Reema Qamar, RCC

My practice is focused on trauma care. I work with adults and youth with childhood trauma, individuals with PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief, and relational trauma, and women who are victims of gender-based violence. I provide counselling for concerns stemming from trauma that include self-esteem issues, concurrent disorders, grief and loss, bicultural identity crises, family problems, acculturative stress, and life transitions. I work with families experiencing inter-generational conflict due to acculturation, intercultural tension from changes in family structure and dynamics, and immigrants experiencing mental health issues.

My approach is integrative and holistic with a developmentally sensitive, neurobiology-informed lens influenced by Bruce Perry’s work on the impact of trauma on brain development, which integrates core principles of neurodevelopment and traumatology. This approach allows me to gain insight into a client’s unique developmental experiences and trauma responses. I also draw from CBT, humanistic therapies, and emotion-focused therapy. As an advocate for diversity and inclusion, I emphasize a culturally responsive and anti-oppressive outlook to decolonize mental health. I am committed to tailoring therapy to the client’s needs and effectively assessing and addressing their concerns with evidence-based treatments.

I strongly emphasize collaboration with my clients, where we take it slow, try to understand their narratives, and explore their experiences through guided discovery. This is where I let the client go deeper into their emotions, thoughts, behaviours, and experiences that may be difficult to explore independently. I support them in unravelling their story so they can openly talk about their concerns and gain clarity on how their situation has impacted them and how they can bring about change when they are ready. 

I truly believe that everyone is the expert on their life and holds the potential to heal through their inner strength and wisdom to improve the quality of their life. With validation, compassion, and trust in the therapeutic relationship, I can help individuals heal from past trauma and support them in navigating through emotional complexities and life transitions, enhancing their quality of life and well-being. I offer language support in Punjabi, Urdu, and Hindi.