Certified Human Resources Leader, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Languages: English

Community roots: Born and raised in a small rural town in Ontario. I am an ally to the Bipolar and mental health communities.

Modalities: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Themes close to my heart: Employment and career struggles, Bipolar Disorder, major life transitions and Relationships, both professional and personal.

Before I Was a Therapist

Prior to becoming a therapist, I was a high-level HR professional for 22 years across a variety of sectors such as manufacturing, not-for-profit, and government. I have also co-founded an international Bipolar Support Group and spent some time as an Employment Counsellor for an organization that focused on helping individuals with disabilities gain meaningful employment. In my spare time, I enjoy disc golf, hiking and fishing.

What Home Means to Me

Home to me is that feeling that everyone belongs in the community and deserves kindness and compassion.

Me as a Therapist

You are choosing to work with a therapist because you want professional assistance with your challenges. With that in mind, my style is built around being the copilot on your life journey, helping you to figure out which road on the map is the one you want to take to move you towards your destination. Sometimes I provide education on what that road may look like, and sometimes I will ask if that turn is one that feels right for you.

>If your goal is to navigate the tough spots in life and you think I can support that journey, then please book a free 30-minute consultation with me and let’s figure out the direction on your map.

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Languages: English • Farsi • Türkçe

“Sometimes, we don’t need someone to tell us what to do. We simply need a safe place to be heard, understood, and reminded that we don’t have to carry everything alone.”

گاهی اوقات، ما کسی را نمی‌خواهیم که به ما بگوید چه کار کنیم. ما فقط به جای امنی نیاز داریم که شنیده شویم، درک شویم و یادمان بیاید که همه چیز را به تنهایی حمل نکنیم.

Bazen ne yapılacağını söyleyecek birine ihtiyacımız olmaz. Sadece dinlenildiğimiz, anlaşıldığımız ve her şeyi yalnız taşımak zorunda olmadığımızı hatırladığımız güvenli bir alana ihtiyacımız olur.

Community Roots

Iranian • Bicultural Experience

Approaches

Person-Centered Therapy • CBT • ACT • Somatic Approaches • Trauma-Informed Care • Mindfulness Based Techniques • Body-Mind Awareness

Areas of Focus

Migration & Belonging • Identity • Relationships • Grief & Loss • Life Transitions • Trauma & PTSD • Phobias • Stress Management • Anxiety Disorders • Depression • Emotional Regulation • Cultural Adjustment

Before I Was a Therapist

My path to becoming a therapist was not a straight line.

Before entering the field of counselling, I spent several years working in sales. Although it may seem very different from therapy, that experience taught me something I continue to carry into the therapy room: people are never just one thing. Everyone has a different story, different experiences, and different ways of connecting with others.

I later moved toward psychology and education, completing my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree focused on Children with Special Needs. I worked with children, including autistic children, and later supported teenagers as an educational counsellor.

Along the way, I became increasingly curious about what happens underneath the things we see on the surface.

What shapes the way we relate to ourselves and others? Why do certain patterns keep showing up? How do our experiences, relationships, culture, and environment influence the way we see ourselves?

That curiosity eventually led me toward counselling.

I also know therapy from the other side of the room. For several years, I participated in group therapy as a client while also working as a teaching assistant. Being both a learner and a client gave me a deeper appreciation for how vulnerable it can feel to open up to another person, and how meaningful it can be to have a space where you do not have to pretend that everything is okay.

Today, I am completing my second Master’s degree in Psychology and Counselling and continuing to grow into my work as a therapist.

What Home Means to Me

Five years ago, I left Iran and began a new chapter of my life in Canada.

Moving to another country has shaped the way I understand migration, identity, and belonging. Starting over can bring excitement and hope, but it can also bring homesickness, uncertainty, questions about who you are becoming, and moments when you feel caught between different worlds.

For me, belonging is not only about where you live. It is also about the people, relationships, language, memories, and spaces where you feel that you can truly be yourself.

Growing up in Iran and building my life in Canada has also taught me how deeply culture can influence the way we understand family, relationships, responsibility, success, emotions, and even what it means to ask for help.

Sometimes, there are parts of our experiences that are difficult to explain when someone does not share our cultural background. I value creating space for those parts of your story rather than asking you to leave them at the door.

Being able to work with clients in English, Farsi, and Turkish allows me to meet people in the language that feels most natural and comfortable for them.

Me as a Therapist

My foundation is person-centered therapy, which means I want to understand you as a whole person rather than reduce your experience to a diagnosis or a problem that needs to be fixed.

I also draw from CBT and ACT. Depending on what you bring into therapy, we may explore patterns in your thoughts and behaviours, notice how they affect the way you feel, and look at what matters most to you. We may also explore whether some of the ways you have learned to cope are still serving you today.

