About Mahsa
Dr. Mahsa holds a Ph.D. in Psychology and is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC#18900) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC).
As an approved counsellor for the Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) through the B.C. Ministry of Justice, Mahsa has a wealth of experience supporting individuals facing a range of challenges. In 2021, she founded Yara Psychotherapy to provide a nurturing space for individuals and couples navigating life’s complexities.
With a specialization in working with adults with ADHD, perfectionism, stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, gender dysphoria, and low self-esteem, Mahsa tailors her approach to meet each client’s unique needs and worldview. Drawing from evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other modalities, she empowers her clients to gain insight and cultivate personal growth at their own pace.
Additionally, Mahsa offers couple counselling using Cognitive Behavioral Couple Therapy (CBCT) and the Gottman method, helping couples improve their communication skills and deepen their understanding of themselves and their partners.
Central to Mahsa’s practice is her belief in the power of a compassionate therapeutic relationship, where every person’s unique story is heard and valued. She strives to create a safe and welcoming environment where her clients can share their experiences and gain the support they need to thrive.
Driven by a lifelong passion for learning and helping others, Mahsa continues her role as a researcher at the University of British Columbia’s Child and Teen Studies lab, ensuring that her clients benefit from the latest scientific views and interventions. As an immigrant herself, Mahsa values and appreciates cultural, racial, and gender diversity and has worked with clients from various backgrounds, offering counseling services in both English and Farsi.
“Through my experience seeing a counsellor, I learned that facing and expressing our deepest emotions takes a great deal of courage. Today, as a counsellor, I embrace your fears and believe that together we can heal old wounds and find inner peace.”- Mahsa
Values
I believe everyone has a unique life story that deserves to be heard. I am committed to providing a safe, non-judgmental space where genuine communication and compassion thrive. Integrity is a core value, and your best interests are always my top priority. Collaboration is key—we work hand in hand, combining your valuable life experiences with my expertise in psychology to support your journey toward healing old wounds and self-discovery.
“Yara” means “friend” in Farsi, reflecting my dedication to being a supportive ally you can rely on.
Together, we will explore your inner world, rebuild your relationship with yourself to align with integrity, embrace your hidden strengths and vulnerabilities, and heal wounds in a nurturing environment.
I Am Here to Support You on Your Journey of Growth
Finding a counsellor with an understanding of diverse value systems and unique worldviews along with a neutral scientific perspective may not be a simple process. Imagine how much easier it would be to cope with struggles if you had a non-judgmental and knowledgeable support.
To me, counselling is not just a job. It is my genuine passion to connect with other people’s unique world. In our sessions, we will explore your inner world together and will shed light on different aspects of your experiences. We will step toward your authentic self and growth.
My lived experience as an immigrant in addition to my Ph.D. studies and 8 years of experience in different positions such as a recruiter, counsellor, and researcher in both Iran and Canada, empowered me to better support my clients with diverse backgrounds. I believe counselling is beyond practicing defined techniques, and healing and growth occur within a human-to-human therapeutic relationship.
We have transformed different aspects of our lives over the last few years, and coupled with all of the challenges we have faced, we were able to go beyond our limits including receiving mental health services and support. Online counselling is becoming increasingly popular as a safer alternative to in-person therapy, allowing individuals and couples to get mental health support from the comfort of their own homes. Research has shown that online counselling produces similar results as face-to-face therapy, making it an effective way to receive support. In addition to being flexible and convenient, online counselling also reduces travel time and expenses. You can enjoy pampering your pet while exploring the beauty of your inner world.
Individual therapy is offered for adults with stress, anxiety, depression, perfectionism, ADHD, PTSD, gender dysphoria, and low self-esteem through Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, and other evidence-based approaches tailored to my client’s unique needs. Currently, sessions are held virtually via Zoom.
Relationship therapy is offered to help couples improve their communication skills and understand themselves and each other better using Cognitive Behavioral Couple Therapy (CBCT) and Gottman method and other evidence-based approaches regarding the couples’ world view and needs. Currently, sessions are held virtually via Zoom.
Phone number: (236) 515-9161
Email address: dr.mrad@yarapsychotherapy.ca