Pouran Karimian
(She/her), BA CYC, MA
Child and Youth Counsellor, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
It can take courage to reach out for help and open up to another person. My role as a therapist is to meet you where you are, honouring your lived experience and values. With compassion and non-judgment, we will explore your story and begin your journey of self-discovery and healing in a safe and supportive space.
In individual therapy, I firmly believe in fostering a strength-based, empowerment-centered, and identity-affirming change process for clients that actualizes self-reflection, liberation, and resilience. As a first-generation immigrant, I am in tune with the joys and challenges that come with integrating cultures, as well as recognize the role that stigma and intersectionality plays in our mental health and well-being. Our collaboration within the therapeutic relationship will guide your self-exploration, highlight your internal resources, and foster your capacity for coping.
In child and teen therapy, I encourage young people's strengths and exploration of experiences and emotions through creative and developmentally appropriate therapeutic interventions (expressive arts, drama, stories, visuals, narrative journaling, games). With my specialized professional background counselling children and youth, I know first hand how invaluable these developmental years are. Young people may need support gaining confidence with emerging social and life skills; may be coping with transitions; or may require validation and tools to process through tough emotions and situations. No matter what a child is struggling with, I aim to create a safe space and a positive relational experience through warmth, patience, and humour.
My approach is grounded in anti-oppressive, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed frameworks that centers you as the expert of your own experiences. I draw interventions from various therapeutic modalities, including humanistic, narrative, experiential and solution-focused techniques. Wherever you are in your journey, I would be honoured to walk alongside you. I welcome you to reach out and see if we may be a good fit in working together.
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Pouran holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. She also holds a BA in Child and Youth Care, as well as a Child and Youth Work diploma. She has over fourteen years of experience as a Child and Youth Counsellor, providing therapeutic support to school-aged children, adolescents, and their families in both educational and clinical settings. Pouran is currently a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and holds a membership with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)