Solafa Ahmed

Salam and hello. A client once shared a quote by Ram Dass that resonated with me: “We’re all just walking each other home.” Every time I “walk a client home,” I feel honoured. I believe that everyone is born with an immense amount of strength, but it can be hard to see your strength when you are going through a hard time. My work as a psychologist is built on the foundation of a trusting relationship, non-judgmental space, and the positive regard I offer to my clients. I work collaboratively with my clients, supporting them in acknowledging and embracing their strengths and moving gently towards change.

My passion for helping others has made my counselling journey an exciting one. For me, helping is about meeting my clients where they are and creating a safe space that allows for vulnerability. My work provides opportunities for people to express their feelings, thoughts, and worries, and in return, I offer kindness and expertise. Together with my clients, I assess readiness for change and provide the help necessary to make decisions and take action.

My therapeutic lens is strengths-based and compassionate; I appreciate and attune to individuals’ diversity, culture, and experiences. I am passionate about working with working with individuals, seniors, and couples from minority backgrounds but regardless of your skin colour, gender, culture, or religious background, you are welcome in my counselling space. In addition to my own life experience, my professional experience both in Canada and abroad, helps to foster a deep understanding of the challenges faced by diverse populations. My focus on the intersectionality of the multiple identities of my clients fosters a safe therapeutic environment, particularly for those with experiences of oppression.

In the counselling room, I draw from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. I work with my clients to find the general approach and specific interventions that make the most sense for them and their situation. I enjoy working with adults and couples and my clinical areas of interest are anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, relationships, and religion and spirituality. I am a Registered Provisional Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists.

I look forward to meeting you, hearing your story, and building a genuine relationship wherein you can trust me to walk you home!