Hi there!
I’m Forouz Salari, MA, MSW, RSW (she/her)…
I am a white-passing, Middle Eastern / Southwest Asian (SWANA), neurodivergent, bisexual, cis-gender woman (in a heterosexual-passing partnership) and a first-generation immigrant and settler (who came to Canada as a refugee from Iran, during childhood).
I speak, understand and read Farsi fluently, and use English as the primary language in my work.
I have also lived through trauma, displacement, mental illness, divorce, chronic illness, chronic pain, and fatness.
So, I know what it’s like to feel:
lost and confused
doubtful and overwhelmed
frustrated and misunderstood
lonely
exhausted
and just not good enough
I know the effort and energy it takes to step into and embrace a journey of self-discovery, healing and growth, not knowing where it might lead.
I also know how incredibly transformative it can be!
If I could speak to my younger self, I’d say:
“It takes a little courage, a little hope, a little patience and flexibility, and some gentleness (mainly with yourself). There will be hard times, some set-backs and some detours that you didn’t expect. But, you’ll be amazed by what you discover about how strong, proud, loved and content you will feel, as you step further into living life as your full authentic self.”
MISSION
To support marginalized and minoritized people to experience a sense of belonging and acceptance in a world and system that wasn't built for them and doesn't capture the intersections of their identities and lived experiences.
PASSION
To support people who are committed to self-exploration and healing, as part of their ongoing personal and professional growth.
This involves integrating what’s happened in your past with your present moment, finding balance, feeling grounded and content in yourself, creating connections that nourish you, and leading a fulfilling life that captures every aspect of your identity.
SPECIALIZATION
Providing counselling, leadership coaching and clinical consultation to women, queer, neurodivergent and BIPOC folks, and adult children of immigrants (i.e., people who immigrated to Canada as a child or teenager, or were born into 1st or 2nd generation immigrant-settler families, including mixed-race / inter-ethnic / inter-faith families), as well as professionals and organizations that support these communities.
The process of healing & growth is like peeling back the layers of an onion, one-by-one…
It can be gross and make you tear up, but it sure cleans things out!
Often when we’ve experienced and overcome tough times, it can feel discouraging and disillusioning when something hurtful from the past pops up again.
Believe it or not, this is a part of the process of healing and transformation! Our minds and bodies don’t give us more than we can handle, at any given point in our lives.
It’s also important to pace ourselves, especially if we’ve lived through traumatic experiences.
Even though it can feel frustrating and confusing, when the past “comes knocking”, it’s a sign that we’re ready to work through a new layer of the onion!
The good news is…
You’re not alone! I’ll be by your side, every step of the way!
I’ll guide you when you feel lost, confused and overwhelmed.
I’ll support you when you’re feeling frustrated and hopeless, and when you need to pick yourself back up after a set-back.
I’ll offer alternative perspectives on your situation.
I’ll share helpful information, resources and tips with you.
I’ll cheer you on as you practice new skills and techniques, go after new opportunities or take leaps of faith, even when you’re losing steam.
I’ll work with you to tweak your goals, so that you’re pacing yourself and creating a doable plan that fits your life.
And, I’ll challenge you to keep reflecting and growing.
In our work together, you can count on me to bring humour, pragmatism, deep honesty, compassion and a commitment to your goals, because I believe in everyone’s capacity to heal, grow, connect deeply with others, and discover who they are and how to lead a fulfilling life.
Book a time to speak with me
Let’s talk and get started on finding a sustainable way for you to truly thrive and feel fulfilled in your life, relationships, studies and work.
Providing online counselling, coaching and consulting in:
