ONLINE THERAPY & COUNSELLING FOR MUSLIM WOMEN
BASED IN EDMONTON, AB & AVAILABLE ACROSS ALBERTA, NEW BRUNSWICK, NOVA SCOTIA, NUNAVUT AND QUEBEC, CANADA
Your safe space for healing in the light of the Qur’an and Sunnah. Alhamdulillah.
Compassionate, experienced Registered Psychologist and online Muslim therapist, providing effective anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and trauma treatment.
No matter how hard you try, you’re not feeling better.
On the outside, it looks like you are doing fine and that this is just a temporary low point in your otherwise successful life.
On the inside, it’s a different story; you’ve been feeling very anxious and even depressed.
These feelings are not new, but they are now overwhelming you, and you’ve been feeling discouraged as the self-help strategies and distractions from the emotional pain aren’t actually helping anymore.
You are starting to find it hard to concentrate and even function at times, and that worries you.
On top of everything, you’re trying to keep up with everything—being a daughter, student or employee, sister, and maybe even a wife, mom, or simply someone others rely on. Faking happiness seems inevitable in so many areas of your life and it’s exhausting.
You can see some of the patterns that you are stuck in, you know that the trauma and the wounds you’ve suffered are contributing to how you’ve been feeling, but the awareness alone is not enough; you can tell that things need to be processed, dealt with, overcome or let go of, to get you a place of healing.
You are tired, and you want to finally feel at peace and happy.
I know what it’s like and I’m so glad you’re here!
AS SALAAM ALEYKUM WA RAHMATULLAHI WA BARAKATOUH, I’M AUDREY.
I'm a Registered Psychologist in good standing with the College of Alberta Psychologists.
My work is not only guided by the breadth of my professional training as well as 13 years of experience in the field, but also by decades of former lived experience with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and trauma.
I founded Overcome Anxiety Psychological, my online Edmonton-based practice, to address a gap that I experienced firsthand when I was seeking psychological services for myself: the need for flexible, effective and culturally responsive therapy & counselling for Muslim women.
I now help Sisters across Alberta, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, and Quebec, to achieve long-term recovery from anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and trauma, from the privacy of their home, Alhamdulillah.
I want you to know that, despite what you’ve been taught, seeking help is not a sign of weakness; it’s truly an act of courage.
I am committed to making the process both easy and safe, In Sha Allah.
You have been suffering for way too long and deserve deeply compassionate and accessible therapy & counselling that do not take years, and will rapidly get you to a place of lasting calm & happiness, In Sha Allah.
How does it look like to work with me as your online Muslim therapist?
My effective, yet warm approach to therapy & counselling has been likened to ‘micro-neurosurgery’ as it focuses on rapid, profound and sustained recovery.
My sessions are offered virtually so you’ll never need to worry about commuting and making complex childcare arrangements in order to make your appointments with me, In Sha Allah.
Therapy & counselling that work and have a real, long-term impact is deeply collaborative and put you in the driver’s seat. As a psychologist, I have expertise, but you are the ‘expert in you’; your needs and goals will always guide our work.
I will not tell you what to do. Rather, I will curate, explore with you and teach you revolutionary techniques that will help you, not just to cope, but to actually overcome your challenges so they no longer show up in your daily life, In Sha Allah.
I will also strive to strike a balance between giving you the listening ear and support you need in the moment, and following a structured yet flexible therapy and counselling framework. My hope is that this will help you to always feel safe showing up as your authentic self, while we progress toward your goals in a clear, measurable way and at a pace that feels right for you , In Sha Allah.
My clients often say that I help them feel completely seen, heard and supported, and that I convey a deep understanding of what they share with me, even when they feel like they are all over the place and not making much sense.
As contradictory as this may sound, I have found that our struggles are truly a reflection of what is awesome about us; I therefore look forward to meeting you in all your awesomeness,.
This is the first step to unlocking the life you deserve and I look forward to embarking on this journey with you, In Sha Allah!
MY SPECIALTIES
01
TEAM-CBT for Muslim women
CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) is considered the gold standard of mental health treatments.
TEAM-CBT – an elevated form of CBT – is an effective, data-driven approach which combines a focus on powerful techniques and rapid recovery, with immense empathy and putting you at the centre of the process.
02
Islamic Therapy for Muslim women
Although things have been hard, you are doing your best to turn to Allah SWT. Yet, it feels like there is no end to your struggles, and you can’t help but feel discouraged. You are hesitant to seek help from a therapist for fear of being negatively judged, misunderstood or steered in directions that compromise your faith.
As a fellow Muslim woman, I know these fears are valid. This is why I created a version of my approach that is rooted in Islamic psychology and aligns with teachings from the Qu’ran, Ahadiths and Seerah.
