Irfa Samnani, BSN, M.Ed.

Founder & Director

Irfa is a Registered Psychotherapist offering virtual therapy across Ontario and in-person therapy in Kitchener-Waterloo.

Counselling Education:

• University of Toronto (OISE) - Master’s of Education in Counselling and Psychotherapy

• Clinical Training - Women’s College Hospital, Reproductive Life Stages (RLS) Program

Modalities/Areas I draw from:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)

• Trauma & EMDR Therapy

• Gottman Method Couples

• Emotion-Focused Therapy

• Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy

• Internal Family Systems (IFS)

• Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)

• Humanistic/Person Centred Therapy

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Polyvagal Informed Approaches

• Mindfulness-Based Approaches

• Psychodynamic Therapy

• Solution Focused Therapy (SFT/SFBT)

• Narrative Therapy

• Expressive Arts Therapy

Languages Spoken:

English, Hindi, Urdu

Hello! I’m Irfa (she/her). I hold a Master’s of Education in Counselling and Psychotherapy from the University of Toronto’sOntario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE). I completed my training at Women’s College Hospital in the Reproductive Life Stages (RLS) program where I supported women navigating the complexities of pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting. Before becoming a therapist, I spent over a decade as a Registered Nurse in Oncology, Hospice, Palliative Care, and Perinatal Health. I had the privilege of working at world-renowned centres such as Stanford Hospital, Emory University Hospital, and MD Anderson Cancer Centre. This background deeply informs my clinical work, bringing a grounded, holistic understanding of physical and emotional wellness.

Beyond the Therapy Room:

I’m an introvert at heart, happiest in quiet moments with a good book, a cozy blanket, and a quiet evening in. I love spending time with my partner, especially when we’re deep into a new TV series or rewatching a favourite comedy sitcom that still makes us laugh. I’m also a parent, and some of my most grounding moments are the everyday ones I share with my two children. I also find comfort in simple pleasures like a warm cup of chai, journaling, relaxing music, and the occasional good piece of chocolate. While I recharge in solitude, I also deeply value connection. I love meeting up with friends for dinner or coffee and having thoughtful, meaningful conversations. As someone from a South Asian background, I find a special sense of joy in family gatherings, sharing food, laughter, and stories across generations. I enjoy Bollywood music and dancing the night away. These small joys help me stay present, playful, and connected to what matters most.

What I Bring to Therapy:

I am passionate about creating a safe, supportive space where you can pause, reflect, and create meaningful change. My approach is trauma-informed, neuro-affirming, relational, client-centred, and rooted in warmth and compassion.

I take an integrative approach to therapy, drawing from a range of evidence-based modalities to support your unique needs. Through both my lived experiences and professional training, I am especially drawn to working in the areas of perinatal mental health, women’s health, grief and loss, intergenerational trauma, chronic illness, and life transitions.

Coming to therapy can feel like a big step. You deserve a space where you feel seen, heard, and supported without pressure to be anything other than who you are in this moment. It’s important to find a therapist who feels like a good fit. Someone you can feel comfortable with, even when the work feels hard. I will meet you where you are, move at a pace that feels right for you, and offer insights, reflections, and practices that are aligned with your needs. If you feel I could offer what you’re looking for, I invite you to schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if we’d be a good fit. I look forward to meeting you!