About Dr. Mahsa
Dr. Mahsa is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and the founder of Yara Psychotherapy. With a Ph.D. in Psychology and a compassionate approach to mental wellness, she offers support to individuals and couples navigating life’s complexities. Mahsa is an approved counsellor for the Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) and brings deep experience in helping clients work through trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and gender-related challenges.
She tailors her therapeutic approach to fit each client’s unique needs, drawing from evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), among others. In her work with couples, Mahsa incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Couple Therapy (CBCT) and the Gottman Method to help improve communication and connection.
At the heart of her practice is a belief in the healing power of a safe, compassionate, and culturally attuned therapeutic relationship. Mahsa creates space for people of all backgrounds to feel seen, heard, and supported in their healing journey. She also continues her work as a researcher at UBC’s Child and Teen Studies Lab, staying grounded in current psychological science.
Mahsa offers counselling in 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
Areas of Focus
• Adult ADHD
• Couples & Relationship Counselling
• Anxiety & Stress Management
• Depression
• Trauma & PTSD
• Perfectionism & High-Functioning Anxiety
• Low Self-Esteem & Confidence Issues
• Gender Dysphoria & Identity Support
• Culturally Sensitive Counselling
Modalities
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Anxiety, Depression, and ADHD
• Gottman Method Couples Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioral Couples Therapy (CBCT)
• Trauma-Informed Therapy
• Mindfulness-Based Therapy
• Culturally Sensitive & Inclusive Counselling
• Person-Centered Therapy
• Strengths-Based Approach
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