About Me

I’m Roza — a Registered Social Worker and psychotherapist based in Toronto. I’m an Iranian-Canadian queer woman who was born in Toronto to refugee parents. Because of my experiences as the child of immigrants, I developed significant interest in the experiences of first and second generation immigrants, diasporic grief and disconnection / reconnection to home/culture/lineage.

This interest led me to complete my Master of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University (MSW). I walk with 8 years of post-MSW experience and feel honoured to do this work.

I am deeply passionate about supporting others in building loving, meaningful relationships — both with themselves and with others. This work can involve coming into contact with big and sometimes unexpected emotions — grief, anger, confusion, curiosity and even joy. I welcome them all.

Outside of therapy, I’m a writer and a visual artist. I have a great love of dogs and books!

Additional Education & Trainings

  • I am currently certified after completion of TIST Level 1, 2 and 3. As described by Janina Fisher, the developer of the TIST model, TIST “is a trauma-informed parts approach to therapy. In TIST, we work with the ‘living legacy of trauma:’ the emotional and somatic memories held by young parts of the self and experienced as here-and-now reality by our clients.” I was trained by Janina Fisher, herself.

  • Completion of Sensorimotor for Trauma Themes (Level 1) in 2021. SP is a body-oriented therapy that uses physical interventions to support healing the impacts of trauma. Level One is focused on addressing acute trauma, rather than developmental or long-term, chronic trauma.

  • I am currently completing Somatic Attachment Therapy.

  • I have a certificate in Somatic Embodiment and Regulation Strategies. I was trained by the developer, Linda Thai. This approach offers somatic strategies for navigating nervous system activation and dysregulation. This can be supportive to those dealing with anxiety, emotional overwhelm and flooding.

  • This is a 25-hour training that offers a body-centred approach to conflict resolution. This training is led by Kai Cheng Thom and this approach integrates Kai Cheng’s Loving Justice Model.

  • The Gottman Method is a skills-based approach to couples therapy. I have completed Levels 1 & 2.

  • This is a body and movement oriented approach to trauma work. I was in trained in Level One by the developer, Jane Clapp, in 2019.

  • Completion of Introduction to Dialectical Behavioural Therapy at Wilfrid Laurier University.

  • 28-hour training program on Transformative Mediation - theory and practice. Completed in 2018.

  • Completion of 30 hours of learning. Facilitated by Martha Kauppi.

  • Deepening clinical skills and learning interventions to support non-monogamous clients. Topics covered included, but were not limited to: negotiating relationship agreements; repairing wounds; navigating jealousy; transitioning from monogamous relationships.