Services
Mental Health & Counselling

Introduction
You're not alone. We're here to support you.
We know how difficult it can be to ask for help, especially when life feels overwhelming or uncertain. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, grief, trauma, or relationship challenges, our team of caring, culturally aware, and spiritually sensitive professionals is here to support you.
Our approach to counselling is rooted in both modern psychological practices and Islamically-integrated principles. This means we understand your unique cultural and spiritual values and reflect them in the care we provide. Together, we can create a safe and non-judgmental space for healing and growth.
Our Impact
300
+
People served this year.
Getting Support
Access counselling in a way that works for you.
.png)

Islamicfamily Clinical Team
Meet the team
Lubna Zaeem
Registered Psychologist, Clinical Director
Lubna Zaeem
Registered Psychologist, Clinical Director
English, Hindi, Urdu
I bring 20 years of experience in the field of psychology, with a particular focus on understanding the unique challenges faced by individuals with diverse ethnic background. As an immigrant myself, I deeply relate to the obstacles many people encounter in balancing the preservation of their heritage and traditions with the demands of adapting to a new society and pursuit of happiness and success in Canada. Together, we work on nurturing a positive sense of self-identity, strengthening relationships, and preserving cultural values, all while fostering personal and familial growth within a multicultural and spiritual context.
I have a diploma from Cambridge Muslim College in the area of Islamic Psychology and apply an Islamically integrated therapeutic approach, which focuses on nurturing the emotional (qalb), spiritual (nafs), and cognitive (aql) aspects of the self. This approach recognizes the interconnectedness of these dimensions, offering a comprehensive, holistic view of mental and emotional well-being. I am also trained in the Shifa Technique- a very new Heart Based Approach of healing and growth rooted in mercy and traditional Islamic wisdom.
Islamic Psychology integrates spiritual principles with psychological care, demonstrating that the two can work together harmoniously. It provides a culturally sensitive and spiritually enriching approach to therapy, helping clients find comfort, healing, and hope as they navigate personal struggles and life’s challenges with resilience and purpose.
In addition to counselling I offer community training and workshops, train staff, and raise awareness in the community, government circles, law enforcement agencies as well as the religious/community leaders.
For service to the community, I have been awarded University of Alberta Alumni Honour Award, Athabasca Volunteer Service Award, YMCA Peace Medal Award, and the Governor General’s Sovereign Medal for Volunteers.
Currently, I serve as the clinical director of Islamic Family and Social Services Association.
Mohammed Ayyash
Counselling Therapist, Clinical Counselling Team Lead
Mohammed Ayyash
Counselling Therapist, Clinical Counselling Team Lead
English, Arabic
Mohammad is a counselling therapist with over 15 years of experience specializing in trauma-informed, culturally responsive care in Canada and international humanitarian settings. As the Clinical Counselling Team Lead at IslamicFamily, he works with individuals, youth, couples, and families navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, grief and loss, family conflict, domestic violence, anger, stress, and life adjustments. He offers compassionate, evidence-based support in both English and Arabic.
Mohammad employs an integrative therapeutic approach, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Person-Centred Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Couple Therapy. He customizes his methods to each client's needs, creating a safe, supportive space where clients can explore their experiences, regulate emotions, and develop effective coping strategies.
He is deeply committed to helping clients heal from traumatic experiences, process grief and loss, strengthen relationships, build resilience, and improve their overall well-being.
Counsellors
Meet the team
Youssra Badr
Practicum Student
Youssra Badr
Practicum Student
Are you feeling overwhelmed, facing life’s challenges, or simply searching for more balance and clarity in your day-to-day life?
Offering free counselling for individuals, couples and families who are ready to grow, heal, and reconnect.
With over 20 years of experience working with children, adults, and youth in education and mental health, I am passionate about supporting people navigating life’s complexities with care and understanding.
My approach is empathic, culturally responsive, and strength-based, providing a safe and supportive space to reflect, gain insight, and create meaningful change.
