ALALEH SHAKOURIANFARD, RP, EMDR Therapist
Alaleh Shakourianfard is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). She received her Master’s of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University in 2016, and her Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from York University in 2013.
In her practice, she supports adolescents and adults from all walks of life that are experiencing difficult life situations and transitions, marginalization, stress, anxiety, depression, and anger from a trauma-informed perspective. She strives to provide a safe space for clients to explore themselves and help them develop new insights and skills.
Her experience has seen her provide psychotherapy to adults and adolescents navigating trauma-related disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, and depressive disorders facing challenges such as marginalization,interpersonal and intrapersonal difficulties, and life transitional challenges.
Alaleh strives to take a client-centered, and eclectic approach to her work. Her practice draws from cognitive and behavioural, humanistic, somatic, experiential, solution focused, and collaborative approaches, and taylors them on her individual clients’ needs. She takes special interest in utilizing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in her treatment sessions.
Areas of Focus
Stress:
Stress is a physiological and psychological response to a perceived threat or challenge. It is the body’s way of mobilizing resources to cope with demands, whether they are real or perceived. Stress triggers the release of hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, preparing the body for a “fight or flight” response. While short-term stress can be adaptive and help individuals respond to immediate situations, chronic or excessive stress can have negative effects on physical and mental health. Common stressors include work pressure, life changes, financial concerns, and interpersonal conflicts. Effective stress management involves developing coping strategies to mitigate the impact of stressors and promote overall well-being.
Depressive Disorders:
Mental health conditions characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. Examples include major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder.
Anxiety Disorders:
A group of mental health conditions characterized by excessive worry, fear, or apprehension. Examples include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
A mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event.
Anger:
Anger is a complex emotion characterized by feelings of displeasure, frustration, and a strong impulse to express opposition or hostility. It is a natural and adaptive response to perceived threats, injustices, or challenges. Anger can manifest in various intensities, from mild irritation to intense rage, and it often involves physiological changes such as increased heart rate and adrenaline release. While anger itself is not inherently negative, how it is expressed and managed can significantly impact interpersonal relationships and overall well-being. Healthy expression of anger involves constructive communication, problem-solving, and finding appropriate outlets for emotional release. Unmanaged or chronic anger, on the other hand, can contribute to physical and mental health issues. Effective anger management involves understanding triggers, developing coping strategies, and fostering constructive ways to address underlying concerns.