Gulzar Firashta

About the Counsellor:

Gulzar Firashta, MA, RP, RSSW, is a Registered Psychotherapist and Registered Social Service Worker with over a decade of experience supporting individuals, couples, youth, and families. Known for her compassionate, culturally responsive, and client-centered approach, Gulzar creates a safe space where clients feel respected, understood, and supported. Fluent in Gujarati, Hindi, Urdu, and English, she is passionate about helping people navigate life's challenges while fostering resilience, healing, and meaningful personal growth.

Philosophy:

Gulzar believes that every individual has the capacity for growth, healing, and positive change. She values building strong therapeutic relationships grounded in empathy, trust, and cultural understanding. Her approach focuses on helping clients recognize their strengths, develop self-awareness, and overcome barriers that may be preventing them from living fulfilling lives. Gulzar is committed to empowering clients to move forward with confidence, clarity, and a greater sense of well-being.

Therapeutic Approach:

Gulzar uses an integrative and evidence-based approach tailored to each client's unique needs and goals. For couples, she incorporates Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and The Gottman Method (Level 2) to help partners understand emotional patterns, improve communication, strengthen trust, and build deeper connection. She also draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy to support individuals facing a wide range of challenges. Through these approaches, Gulzar helps clients develop practical coping strategies, gain insight, and create lasting change.

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Cognitive Behavioural (CBT)
• Couples
• Gottman Method
• Emotionally Focused (EFT)
• Family System (IFS)
• Person-Centred Therapy
• Mindfulness Based
• Narrative Therapy
• Multicultural
• Culturally Sensitive
• Solution Focused (SFBT)
• Trauma-Informed

Focus Areas:

Gulzar specializes in supporting couples, individuals, and youth experiencing relationship challenges, anxiety, depression, anger, grief, sleep difficulties, and behavioural concerns. She has extensive experience working with refugees and newcomers who have experienced war, persecution, displacement, and significant life transitions. With a culturally sensitive and trauma-informed lens, Gulzar helps clients navigate challenges such as family separation, settlement stress, language barriers, and uncertainty about the future. Her goal is to help clients strengthen relationships, improve emotional well-being, and build a greater sense of connection, stability, and hope.