You don’t have to do this alone.
Areej Oweida
Practicum Student
Areej Oweida
Practicum Student
I am a counsellor-in-training, completing my Master's degree in Counselling Psychology. My professional approach is informed by a unique personal history: a Palestinian-Canadian raised in Saudi Arabia and Canada, I am intimately familiar with the nuances of cross-cultural life and third-culture identity. My experience as a mother, especially to a son with a physical disability, has further shaped my practice. It has granted me a privileged lens into resilience, adaptive communication, and the importance of building a supportive, non-judgmental alliance. I am passionate about providing therapy that is as multifaceted as the clients I serve.
Counselling Methods:
My counselling approach is integrative, drawing from several evidence-based modalities to meet your unique needs. My practice is grounded in:
- Narrative & Story-Focused Approaches (Honouring your personal narrative)
- Humanistic & Person-Centered Therapy (Providing empathetic, non-judgmental support)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) (Addressing thoughts and behaviors)
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) (Fostering mindfulness and values-based living)
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (Building on your existing strengths)
- A Trauma-Informed & Culturally Sensitive Lens (Understanding the impacts of trauma, culture, and identity)
Abeer Mourad
Registered Psychologist
Abeer Mourad
Registered Psychologist
Abeer Mourad is a provisional psychologist with a strong academic and clinical foundation in the field of psychology. She holds a Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Psychology from Carleton University, as well as a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University.
Dr. Mourad’s clinical experience spans diverse therapeutic settings. In 2020, she worked at the Centre for Treatment of Sexual Abuse and Childhood Trauma(CTSACT). In 2022, she provided psychological services through the Al Sunah Muslim Association (AMA). She currently works at the Centre for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and the Edmonton Islamic Family Services.
Dr. Mourad provides a range of psychological services, including anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma and interpersonal relationships.
Outside of her professional work, Abeer finds joy in spending quality time with her family, reading, and hiking.
Iram Bilal
Registered Social Worker
Iram Bilal
Registered Social Worker
I am a practitioner from South Asian decent. I have been in social work practice for almost 11 years now. My experience ranges from working with different groups of population, that includes children, adolescents, geriatric and adults. My experience of starting my career from grassroot level of social work has broadened my perspective in developing an understanding of some of the challenges people go through in life. I believe my learning journey is constantly evolving as working with my clients.
Mahnum Iqbal
Registered Provisional Psychologist
Mahnum Iqbal
Registered Provisional Psychologist
If you are facing any form of struggles with yourself, your emotions (including anxiety, depression, panic attacks), relationships, life changes or overcoming any form of trauma, I am here to help provide you with skills, support, and stand with you as you navigate through challenges.
My approach to counselling involves providing culturally sensitive care through the values of compassion, empathy and validation. I prioritize your unique experiences and background and recognize that everyone’s journey is different. I use evidence based therapeutic modalities.I understand how difficult it can be and the courage that it takes to reach out for help. I aim to make this journey easier for you and help provide a safe, non-judgemental space tailored specifically to your needs.
Wessam Abosaid
Registered Provisional Psychologist
Wessam Abosaid
Registered Provisional Psychologist
I am a compassionate and dedicated Registered Provisional Psychologist committed to helping individuals overcome life’s challenges and achieve emotional well-being. I work closely with adults, adolescents, couples and children experiencing depression, anxiety, and a wide range of mental health concerns, providing a safe and supportive space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered.
My passion lies in supporting those who have experienced trauma. I specialize in evidence-based approaches, including trauma-informed practices, to guide individuals through the healing process. I believe that with the right support, healing is possible, and I am deeply passionate about walking alongside my clients on their journey toward recovery. My approach is warm, empathetic, and client-centered, focusing on each person’s unique strengths, values, and goals.
Whether you are seeking support for recent challenges or working through past experiences, I am here to help you reconnect with your inner strength and move forward with clarity and confidence. I also speak English and Arabic.
