ABOUT
Maryam Fazl, MSW, RSW
Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist
She/her
Hello and welcome!
I’m a Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist who assists people seeking change. I founded Therapy Starts because I'm passionate about helping clients who want to get unstuck, to show up differently for themselves and others, to become an active participant in their own lives, and to break cycles.
Through use of evidence-based therapies, I provide a safe space where together we focus on developing skills to build resiliency in the face of life's inevitable challenges. My job as a therapist is to fully understand your experiences, and guide you through the therapy process.
I attended University of Toronto for both undergraduate and graduate degrees and I'm trained in multiple modalities. I've been supporting adult clients (18+) since 2011 in various mental health settings. I've worked for over 14 years as a social worker and therapist in community mental health alongside physicians, nurse practitioners, dieticians, nurses, and other allied health team members. In 2020, I entered private practice where I've had the privilege of supporting clients in longer term therapy.
I have extensive training and work experience supporting clients with perinatal mental health, mood and anxiety concerns and those going through life transitions.
You have taken the right step toward your wellness by looking up therapy resources. I look forward to meeting you for a free 20-minute consult where I can answer your questions about therapy.
HOW I CAN HELP
MY APPROACH
My therapeutic perspective is trauma-informed, attachment-based, and anti-oppressive. I draw from modalities such as Mindfulness- and Compassion based therapies, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and trauma-therapy. I can help you gain insight into the connection between your past and present experiences and how these impact your daily life. Together in session, we work on taking steps to help you move toward your values and live a more fulfilling and balanced life.
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My practice is informed by:
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An anti-oppressive lens: Being aware that one's physical and mental health is impacted by systemic forms of oppression and intersectional challenges.
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A trauma-informed lens: Trauma impacts a person's body, brain, and ways of coping. By creating a safe space in session, I work collaboratively with my clients in setting goals for treating these unhelpful ways of coping, and on building resiliency skills.
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An attachment lens: Early relationships with caregivers and other early childhood experiences can impact the way one reacts to one's emotions, to stress and in relationships.
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I will always approach our sessions with kindness and compassion. I understand that ultimately you are the expert in your own life, so I am collaborative throughout the therapy process. I invite you to book a free 20-minute consult with me to see if we can be a good fit in therapy together!
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EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & MEMBERSHIPS
EDUCATION
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Master of Social Work - University of Toronto
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Bachelor of Science in Psychology - University of Toronto.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
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Registered social worker and therapist since 2011. ​
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Over 14 years of experience in community mental health in the Greater Toronto Area providing therapy.
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In private practice since 2020, supporting clients longer term.
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Extensive experience with different demographics: post-secondary students, young adults, new parents, those in life's middle chapter, empty nesters, retirees, etc.
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Expertise in supporting concerns that accompany big life transitions such as stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and re-triggering of past traumatic events.
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
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Perinatal Mental Health
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Trauma Therapy
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Compassion-Focused Therapy
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Mindfulness-Based Therapy
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Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Insomnia (CBT-I)
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Motivational Interviewing (MI)
MEMBERSHIPS
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Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW): 819408
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Ontario Association of Social Workers
CONTACT ME
Maryam Fazl, MSW, RSW.
Services at Therapy Starts are virtual
and Ontario wide.
Please complete this form to get in touch.