I have also become increasingly interested in somatic approaches and the relationship between the mind and body. Sometimes we can understand something intellectually, yet our body continues to respond as though the experience is still happening. Paying attention to sensations, emotions, and physical responses can sometimes help us understand ourselves in a different way.

For trauma and anxiety-related challenges, I incorporate trauma informed care and exposure techniques when appropriate, helping you build safety and gradual empowerment at your own pace.

At the same time, I do not believe therapy should feel like following a formula.

Some sessions may involve simply slowing down and giving you space to talk. Other times, you may want help understanding a pattern, making a difficult decision, or finding a different way forward. There may also be moments when I gently challenge something that seems to be keeping you stuck.

I try to meet you where you are, with curiosity, warmth, and without judgment.

You do not have to arrive with the right words or know exactly what you need. We can figure that out together.

A Space for All the Parts of You

Whether you are navigating trauma, phobias, stress, anxiety, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, identity, work life balance, depression, or simply a period of change, you do not have to have everything figured out before starting therapy.

Sometimes what brings us to therapy is not one big event. Sometimes it is the feeling that something has changed, that we are overwhelmed, disconnected from ourselves, or tired of carrying everything on our own.

I believe therapy can be a place to slow down, become curious about your experiences, and better understand the different parts of yourself. Through mindfulness and body mind awareness practices, we can connect with how stress, trauma, or anxiety live in your body, not just in your thoughts.

You are welcome to bring your culture, your relationships, your history, your questions, and the parts of yourself that may not always feel easy to explain.

Ready to Begin?

Perhaps as you journeyed through my words, something quiet stirred within, you felt seen, even from afar. If that feeling lingers in your chest, I want you to know: the courage it takes to reach out is its own kind of beauty.

I offer a free, 30 minute conversation held in gentle space. Not to judge, not to rush. Simply to sit together and see if a path of peace might unfold between us.

We can speak of the days that brought you here, of hopes tucked softly into your heart, and whether here in this space, there might be the sanctuary you seek.

Sometimes, before we see the destination, we find the first step anyway. Sometimes, all it requires is a place where you need not fear being exactly who you are. I am here beside you, ready to build that place together, where none of the pieces of your soul need to hide.

You deserve to be heard. Just as you are.

شروع کنیم؟

شاید تا اینجا خواندن حرف‌هایم، احساس کرده باشید که شاید من کسی هستم که می‌تواند گوش دهد. اگر این حس را دارید، می‌خواهم به شما بگویم: شجاعت شما در همین لحظه بسیار ارزشمند است.

از صمیم قلب دعوت می‌کنم یک جلسه مشاوره رایگان ۳۰ دقیقه‌ای داشته باشیم. نه برای قضاوت شدن، نه برای عجله کردن، بلکه برای اینکه ببینیم آیا می‌توانیم همراه هم مسیری آرام را آغاز کنیم.

می‌توانیم درباره چیزهایی صحبت کنیم که شما را به این نقطه رسانده، درباره آنچه دلتان می‌خواهد، و درباره اینکه آیا فضای امنی که دنبال آن هستید، اینجا وجود دارد یا نه.

گاهی اولین قدم، دانستن مسیر کامل نیست. گاهی فقط پیدا کردن جایی است که در آن نترسید از اینکه دقیقاً همان‌طور باشید که اکنون هستید. من اینجا هستم تا با هم آنجا را بسازیم.

Başlayalım mı?

Hikayemdeki veya yaklaşımımdaki bir şey sizinle uyumlu ise, ücretsiz 30 dakikalık bir danışmanlık randevusu ayarlamanızı davet ediyorum.

Terapide neden olduğunuzu, aradığınız şeyi ve uyumumuz olup olmayacağımızı değerlendirebiliriz.

Bazen ilk adım tam olarak nereye gittiğinizi bilmek değildir. Daha basit: başlamak için güvenli bir yer bulmaktır.

Victoria Solaka

Pre-Licensed Professional

Languages: English, Polish, and conversational Assyrian

Community Roots: Canadian with Polish and Assyrian heritage

Therapeutic Approaches: Person-Centred Therapy (PCT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and an integrative, culturally responsive approach.

Areas of Interest: Anxiety, Self-Esteem, Emotional Regulation, Trauma, Identity and Self-Discovery, Personal Growth, and Life Transitions.

> “The saddest thing in life is wasted talent.” — A Bronx Tale

Before I Was a Therapist

I’ve always been interested in the human mind and understanding why people think, feel, and behave the way they do. I originally started my undergraduate studies in biomedical science, but after two years, I realized it wasn’t something I was passionate about. I found myself more interested in the social sciences. After taking a psychology course, I decided to pursue a double major in Psychology and Political Science.

I enjoyed learning about human behaviour, but I was also interested in understanding how society, culture, and the world around us influence the way people think and make decisions.

Outside of school, I’ve always been a social person, and I genuinely enjoy meeting new people and getting to know them. I’ve worked in different industries, including the beauty industry, which has given me the opportunity to meet people from all different backgrounds.