Sana Atiq-Omar
Canadian Certified Counsellor, Pyschotherapist
Sana Atiq-Omar
Canadian Certified Counsellor, Pyschotherapist
Sana is a psychotherapist who loves to work with children, individuals and families. She uses a wide range of modalities including Art Therapy, CBT and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. She is bilingual, and accepts clients across Canada. Her approach is a culturally and spiritually sensitive one, that takes into account that each client has a unique experience.
Nida Mir
Registered Dietitian
Nida Mir
Registered Dietitian
Nida Mir is a registered dietitian with over 10 years experience working in the Edmonton zone as a clinical dietitian in primary care.
Despite having worked with people with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and weight management, her passion lies in community work, especially where improving food access and security is at the centre of an organization’s work.
Nida is also passionate in teaching others how to cook and work with what is in the home to make nutritious and budget friendly meals. Recently, Nida has acquired a certification through Harvard Medical School to teach cooking skills for individuals who identify with foods skills as a barrier to healthy eating. When food access is difficult, Nida strives to brainstorms and work with clients to help improve their nutrition with whatever their means. Although food is a conversation that is endless, the core of Nida’s approach is to help individuals honour one’s culture and traditions in the kitchen, as this connects them to their overall wellbeing.
Naheed Amjad-Minhas
Counselling Therapist
Naheed Amjad-Minhas
Counselling Therapist
With 14 years of experience, I create a safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental space for refugees, immigrants, and newcomers, empowering them to heal, grow, and thrive. I am a counseling therapist registered with the Association of Counseling Therapy of Alberta (ACTA) and an Advanced Grief Recovery Method Specialist, with a Master’s and M.Phil. in Applied Psychology from the University of Punjab in Pakistan.
As a Canadian Pakistani Muslim woman, I understand the deep role that spirituality, culture, and faith play in mental health. I combine empathy and cultural sensitivity, integrating Islamic psychological principles with evidence-based therapies.
As a grief specialist, I support clients through different forms of loss—whether related to family, identity, or major life transitions—helping them process their pain and move forward with greater emotional clarity and resilience. I received the Peace in Families Award in 2018 and the Government of Alberta Inspiration Award in 2022.
I offer counseling in English, Urdu, and Punjabi and welcome clients from all backgrounds. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family, exploring nature, and embodying the spirit of joy and connection.
Mona Abouguendia
Registered Provisional Psychologist
Mona Abouguendia
Registered Provisional Psychologist
I am a Registered Provisional Psychologist who works closely with teens, adults, couples, and families on a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, self-esteem, relationship challenges, life transitions, and phobias. I am committed to creating a compassionate, safe, and nonjudgmental space where individuals feel truly seen, heard, and empowered. My trauma-informed, culturally sensitive approach blends evidence-based practices with spiritual perspectives, honoring the deep connection between mind, body, and heart. I recognize that both personal experiences and the broader social and cultural contexts we live in influence our well-being, and I hold space for these layers. Together, we work toward healing, resilience, meaning, purpose, and growth in a way that draws on each client’s strengths and aligns with their values.
Marina Fanous
Canadian Certified Counsellor
Marina Fanous
Canadian Certified Counsellor
As a therapist, one of my passions is working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, anger, relationship issues, and suicidal ideation. Many people feel that they are alone in their struggles. I believe my role as your therapist is to remind you that you are not alone, normalize how you feel, and provide helpful tools along the way. My approach is solution focused, goal-oriented, strength-based, and trauma-informed. However, my main focus is building a strong therapeutic relationship that will help you feel safe, heard, and understood.
Through my own upbringing and living in many parts of the world, I understand the importance of culture and the role it plays in one’s life. Therefore, I offer counselling in English and Arabic. I also offer individual, couples, and family counselling. If you’re unsure or nervous about reaching out, I want to assure you that taking this initial step will help you build the life you want for yourself and your loved ones. I’m looking forward to being a part of your journey!
