Nirja Thakkar

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

BA, MACP

We live and learn through struggles. That is one sure shot thing that we all go through in our journey as humans. You and I we both have seen struggles, at different stages of our lives, in different contexts and perhaps at different intensities but we all have experienced them in some shape or form. Our experiences of struggles are what binds us all together. I am here to gain the privilege of supporting you, through yours.

You do not have to be in crisis to seek therapy. You can be someone who is exhausted, overthinking, feeling overwhelmed, over caring, constantly doubting yourself, struggling to set boundaries, struggling to prioritize yourself, feeling guilt/shame, questioning your worth, pleasing people, striving to be perfect, struggling financially or finding yourself stuck in the same patterns. I want to begin by saying, I have felt all of this at some point in my life. Hence, I understand the value of support. I am eager to offer you this support. Yes, I went to University to be able to wear the hat of a therapist in front of you. However, I believe you are the expert on your life. I am not here to tell you what to do and who to be. I am confident you already know that. I bring an unbiased perspective, where I am not as emotionally involved to your experiences, so I can see the bigger picture, so I can understand and highlight the parts of yourself that may need more love and care at this time.

My approach

I truly believe healing happens within relationships. I take a relational approach — focusing on healing emotional wounds through a warm, genuine, and collaborative connection between us. I'll be honest: I'm not perfect, and sometimes I may be wrong. I want you to feel comfortable correcting me and helping me understand you better.

All of this is delivered through a person-centred, trauma-informed, and anti-oppressive lens — with a genuine commitment to being a safe and affirming space for LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, people with disabilities, and Indigenous communities.

"We are born in relationships, we are wounded in relationships, and we can be healed in relationships."

— Harville Hendrix.

A little something about me

I wanted to be a therapist to destigmatize mental health needs and making them accessible and normal across communities. This work of supporting individuals, couples and families through relationship conflict, family stress, or life transitions like new parents, fertility, postpartum, divorce, PMS PCOS, PMDD, PPA/PPD, hormonal changes, mood disorders that often induce feelings of isolation and overwhelm is deeply personal to me.

I identify as an eternal learner. I am constantly learning, updating myself, growing as a human first and then as a therapist. In my personal life, I continue to love within relationships, getting hurt in relationships, unintentionally hurting others in relationships, apologizing and taking accountability in relationships and healing within relationships.

As a straight, brown, immigrant, woman, in late twenties I try to be aware of my identities, intersectionality, privilege and the power dynamics I bring in any room I enter. I am also curious about your unique identities, experiences that contribute to who you are. I offer a safe, non-judgemental, unbiased space to honour your needs with acceptance, warmth & gentle challenge. If you’re ready to start prioritizing yourself, I invite you to a free 15-minute phone consultation with me, so we can get to know each other better. This is a chance for you to: ask questions about the therapy process, learn more about my approach and fees, share more about what’s bringing you to therapy right now.

My approach

I have been working in mental health in some capacity since the age of 15 — with individuals ranging from children with autism as young as 3, to adults with disabilities in their 80s.

Education

MA Counselling Psychology — Yorkville University
BA Psychology — St. Xavier's College, India
Graduate Certificate in Autism & Behavioural Sciences — Fanshawe College
Diploma in Developmental Services Worker — Fanshawe College

Ready to take the first step?

I invite you to a free 15-minute phone consultation — no commitment, just a chance to get to know each other.