Samiha Sharif (she/her) is a first-generation settler Bengali woman of colour who graduated from the University of Toronto Master of Social Work program with a specialization in health and mental health. Beyond this private practice, Samiha is currently the Manager, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, and volunteers as a Walk in Counsellor at the WoodGreen Walk in Clinic.

Previously Samiha has worked in clinical and community roles at universities, in an Inuit high school in Kuujjuaq, Nunavik, an Indigenous Student Centre at John Abbott College, at an elementary school for Deaf children, as a social worker at a paediatric disability hospital, and as a grief group facilitator. As a Diversity, and Inclusion Consultant, Samiha believes that all her work must begin with listening, proceeding with kindness, and be rooted in community-centred principles. Samiha aims to practice authenticity, consent, anti-oppression, and intersectional feminism in a trauma informed, accessible, and compassionate manner.

Having been in therapy herself the last seven years, Samiha believes that the therapeutic relationship is meant to be a safe space where one can explore their traumas, identities, family dynamics, lived experiences, mental health challenges, illness(es), systemic barriers, loss and grief, beliefs, and coping mechanisms amongst many other dynamics to set goals to become the best version of oneself. Working to acknowledge her privilege as a cisgender, heterosexual, able-bodied settler, it is important for Samiha to be an ally to Black, Indigenous, Queer, Non-Binary, Trans, and Disability communities. To make you feel seen and heard, Samiha hopes to listen to your needs, provide you with agency in this therapeutic process, and implement any feedback to create an authentic space. Reaching out for support can be challenging, and Samiha will meet you where you are with warmth. Samiha uses an integrative approach by using narrative therapy, emotion-focused therapy, and psychodynamic models, with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy as an adjunct to therapy.

If you are interested in a free consultation, please share your pronouns if you feel comfortable, and let Samiha know if you have any accommodations needs when you choose to contact us.

She is a member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, and of the Ontario Association of Social Workers.