Lule Girma Begashaw
Registered Psychologist
Lule Girma Begashaw
Registered Psychologist
Lule Girma Begashaw is a registered Psychologist in Alberta, currently working part-time at the Newcomer Centre as a clinical director for the therapeutic services/ Mental health services. She also runs a business/ part -time private practice providing Counselling/therapy services for individuals and couples. She has over 15 yrs of experience in Edmonton and overseas, working with individuals of diverse backgrounds, particularly refugees and immigrants in providing mental health services.
She has a passion to support people who have experienced Trauma, depression, Anxiety, and other mental health concerns. She works with individuals and couples in their journey to heal and thrive.
Her personal lived experience of being a black female immigrant navigating the settlement and professional pathways in Canada, have given her insight and wisdom of the challenges and opportunities that other people may have experienced.
Lule is a wife and a mother of a 16 year old daughter. She is originally from Ethiopia, Africa. She speaks English and Amharic.
Homa, Fatemeh Ebrahimi
Registered Psychologist
Homa, Fatemeh Ebrahimi
Registered Psychologist
My name is Homa, Fatemeh Ebrahimi, I am originally from Iran. As a child, my dream was to become a doctor to help people overcome their pains. After graduating from high school, I shifted my interest to psychology and entered the University of Tehran, Iran. I obtained my Master's degree in Personality Psychology in 1997. My family and I immigrated to Canada in 2002. After some time of being a multicultural counselor for schools, I went back to school and obtained a second Master in Counselling Psychology. Currently, I am a registered psychologist here in Alberta Canada. I am working for Alberta Health Services as a mental health clinician for Children, Youth, and Family Addiction and Mental Health services. Through knowledge foundation and work experience I naturally utilize Trauma-Informed lenses in my therapeutic work. My therapeutic approach is informed by my Islamic and Mystical philosophical worldview that places a great amount of emphasis on humans as being the most honored work of Allah (Ashraf), created with soul and intellect stemming from Allah’s own such qualities. Therefore, Transcendental/Transpersonal, Humanistic, Energy Psychology, Solution Focused, Narrative, Cognitive/Behavioral, Family System, and Spiritual Psychology are some of the therapeutic approaches that align well with the work I do. I guide my clients through awakening their inner strengths to focus on their individual responsibility for personal growth and development, and to foster a strong mental health foundation. Because I have been working with school-aged children for many years, I have gained loads of experience in dealing with a vast amount of trauma-attachment-induced mental health conditions, as well as developmental disorders responsible for a host of mental health issues. Also, I am trained and have extensive experience in PsychoNeuroEducational screening and formal assessments. In my spare time, I love reading, gardening, cooking for my family, hiking, and traveling.
Hazim Al-Faouri
Registered Psychotherapist, Canadian Certified Counsellor
Hazim Al-Faouri
Registered Psychotherapist, Canadian Certified Counsellor
Hazim is an advanced-trained EMDR Trauma practitioner. Having worked alongside people from all cultural backgrounds and of all ages in a variety of clinical and voluntary settings, he understands how these differences across our experience impact us. Hazim works with children, teens, and adults.
His work stems from many frameworks including a trauma-informed view towards EMDR, Solution Focused, and Narrative therapy, the space built together would be specific to your needs, goals, and experiences. Areas of interest include trauma, mood, addiction, ADHD, anger management, Couples Therapy, and more.
Hazim's services: individual therapy (general and EMDR) virtually, over the phone, or limited in-person in Edmonton area; Couples Counselling; Child & Youth Counselling; EMDR and Couples Intensives - English & Arabic Spoken
Ontario, Nunavut, Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan, BC
Asha Osman
Registered Social Worker
Asha Osman
Registered Social Worker
Hello and welcome! Asha is a dedicated mental health therapist with a Master’s of Social Work and training in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. She uses an integrative approach, combining somatic body-based therapy with traditional psychotherapy. Asha truly believes in the human capacity to heal and grow and she works with her clients to help them tap into their inner wisdom and strengths. Asha also believes that even if you are not in a crisis, therapy can still be an immensely beneficial experience for enhancing emotional well-being and creating more wholeness and balance in life.
