Do you offer therapy in Farsi?
Yes. Sessions are available fully in Farsi, fully in English, or in a natural mix of both — whatever feels most natural to you in the moment.
What happens during the free consultation?
It’s a relaxed 15-minute conversation, not an assessment. You share what’s bringing you to therapy, ask any questions you have, and get a feel for Ghazal’s approach. There are no forms to fill out beforehand. The only goal is to help you decide whether working together feels right.
Do you work with Toronto clients only?
Will my insurance cover psychotherapy?
Many extended health plans in Canada cover psychotherapy by a Registered Psychotherapist (RP). Check your policy for RP coverage. Insurance receipts are provided after every session for reimbursement.
How long does therapy usually take?
It depends on your goals. Some clients focus on a specific issue and see meaningful change in 3–6 months. Others continue longer for deeper work on patterns and identity. There is no minimum commitment — you can pause or stop whenever you choose.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person?
Yes. Research consistently shows that video-based therapy produces outcomes equivalent to in-person sessions for anxiety, trauma, depression, relationship difficulties, and most other concerns. Many clients also find the privacy and flexibility of virtual sessions helpful — there is no commute, no waiting room, and no need to leave home.
I’m not sure what I need help with — is that okay?
Completely. Many clients arrive with a vague sense that something isn’t right, but no clear label for it. You don’t need a diagnosis or a defined goal to start. Part of what therapy does is help you understand and articulate what you’re carrying — that is itself part of the work.
What if I’m nervous to start?
That’s completely normal — and it’s okay to say so on the call. The free consultation exists precisely to reduce that pressure. You can ask anything, share as much or as little as you like, and take your time deciding. There is no obligation to continue.
Is Ghazal Iranian herself?
Yes. Ghazal was born and raised in Iran and completed her first graduate degree in Clinical Psychology at Kharazmi University in Tehran before immigrating to Canada for further training. She has lived the experience her clients describe — the cultural transitions, the family dynamics, the dual identity of being Iranian in Canada.
What cultural issues can we work on in sessions?
Many things specific to the Iranian immigrant experience: the weight of family expectations and cultural obligation, the grief of leaving Iran or watching it change from a distance, the conflict between your own values and those you were raised with, the exhaustion of living between two identities, and the specific way that shame and honour shape emotional life in Persian families. You don’t need to translate any of this — Ghazal understands these dynamics from the inside.
Do you understand Iranian family dynamics specifically?
Yes. Ghazal grew up inside those dynamics and has spent over ten years working clinically with clients from Iranian backgrounds. She understands the layered roles within Persian families, the unspoken rules, the way obligation and love are intertwined, and the cost of not living up to expectations that were never made explicit. This isn’t general cultural sensitivity training — it’s lived and clinical familiarity.
Is therapy completely confidential from my family?
Yes, completely. Everything discussed in sessions is confidential under the ethical and legal standards of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). Nothing is shared with your family, your community, or anyone else in your life. The only exceptions are the standard legal obligations that apply to all therapists — risk of serious harm to yourself or others — and these are explained clearly at the start of therapy.
Do you provide insurance receipts?
Yes. Insurance receipts are provided after every session for submission to your extended health insurance plan. Ask any insurance questions during your free consultation.
How soon can I get an appointment?
New client spots are typically available within one to two weeks. The best way to check current availability is to book a free 15-minute consultation through Jane — you’ll see available times immediately. You can also call
(647) 699-5142 to ask about availability directly.
Can I access Farsi-speaking therapy in Hamilton?
Yes. Hamilton is a revitalizing port city with a diversifying, growing newcomer population, and Farsi-speaking therapy is available to you virtually through NoorMinds. Ghazal Sheikhtaheri is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), CRPO #21300, an Iranian immigrant offering care in English and Farsi. Some people search for an "Iranian psychologist," though her accurate title is Registered Psychotherapist. Online sessions let you connect from anywhere in Hamilton.