Jabir reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: “There is a remedy for every malady, and when the remedy is applied to the disease it is cured with the permission of Allah, the Exalted and Glorious.”
Reference: Sahih Muslim 2204
Amongst other challenges, TEAM-CBT and ISLAMIC THERAPY can help address
03
Anxiety and Depression in Muslim women
Anxiety is no stranger, but lately, it has been particularly overwhelming. Maybe anxious spells have been stealing away your joy, or your mood has been consistently low. Either way, you’re tired of feeling like this.
You don’t have to navigate this alone: I can help you overcome the anxious and depressive feelings you have been experiencing, and calm your mind so you may feel happy, energized and hopeful.
04
Low self-esteem in Muslim women
Your insecurities have been here for a while now. You’ve tried to deal with them, but they keep interfering, and it feels like they are taking over.
You don’t have to continue listening to the critical voices and messages you’ve internalized; together, we can transform these inaccurate thoughts and beliefs, and help you be grounded in your worth.
05
Trauma in Muslim women
Traumatic events have been accumulating for way too long. You used to think of yourself as ‘resilient’ – and you truly are – but you’re now realizing how much the past still affects how you feel today. You have been feeling that it’s time to ‘deal with it’ all and let go of the pain.
Our meetings will be a safe space where you can open up, peel the layers, feel thoroughly understood and get the help you need, so you may finally heal.
How to start online Muslim therapy
A powerful process made simple, Alhamdulillah.
Step 1
Click on the ‘Book free 15-minute consultation’ button, and select a day and time that work for you, right in my online calendar.
You will receive messages from “Overcome Anxiety” to confirm and remind you of your virtual appointment, and the meeting link will be emailed to you thirty minutes before your free session. It is recommended that you open the link in a Google Chrome browser. You will also receive the link to a brief intake form; your responses will help me prepare for our consultation, so that we may make the most of our time together, In Sha Allah.
Step 2
During the virtual consultation, we’ll briefly talk about your current challenges and goals, as well as explore the questions we have for each other. I will also give you information about my practice as a psychologist. After agreeing that we are a good fit, we will book your first session.
Step 3
During your first few online appointments with me, we will explore your story in an empathetic way, and build a solid foundation for our work together.
Once you feel ready to so do, we will proceed to the active part of therapy & counselling, where real healing and transformation happen.
After the very first appointment,
100%
of Muslim women said that they felt that I was very warm and supportive.
100%
of Muslim women said that they felt that I was very trustworthy.
100%
of Muslim women said that I did a very good job of listening.
92%
of Muslim women said that I very much understood how they felt inside, after only one session. The remaining 8% said that I moderately understood how they felt inside, following the initial session.
Data based on after-session surveys completed after first appointments.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Do I need therapy?
If you’re asking yourself, “Do I need therapy?” — the answer is often yes, or at least worth exploring. Many women consider therapy when they feel stuck, overwhelmed, or simply not like themselves.
You may benefit from counselling if:
You feel anxious, sad, or stressed most of the time
You’re struggling to cope with past trauma or loss
You have trouble in relationships or setting boundaries
You often feel emotionally exhausted or numb
You want support for personal growth or self-understanding.
Therapy isn’t just for “big problems”. It’s a space to understand yourself better, heal old wounds, and build tools to manage everyday challenges.
At my Edmonton-based online counselling practice, I work with Muslim women across Alberta, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Nunavut and Quebec who are ready to stop just “getting by” and start feeling real contentment. Whether you’re facing a specific issue or just know something isn’t right, therapy can help.
2. Should I see a therapist or psychologist?
In Edmonton and across Canada, different types of professionals can offer mental health therapy and can therefore call themselves “therapists”.
Psychologists are therapists. However, not all therapists are psychologists, as “Psychologist” is a protected title.
Psychologists are regulated professionals and in Alberta, for example, they are required to register and remain in good standing with the College of Alberta Psychologists. Most provinces and territories have a College of Psychologists. Psychologists must adhere to rigorous standards of practice set by their College.
The following information comes from the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta website:
“Psychologists also must follow a Code of Ethics that ensures the dignity of the individual and fair treatment of those that use their services.“
“A psychologist holds a master’s and/or doctoral degree that involves from 7 to 11 years of university study and residency / internship on the science and evidence‐based practice of psychology. It is the extent of this education and training in cognition, emotion and behavior, and how to effect behavioral change, that makes psychologists unique… They are trained as experts, not only in psychological assessments and therapeutic modalities, but also in the foundations of human behaviour including development, learning theory, neuroscience, personality and motivation.”
It is important to note that following the completion of their university studies, psychologists must pass additional examinations and accumulate extensive hours of supervised practice. They are also required to undertake several hours of continuing education a year to maintain their permit.