Asha’s practice is client-centred and recognizes the importance of creating an environment that honours each person's unique histories, identities and cultural backgrounds.
Areas of focus: trauma recovery, ADHD, anxiety, depression, identity exploration, relationship concerns, workplace challenges, displacement and attachment.
Approaches & Certifications: Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Expressive-Arts Based Therapy.
Next generation of mental health professionals
Training Program
Our Training Program supports the next generation of mental health professionals by providing a comprehensive, supervised learning environment grounded in culturally responsive and faith-informed practice. This program includes Provisional Psychologists completing their supervised hours as well as Counselling Practicum Students who are gaining hands-on clinical experience.
Through mentorship, clinical supervision, and direct client work, our trainees develop strong therapeutic skills while maintaining the high standards of care upheld by IslamicFamily’s Counselling Services.
We provide
Individual Psychotherapy
Couples & Marriage Counselling
Family Support
Children & Youth Psychotherapy
Groups & Workshops
People reach out to us for many reasons. Here are some of the most common concerns we support:
Anxiety disorders
Depression and sadness
Trauma and PTSD
Grief and loss
Stress and burnout
Relationship and marital challenges
Parenting and behavioural issues in children
Domestic violence or family conflict
Diversity-related factors
Life transitions (divorce, immigration, etc.)
Group & Workshop Programs
Join a Group Program
We offer specialized group programs throughout the year:
Emotional Regulation Group (Men - Arabic & English)
A safe space for Arabic-speaking men to learn stress management and communication skills through an Islamic lens.
Islamically Integrated CBT Group (Women - Urdu & English)
A 6-week group program for Muslim women combining faith-based practices and CBT tools to build confidence and manage stress.
Islamically Integrated CBT Workshop (Men & Women - Urdu & English)
An interactive session that helps participants understand how thoughts impact emotions and actions through both Islamic and psychological frameworks.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Submit a referral form online. Our team will follow up within 2–5 business days to gather details and begin the intake process.
IslamicFamily offers counselling that is both culturally sensitive and spiritually grounded. The cost of a session depends on your income level and whether you have insurance coverage.
If you have insurance that includes counselling services, you will be asked to use that coverage first. After your insurance coverage is used up, you’ll pay the standard session fee. For individuals and families with low income, we offer highly subsidized rates. Low-income eligibility is determined based on household size and income, following Statistics Canada’s low-income cut-off thresholds.This structure helps us ensure that we can continue offering high-quality, accessible mental health support while prioritizing those who face financial barriers.
If you’d like to know more about the cost structure or whether you might qualify for a subsidy, we’re happy to guide you through that process. Please feel free to reach out to our team directly by emailing us at counselling@islamicfamily.ca.
When you pay for counselling at IslamicFamily, you're doing more than accessing professional mental health care; you're creating pathways for others in our community to heal too. Your payment helps ensure that culturally-rooted, Islamically-integrated support remains available to individuals who may not otherwise be able to afford it. It's a powerful act of care: tending to your own well-being while helping others in our community find strength, resilience, and hope.
Once the intake is completed, it can take 5 to 10 business days for your counsellor to reach out to you. For more urgent needs, please call our helpline at (780) 900-2777 between 10 am to 10 pm daily. If you're in a situation where you are unsafe or at risk, please call 911 immediately.
Yes. We follow strict confidentiality policies to protect your privacy. IslamicFamily is governed by Government of Alberta’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). Counsellors are governed by Alberta's Health Information Act (HIA).
Our services are open to all. We welcome anyone seeking compassionate and culturally sensitive therapy.
Start Now
Request Counselling
Need help deciding? Call our Helpline at (780) 900-2777





.png)
.png)




.png)




