Irfa Samnani, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BSN, M.Ed.
Practice Director and Founder
Hi, I’m Irfa—mother, former nurse, mental health advocate, South Asian therapist, and founder of Glow Mental Health. I hold a Master of Education in Counselling and Psychotherapy from the University of Toronto’s Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), and completed my clinical training at Women’s College Hospital’s Reproductive Life Stages (RLS) Program. There, I supported women navigating the emotional complexities of pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting, and co-facilitated three therapy groups: a pregnancy skills group, a postpartum interpersonal group, and a mother-baby group for clients with trauma and adverse childhood experiences.
Before becoming a therapist, I spent over a decade as a nurse in oncology, hospice, palliative care, and perinatal health, walking alongside individuals and families through some of life’s most vulnerable and transformative moments. As a second-generation South Asian immigrant, I hold a nuanced awareness of cultural identity, intergenerational dynamics, and family expectations.
I offer therapy in English, Hindi, and Urdu, and am committed to providing culturally responsive care that honours your values and your voice. I strive to bring compassion, presence, and deep respect for your unique journey and lived experience.
Training & Credentials
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BA Psychology (Honours) - University of Windsor
Master of Education, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education
University of Toronto
Counselling and Psychotherapy -
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario
License #19427 -
ICEEFT - International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy
Gottman Level 1 (In progress)
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Perinatal Nursing (2009-2010) - Orlando Health (Orlando, FL)
Oncology Nursing (2010-2017) - MD Anderson Cancer Center; Emory Healthcare (Atlanta, GA); Stanford Hospital and Clinics (Palo Alto, CA)
Hospice, Palliative Care, Advance Illness Management - Sutter Health (Sacramento, CA)
Case Management (2014-2017) - United Healthcare (Atlanta, GA & Detroit, MI)
Home Health Case Management (2018-2019) - Trinity (Detroit, MI)
Wellness Content Developer Intern (2021-2023) - Community Living Windsor
Psychotherapy Intern (2024-2025) - Women’s College Hospital: Reproductive Life Stages Program
Practice Director and Registered Therapist (Qualifying) (2025-Current) - Glow Psychotherapy
My Approach
I take an integrative, trauma-informed approach to therapy, tailoring my work to each individual’s unique needs and goals. I draw from a range of evidence-based approaches. Click on each one below to learn more about what they offer:
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ACT helps you build psychological flexibility by learning to accept difficult thoughts and feelings instead of fighting them. It supports you in clarifying what matters most to you, your values, and taking meaningful steps toward the life you want, even in the presence of pain.
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CFT is designed to help you cultivate self-compassion, especially if you struggle with shame, self-criticism, or harsh inner dialogue. It draws on insights from neuroscience and evolutionary psychology to help you relate to yourself with warmth, care, and kindness.
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CBT focuses on the connection between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. It helps you identify and shift unhelpful thinking patterns, build coping strategies, and develop a more balanced perspective to reduce distress and improve daily functioning.
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DBT combines acceptance and change strategies to support emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance, and mindfulness. It was originally developed for intense emotions and is especially helpful when navigating relationship challenges, impulsivity, or chronic self-criticism.
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EFT helps you understand, express, and work through your emotions in a safe and supportive space. By tuning into your emotional experiences, you can gain clarity, heal past wounds, and foster deeper connections with yourself and others.
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Mindfulness-based approaches teach you to be present with your thoughts, sensations, and feelings in a non-judgmental way. This gentle awareness supports stress reduction, emotional regulation, and a greater sense of inner calm and clarity.
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Narrative therapy sees you as the author of your own story. It helps you explore how personal, cultural, and societal narratives shape your identity — and supports you in rewriting the stories that no longer serve you, making room for resilience, agency, and hope.
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Psychodynamic therapy explores how your early relationships and unconscious patterns influence your present-day experiences. Through insight and reflection, it helps you understand the roots of your emotional struggles and fosters lasting growth and self-awareness.
Areas of Support
As a licensed psychotherapy professional, I can help with a wide range of concerns, including but not limited to:
General Areas
Depression, Anxiety, and Overwhelm
Trauma and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD)
Chronic Illness, Undiagnosed, and Invisible Illnesses
Medical Trauma
Grief, Loss, and Anticipatory Grief
Burnout and Caregiver Fatigue
Life Transitions and Identity Shifts
Self-Worth, Self-Trust, and Confidence
Cultural Identity, Intergenerational Trauma, and Family Dynamics
Support for Therapists, Nurses, and Helping Professionals
Family Conflict
Body Image, Weight Loss Related Challenges
Perinatal Mental Health
Prenatal and Postpartum Anxiety or Depression
Birth Trauma and Difficult Postpartum Recovery
Parenting Stress and Role Transitions
Fertility Challenges and Reproductive Grief
Attachment, Bonding, and Emotional Connection With Baby
Support for New Parents With a History of Trauma or Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Couples Therapy
Relationship & Communication Skills
Emotional Closeness, Intimacy, and Mutual Support
Rebuilding Trust and Navigating Disconnection
Cultural & Interfaith decisions
Family & Parenting Transitions
Preparing for parenthood (prenatal support)
Postpartum relationship changes and stress
Coparenting skills and division of labor
Setting Boundaries
Navigating extended family dynamics
Connection & relational stress
Infertility & Reproductive Challenges
Workplace & Organizational Support
Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
Workshops and Training (Mental Health, Burnout, Work-Life Balance, Trauma-Informed Practices, etc.)
Stress Management Programs & Emotional Wellness support
Conflict Resolution & Communication Coaching
Performance Improvement and Professional Development
Organizational Culture and Team Wellness