ASPIRE Counselling

Affordable and culturally responsive counselling, here when you’re ready!

Welcome to ASPIRE Counselling. Our team of counsellors are thoroughly familiar with Muslim cultures and values. Getting support shouldn’t feel overwhelming or out of reach. We offer affordable, compassionate mental health support in a space that feels safe, respectful, and easy to start. Whether it is for yourself, your child, your relationship, or your friends and family, we’re here to support.

More Information

ASPIRE Counselling offers culturally informed and confidential support for individuals and families. Our trained professionals help you manage stress, emotional challenges, relationships, and personal growth in a safe and respectful environment.

Call Us

1-866-248-3868 ext. 6

Our counsellors

Our counsellors are qualified professionals registered with recognized bodies. They offer support in multiple languages to better serve youth and families

Ihab Darwiche

MACP, CCC, RP-Q
Speaks English, Arabic, and Spanish.

Leen Hamdi, RTC, RPC-C

Leen Hamdi

BA, RTC, MPCC
Speaks English, Arabic

Lia Khalili, RP

Lia Khalili

BS, MA, RP
Speaks English, Farsi

Siedo Morgan, RCC

Siedo Morgan

BA, MS, RCC
Speaks English, Dari, Kurdish, Farsi

Areas of support

  • Mental health challenges
    Trauma, anxiety, depression, eating concerns, learning difficulties, fears, and phobias
  • Stress, anger, and emotional overwhelm
    Sadness, emptiness, feeling burned out, stuck, or constantly on edge
  • Migration & newcomer experiences
    Adjusting to life in Canada, culture shock, racism and displacement
  • Identity & family-of-origin struggles
    Navigating culture, faith, expectations, and generational gaps
  • Addictions & coping habits
    Alcohol, substances, gambling, gaming, porn and more
  • Healthy boundaries & communication
    Learning how to express yourself and feel heard
  • Grief, loss & major life changes
    Endings, transitions, and times when life feels uncertain
  • Relationships, couples & family conflict
    Communication breakdowns, trust issues, parenting stress, and reconnecting
  • Surviving abuse, violence & trauma
    Including assault, emotional or physical abuse, and domestic violence
  • Children & youth support
    Bullying, trauma, refugee experiences, war-related stress, abuse, identity struggles, and emotional regulation with flexible support for both youth and caregivers, depending on the situation

What to Expect

There’s no one-size-fits-all therapy here. We focus on what works for you.

Sessions may include:

  • Talking things through at your pace

  • Practical tools to manage stress and emotions

  • Support with communication and relationships

  • Mindfulness and grounding techniques

  • Trauma-informed and body-aware care

  • Strength-based, solution-focused support

You don’t need to understand therapy to begin  we’ll guide you step by step.

Modalities used

  • Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
  • Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Emotion-focused therapy (EFT)
  • Internal family systems
  • Life skills coaching
  • Mindfulness
  • Narrative therapy
  • Person-centered therapy
  • Solution-focused therapy
  • Somatic approaches

Our Community

ASPIRE Counselling serves a diverse community, with many of our clients speaking English, Arabic, Kurdish, Farsi, Dari, and Spanish

While these communities make up a large portion of our clients, our services are open to everyone. If a specific language is requested, kindly let us know and we will do our best to onboard a counsellor who speaks that language.

Guided by the mission of Muslim Food Bank and Community Services, ASPIRE Counselling offers affordable counselling for individuals with or without extended benefits or the ability to pay standard industry rates (often $180+), ensuring mental health support remains accessible to all.

Affordability & Payment Options

We offer flexible counselling options so cost doesn’t get in the way of getting support. Depending on your situation, you may qualify for reduced or subsidized rates, plan discounts, sliding-scale fees or free sessions.

If you have extended health benefits, you’re welcome to use them (please note: we do not offer direct billing).

Not sure what applies to you? That’s completely okay. Reach out to us at counselling@muslimfoodbank.com or call 1-866-248-3868 ext. 6, and our team will be happy to walk you through your options with care and no pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need a referral to book counselling?

No, a referral is not compulsory. If you don’t have one, simply write “no referral” on the registration form. That said, we do appreciate knowing how did you get to know about us, as it helps us understand where our clients are coming from and how we can reach more people who need support.

Absolutely. Many of our clients are trying counselling for the first time. We’ll guide you through the process and go at your pace.

If cost is a concern, just reach out. We’ll explore free, reduced, or sliding-scale options together and let you know what you qualify for. Asking doesn’t commit you to anything.

We offer flexible and affordable options, including free sessions for those who qualify. Simply give us a call or message to find out if you qualify.

Yes. If you have extended health benefits, you’re welcome to use them. Please note that we do not offer direct billing currently.

We currently offer counselling in English, Arabic, Kurdish, Farsi, Dari, and Spanish. If you’re looking for support in another language, reach out — we’ll do our best to accommodate.

Yes, we support all age groups, including children, young people, adults, and families. Our counselling services are tailored to meet people where they’re at, providing safe, supportive care at every stage of life.

Our approach is inclusive and client-centered, and we respect all beliefs, cultures, and backgrounds. Support is tailored to your needs

How do I get started?

You can start by simply reaching out the way you are most comfortable with
WhatsApp: +1 (289) 406-0102
Email: counselling@muslimfoodbank.com
Phone: 1-866-248-3868 ext. 6

Connect with a Professional Mental Health Counselor
Please fill out the form below. A member of our team will contact you shortly to schedule your session with a counselor.
Connect with a Professional Mental Health Counselor
Please fill out the form below. A member of our team will contact you shortly to schedule your session with a counselor.
Connect with a Professional Mental Health Counselor
Please fill out the form below. A member of our team will contact you shortly to schedule your session with a counselor.
Connect with a Professional Mental Health Counselor
Please fill out the form below. A member of our team will contact you shortly to schedule your session with a counselor.