
- Education:
- Master of Arts in Psychotherapy, Counselling, and Spirituality from Saint Paul University
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Ottawa.