3. Are your services confidential?
Yes, as a psychologist, I am bound by confidentiality and will require your consent to disclose any information about you, down to whether you are receiving services from me.
There are situations where I am legally obligated to disclose information to ensure the safety of my clients and others, such as if my client is at imminent risk to self or others, or if a minor or senior is in need of protection due to abuse and/or neglect.
Confidentiality and limits to confidentiality are an important part of the informed consent process that we go through before you start your sessions. We will explore any questions you may have on this matter, and others, during our first meeting together at Overcome Anxiety Psychological.
As an online Muslim therapist, I use a platform called JaneApp that is specifically designed for the provision of confidential healthcare services. I use it to host my virtual appointments and gather private health information in a secure manner.
4. Can you only help with the issues you listed as specialties: anxiety, depression, trauma and self-esteem?
I treat people, not problems. I value honoring the full depth of your experience, not just a label.
The issues that I listed as my specialties (anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and trauma), are the reasons why my clients usually reach out to me. Other concerns that often surface during the course of therapy, and that we then address together include, but are not limited to:
- spiritual issues
- relational problems
- procrastination
- stress
- perfectionism
- OCD
- impostor syndrome
- life transitions
- grief and loss
- ADHD
- issues related to pregnancy, prenatal and postpartum stages
- racial identity
- sleep issues.
I have been a psychologist for over 13 years and have worked in a large variety of settings. I am trained in and have considerable experience helping women with a wide range of concerns.
5. Is online therapy effective?
Yes, research shows that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for many people.
Online therapy gives you the same professional support, with added comfort and flexibility Alhamdulillah. You can meet with me from home, at a time that works for you, without having to deal with travel or waiting rooms. Many women feel more relaxed and open when talking from a familiar space.
What matters most is not the format, but the human connection between you and your therapist. A strong, trusting relationship can lead to real healing, whether it happens in a room or on a screen.
I have expert training in offering high-quality online therapy & counselling, and my clients often comment on the fact that they feel very connected to me and can feel my warmth, although we are in different locations.
My virtual Edmonton-based practice, Overcome Anxiety Psychological, uses JaneApp, a secure online therapy platform that follows all privacy laws and meets strict security standards.
6. What are your fees and are they covered by insurance?
My fees are $235 per 50-minute session. Longer sessions are available at the same rate.
Since I am a private practitioner, my fees are not covered by government-funded public health insurance, such as the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan, the New Brunswick Medicare program, the Nova Scotia Medical Services Insurance program, the Nunavut Health care plan and the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec.
However, since I am a Registered Psychologist, if your private insurance plan includes coverage for mental health, therapy sessions with me will usually be covered.
You may contact your insurance provider to find out how much coverage you have per year.
It may also be beneficial to ask if you have a health spending account that may be used toward therapy sessions with a Registered psychologist.
I direct-bill the following insurance companies:
- Aga financial group
- Alberta Blue Cross
- belairdirect
- Beneva | SSQ
- BPA
- C.C.W.U
- Canada Life | Great-West Life
- Chambers Plan
- CINUP
- Coughlin
- Cowan
- Desjardins
- Equitable Life of Canada
- First Canadian Health
- G.M.S
- Group health
- Group Source
- iA Financial Group
- Johnston Group
- Local 183
- Manion
- Manulife
- Maximum Benefit
- MDM Insurance Services Inc.
- People Corporation
- RWAM
- Simply Benefits
- SunLife
- TELUS Health
- The Public Service health care
- Union Benefits
- UV Insurance
My fees may also be claimed under tax deductible health care expenses on your income tax return.
If you are eligible for these programs, please note that I also have an agreement to provide services under:
- the NIHB (Non-Insured Health Benefits) program which provides eligible First Nations and Inuit clients with coverage for various benefits, including mental health counselling. Through this program, eligible clients can receive up to 22 hours of counselling a year.
- the Bigstone Health benefits program which provides benefits to members of Bigstone Cree nation. Through this program, clients can receive up to 22 hours of counselling every 12 months.
- federal programs such as the Interim Federal Health program (IFHP) administered under Immigration, Regufees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC); this program provides limited, temporary coverage of health care benefits for specific groups of people who don’t have provincial, territorial, or private health care coverage. I also direct-bill federal programs such as programs for members of the Canadian armed forces (CAF), Royal Canadian Mounted police (RCMP), and Veteran Affairs Canada (VAC).
I also have a partnership with Sisters Dialogue that allows Muslim women residing in Alberta to see me free of charge, for 5 sessions with the possiblity to extend coverage.
You don’t have to keep pretending that you’re ‘doing good’; let’s work together to make it a reality!
Some of the organizations I have collaborated with on workshops, expert interviews, columns, podcasts, and articles:
