Sohaila

I bring over 20 years of experience in psychological assessment, psychotherapy, and rehabilitation, supported by a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and my registration as a Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario. Central to my clinical approach is the establishment of a strong therapeutic alliance based on trust, empathy, collaboration, and respect. I believe that a supportive therapeutic relationship provides an important foundation for helping clients develop greater awareness and insight into their emotions, thoughts, behavioural patterns, relationships, and responses to life experiences. I strive to remain sensitive and responsive to each client’s individual needs, circumstances, cultural background, strengths, and readiness for change, while adapting therapeutic interventions accordingly. My goal is to provide a safe and collaborative therapeutic environment in which clients feel understood and supported while developing greater self- awareness, effective coping strategies, and meaningful changes in their lives.

A significant area of my clinical experience has been the assessment and treatment of trauma- and stress-related difficulties, particularly PTSD. I have extensive experience working with first responders and other individuals exposed to traumatic events in the course of their employment, including paramedics and correctional services staff. My work has involved helping clients manage symptoms such as intrusive memories, nightmares, hypervigilance, avoidance, anxiety, sleep disturbance, emotional dysregulation, and difficulties with occupational and interpersonal functioning.

 

I also have substantial experience working with individuals who have sustained workplace injuries and motor vehicle accident (MVA) injuries. In these settings, I have addressed the psychological consequences of injury, chronic pain, functional limitations, loss of occupational roles, adjustment difficulties, and concerns related to rehabilitation and return to work. Pain management has been an important component of my practice, particularly where chronic pain interacts with PTSD, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, and reduced daily functioning.

 

My broader clinical experience includes working with individuals experiencing adjustment difficulties, depression, anxiety, anger and emotional regulation problems, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, and other life stressors. My approach is integrative and individualized, drawing upon CBT, Psychodynamic therapies, trauma-informed interventions, EFT, IFS-informed approaches, Solution-focused strategies, and other evidence-based interventions according to the client’s presenting needs.

 

In addition to individual psychotherapy, I have experience providing couples therapy, including work with relationship conflict, communication difficulties, emotional disconnection, attachment-related concerns, and the impact of individual psychological difficulties on intimate relationships. My couples work incorporates principles and interventions from Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems, and the Gottman Method.

 

Across these areas of practice, I have developed strong transferable skills in clinical assessment, case formulation, individualized treatment planning, therapeutic relationship building, crisis and risk assessment, rehabilitation-focused intervention, clinical documentation, interdisciplinary communication, and culturally responsive care. I am comfortable working with complex presentations and adapting treatment to each client’s psychological, occupational, relational, and cultural circumstances.