One of my favourite parts of working with people has always been the conversations. I’ve noticed that people often feel comfortable opening up to me about their personal lives and problems. I’ve also always enjoyed being someone my friends and family feel comfortable talking to and turning to for support. I think that’s another reason why counselling psychology felt like the right path for me.

Outside of school and work, I enjoy travelling, experiencing different cultures, salsa and bachata dancing, playing the piano, staying active, and trying new recipes in the kitchen. I’ve always enjoyed learning new things, trying different activities, and challenging myself through new experiences.

What Home Means to Me

Shlama! ܫܠܡܐ Cześć! 🇵🇱

Growing up in Canada with Polish and Assyrian roots, I like to think I’ve experienced the best of both worlds. Being both Eastern European and Middle Eastern has allowed me to grow up embracing different cultures, traditions, and outlooks on life. Both sides are equally important to me, and I love being able to embrace and celebrate them.

Family and cultural traditions have always been an important part of my life. Whether it’s celebrating Assyrian New Year, spending time with family, or cooking traditional dishes, I appreciate the connection these experiences give me to my background.

Growing up with two different cultural backgrounds has also made me more open-minded and curious about other people’s experiences and cultures, which is part of the reason I love travelling so much. It’s also helped me recognize how much our upbringing, family values, and cultural expectations can influence the way we see ourselves and the world around us.

As a therapist, I want to bring that same openness and curiosity into my work. I believe it’s important to understand each person’s experiences, including their family, culture, values, and the environment that has shaped them, without making assumptions about who they are or how they should feel.

Me as a Therapist

I’ve always been someone who genuinely enjoys getting to know people. I would describe myself as warm and calm, but I also have a bubbly and talkative side once I feel comfortable with someone. I love having meaningful conversations, learning about people’s experiences, and understanding what makes them who they are.

I think one of the most important parts of therapy is feeling comfortable with the person you’re talking to. Opening up to someone you don’t know isn’t always easy, especially when you’re discussing things that are personal or difficult. That’s why I want my clients to feel like they’re having a natural conversation rather than worrying about saying the right thing or being judged. I want to get to know you as a person, not just the challenges that brought you to therapy. I believe everyone has their own story, and taking the time to understand someone’s experiences, personality, values, and background is important to building a trusting relationship.

Rather than telling you what you should do or how you should feel, I prefer to ask questions, explore different perspectives, and work together to better understand what you’re experiencing.

I believe people are often more capable than they give themselves credit for. Sometimes, having someone listen, offer a different perspective, and help you recognize your own strengths can make a difference.

Ultimately, I want you to feel comfortable being yourself, knowing that you don’t need to have everything figured out before coming to therapy.

Who I Work With

You might be someone who puts a lot of pressure on yourself, struggles with confidence, or finds yourself overthinking situations long after they’ve happened. Maybe you’re navigating a major life change, feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities, or trying to better understand yourself and the patterns that keep showing up in your life. I’m particularly interested in supporting individuals experiencing anxiety, difficulties with self-esteem, emotional regulation, and life transitions.

I’m also interested in exploring how our past experiences, relationships, and cultural backgrounds shape the way we see ourselves.

Whatever brings you to therapy, I believe it’s important that we take the time to understand your individual experiences and work toward goals that are meaningful to you.

I welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds and identities, including LGBTQ+ individuals, and believe everyone deserves to feel respected, understood, and comfortable being themselves.

Dla osób mówiących po polsku:

Oferuję również sesje terapeutyczne w języku polskim. Jeśli wolisz rozmawiać po polsku, serdecznie zapraszam do kontaktu! Wiem, jak ważne jest, aby podczas terapii czuć się swobodnie i móc otwarcie mówić o swoich doświadczeniach. Zależy mi na stworzeniu przyjaznej atmosfery, w której możesz być sobą, bez obawy przed oceną.

For those who speak Polish

I also offer therapy sessions in Polish. If you prefer speaking in Polish, I warmly invite you to get in touch!

Let’s Connect

I know that meeting with a therapist for the first time can feel a little intimidating, especially when you’re not sure what to expect. My hope is that when we meet, you’ll feel comfortable being yourself, asking questions, and talking openly without worrying about saying the right thing.

Whether you’re going through a difficult time, looking to better understand yourself, or simply wanting to make positive changes, I want our conversations to feel natural and welcoming.

If this sounds like the kind of support you’re looking for, I offer a free 15/30-minute consultation where we can get to know each other, discuss your goals, and see whether working together feels like the right fit.

I look forward to connecting with you!

Zapraszam do kontaktu! Jeśli czujesz, że mogłabym Ci pomóc, zapraszam do kontaktu. Chętnie Cię poznam i odpowiem na Twoje pytania.

ܒܫܝܢܐ — B’Shena