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Meet Azra
Social Worker, Psychotherapist
Hello, I’m Azra and welcome to my practice. From a young age, I’ve always had a curiosity about people and the world. My life experience growing up in the diverse city of Toronto, coupled with my love of travelling, has fueled my curiousness and laid the groundwork in my understanding of the challenges, complexities and resiliency of people’s life experience. It felt natural for me to pursue psychology and later my Masters Degree in Social Work (MSW), from the University of Toronto. Before deciding to expand my practice to the private space, I worked in various settings in the public sector and community healthcare with diverse populations including, women who have experienced sexual assault and domestic violence, LGBTQS2+ and marginalized families. Although my specialization is in trauma work, my practice is general and as diverse as my clients.
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My interests include traveling, trying new foods, and spending time with loved ones.
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My self-care includes drinking tea, swimming, and cooking.
Certifications
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Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing, EMDR International Association
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Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Sick Kids CCMH
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Mindfulness, University of Toronto Applied Mindfulness Meditation
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Trauma Therapy, Women's College Hospital
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Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, ICEEFT Externship
Professional Memberships
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Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
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Ontario Association of Social Workers
Approaches
As someone who is quite reserved and shy myself, I understand the challenge it takes in reaching out for support. My approach is inquisitive, creative and gentle. I collaborate with you in harnessing your wisdom and strengths to work through your challenges. My best sessions with clients are ones that we build together. Some approaches that I am trained in include:
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) - An approach which uses rapid sets of eye movements to help you update and desensitize disturbing and/or emotionally charged experiences.
DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) - An approach which builds skills in Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotional Regulation and Interpersonal Effectiveness.
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) - An approach which builds skills in recognizing negative or unhelpful thought and behavior patterns and re-shifting these patterns.
Psychotherapy can support you with
Anxiety
Feeling tense, worrying thoughts, hard to focus, concentrate, feeling nervous, restless and tense
Depression
Hard to get out of bed, low motivation and lack of interest in things you used to like. Difficulty connecting with others, feeling hopeless, alone and isolated
General Life Stress
Too much on your mind, feeling overwhelmed, questioning your path in terms of career, relationships and life in general
Trauma & Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Unpredictable emotions, tenseness, flashbacks, nightmares, strained relationships, and triggered randomly by the environment
Healthy Boundaries
Challenging with saying no, setting your limit, or attuning to and asserting your needs
Low Self-Esteem
Lack of confidence in yourself, trouble accepting positive feedback, comparing yourself to others and lack of self-trust
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Testimonials
“Azra was really nice to work with. EMDR helped me a lot with working through my issues. I would recommend therapy with Azra to anyone who needs help”
— Luke O.
Services & Fees
Consultation
15 minute virtual consultation,
a meet and greet to get a sense of what you would like to work on
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FREE
Initial Assessment
1 hour virtual appointment, where we delve into your history and develop a treatment plan to move forward in your healing journey
$150
Individual Session
1 hour virtual appointment, where we work on your treatment goals using therapeutic approaches
$150
Your Mental Health Starts Here
Contact Info
Phone
437-747-7523
Additional media info
Why The Name Lantern?
Lanterns have unknowingly appeared throughout parts of my life. For me, it has come up in moments of great change and new adventures. Different cultures have various meanings behind lanterns. They not only symbolize light and luck but new beginnings, well wishes, reconciliation, peace, forgiveness and hope. My practice is inspired by my client’s light. Their hopes are best symbolized through a sky lantern. Through your therapy journey, I hope the lantern can be your beacon of change, growth and a new path.