FAQs
Why See a Psychologist?
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Seeking support doesn’t mean something has to be deeply wrong. Sometimes we need a space outside of our everyday relationships to slow down, make sense of what we’re carrying, and understand ourselves with a little more clarity and compassion.
From an Islamic perspective, there is also value in knowing and tending to our inner world. Our emotional, psychological, physical, and spiritual experiences are not entirely separate from one another, and caring for our wellbeing can be part of caring for the whole person Allah has entrusted us with.
Therapy can offer a confidential space to explore what you’re experiencing, recognize patterns, develop practical tools, and move toward meaningful change.
What can I expect in my first session?
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Your first session, or intake session, is a chance for me to get to know you and begin understanding what brings you to therapy. It can be a little more question-and-answer than future sessions, as I’ll ask about different areas of your life, what you’ve been experiencing, and any history or context that may be helpful for me to understand.
That said, there’s no rigid agenda. If something feels especially important or pressing when you come in, we can make space for what you need that day and return to the intake process as we go.
As we begin to get a sense of what you’d like support with, we’ll also work together to identify goals for therapy. You don’t need to come in knowing exactly what those goals are. We can figure that out together.
How do I know if we’re a good fit?
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Finding a therapist you feel comfortable with is an important part of the process. Therapy is deeply personal, and it’s okay to take some time to get a sense of whether my approach and the way we work together feel right for you.
I offer a complimentary consultation where you can share a little about what you’re looking for, ask any questions you may have, and get a feel for whether we might be a good fit before booking your first session.
What’s the difference between Islamic Psychology and faith-integrated therapy?
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Islamic Psychology is part of the theoretical lens that informs how I understand the person and the therapeutic process. It takes a whole-person view of wellbeing, recognizing that our thoughts, emotions, bodies, relationships, and inner lives are interconnected. This lens can inform my work with clients of any faith or background.
Faith-integrated therapy is a little different. It means intentionally bringing a client’s faith into the therapy space, whether through Islamic teachings, spiritual reflection, or exploring their relationship with Allah. This is always optional and guided by what feels meaningful to you.
You do not need to be Muslim, or be looking for faith-integrated therapy, to work with me.
How often will we meet, and how long does therapy take?
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Therapy looks a little different for everyone, and there isn’t a set timeline for how long you need to be in therapy. Meaningful change often takes time, and the first few sessions are also an opportunity for us to get to know one another, build trust, and develop the therapeutic relationship that will support the work we do together.
When possible, I generally recommend beginning with weekly sessions. Meeting more consistently at the beginning can help us build momentum, develop a deeper understanding of what you’re experiencing, and create a sense of continuity in our work.
That said, therapy should also fit into your life. Your needs, circumstances, and preferences matter, and frequency is something we can decide together. As therapy progresses, this may look like moving from weekly to biweekly sessions, and eventually spacing sessions out further as you feel ready.
There is no “right” amount of time to be in therapy. Some people come for support through a particular season of life, while others choose to stay longer to explore deeper patterns or continue their growth. We’ll check in along the way and make decisions together based on what feels supportive and meaningful for you.
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Do you offer in person and virtual sessions?
Yes. I offer both in-person sessions in Edmonton and secure virtual sessions for clients located in Alberta.
You’re welcome to choose the format that works best for you, and we can move between in-person and virtual sessions when needed.
Are sessions covered by insurance?
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Many extended health benefit plans provide coverage for psychological services. As coverage varies between plans, I recommend checking with your insurance provider to confirm your coverage for services provided by a Registered Provisional Psychologist.
I currently offer direct billing to Sun Life, Alberta Blue Cross, and GreenShield. For other insurance providers, you may be required to pay for your session at the time of your appointment and submit your receipt to your insurance provider for reimbursement.
If you’re unsure about your coverage or the billing process, you’re always welcome to reach out before your first appointment.