MEET THE team

Samiyah Zawawi

Co-founder, Registered Psychotherapist

My practice is trauma-informed, and incorporates various techniques from Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Attachment-based  techniques. In addition, my work experience with youth has provided the opportunity of incorporating creative mediums in session which include expressive art.  

Education & CERTIFICATIONS:

• Master’s in Educational Counselling - University of Ottawa

• Registered Psychotherapist

• Canadian Certified Counsellor 

LANGUAGE

• English

• Spanish

• Arabic

Wala’a Farahat

Co-founder, Registered Psychotherapist

My approach is holistic, trauma-informed, and incorporates Somatic Experiencing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Narrative Therapy. I also draw from various therapeutic techniques to ensure my services are client centered and tailored to your needs. I am passionate about play therapy and the power of play, and am a member of the Canadian Association for Play Therapy.

Education & CERTIFICATIONS:

• Master’s in Counselling and Spirituality - Saint Paul University

• Registered Psychotherapist

• 3 Level training with the Canadian Association for Play Therapy

LANGUAGE

• English

• Arabic

Amana Halawa

My approach incorporates various techniques from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy and Emotion-Focused Therapy. Additionally, my education and work experience has well positioned me to provide spiritually oriented therapy.  I have a passion for working with clients from all walks of life, I prioritize cultivating a space for my clients to feel heard and understood throughout their therapeutic journey.

Education & CERTIFICATIONS:

• Master’s in Counselling Psychology

• Counselling from an Islamic Theoretical Orientation

• Continuing education certificates in Traditionally Islamically Intergraded Psychotherapy

LANGUAGE

• English

• French

Ahmed El Khazndar

We learn to be firmly rooted in compassion as we embark on our path of healing and growth. Compassion means working with, not struggling against; approaching life as an experience to be had, not as a problem to be solved. Compassion is the foundation upon which I build my approach in therapy. I depart from a holistic and compassion-focused approach that integrates attachment-oriented, trauma-informed, spiritually oriented, meaning-centred and client-centred perspectives.

Education & CERTIFICATIONS:

• Master’s student in Counselling and Spirituality – Saint Paul University

• Continuing education certificates in Traditional Islamically Integrated Psychotherapy

• Bachelor of Science (Combined Honours) in Neuroscience and Biology – Carleton University

LANGUAGE

• English

• Arabic

Ayaan islam

Administrative Assistant

I am starting my first year of the BSc Biomedical Science program at the University of Ottawa this fall. I am very excited to be working with Rubiks Counselling Services as I will have the opportunity to support the delivery of mental health services in my community. I am passionate about ending the stigma around mental health and providing accessible mental health services to individuals from diverse backgrounds. In my free time I enjoy finding new places to eat, working out and spending time with my friends and family.

Education & CERTIFICATIONS:

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma 2021

• Ontario Scholar & Silver Medal Recipient 

LANGUAGE

• English

• French