A Safe Space to Be Heard, Understood, and Supported.
Life can sometimes feel overwhelming — stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, life transitions, or parenting concerns. Counseling For You provides compassionate, respectful, client-centred support designed around your individual needs, strengths, and goals.
Master of Social Work (MSW) · PhD (Asia) · Registered Social Worker (RSW) · 10+ years of experience · English · Urdu · Punjabi · Sindhi
You may be seeking support for
Stress and life transitionsAnxiety and emotional concernsLow self-esteem and confidenceRelationship and communication difficultiesFamily and parenting concernsYouth and adolescent concernsEmotional regulation and copingGrief and adjustmentWorkplace or personal stressSupport for parents and caregivers of autistic childrenConnecting with community resources and services
I Support Clients With
Support tailored to where you are — personal, relational, and family-focused.
Communication · Boundaries · Relationship concerns · Family challenges
Parent & Family Support
Parenting challenges · Family adjustment · Support for parents of autistic children
Life Transitions
Major life changes · Adjustment · Grief and loss · Workplace stress and burnout
Practical & Social Support
Resource navigation · Community referrals · Transitional support · Advocacy
My Approach
Client-Centred
Your experiences, needs, and goals are central to our work.
Collaborative
We work together to identify practical steps that are meaningful to you.
Strengths-Based
We recognize your existing abilities, resources, and resilience.
Solution-Focused
We identify achievable strategies for addressing current challenges.
Meet Your Counsellor
Syeda Farhana Sarfaraz, MSW, PhD(Asia), RSW
I am a social work professional with a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Ryerson University and 10 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and families in Canada and internationally. My approach is compassionate, respectful, collaborative, and strengths-based — offering a safe, non-judgmental space where you can feel heard, understood, and supported.
I am a social work professional with a Master of Social Work (MSW) and extensive experience supporting individuals, couples, families, and communities through a wide range of personal, emotional, and social challenges.
I earned my MSW from Ryerson University. My international social work education and experience have provided me with a broad understanding of diverse cultures, family systems, community resources, and the challenges people may experience during different stages of life. My previous teaching experience strengthened my skills in communication, education, facilitation, and working with people from diverse backgrounds.
I have 10 years of experience in counselling and client support in Canada, including experience working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, life transitions, family challenges, and other emotional and social difficulties.
My professional experience as an EFAP therapist includes providing short-term counselling, emotional support, assessment of client needs, transitional support, psycho-education, referrals, and helping clients identify practical strategies and resources to move toward their goals.
I believe effective support begins with listening without judgment. My goal is to provide a safe and respectful environment where you feel heard, understood, and supported.
Client-Centred
Your experiences, needs, and goals are central to our work.
Collaborative
We work together to identify practical steps that are meaningful to you.
Strengths-Based
We recognize your existing abilities, resources, and resilience.
Solution-Focused
We identify achievable strategies for addressing current challenges.
Culturally Respectful
I recognize that culture, family, relationships, and personal values can influence our experiences and well-being.
Practical
Counselling can include concrete strategies, resources, and referrals when appropriate.
Areas of Expertise
Anxiety and Stress
Support may focus on understanding stress and anxiety, identifying triggers, developing coping strategies, improving emotional regulation, and building healthier routines.
Low Self-Esteem and Confidence
Counselling can help you explore negative self-perceptions, recognize your strengths, establish healthier boundaries, and develop greater confidence in your decisions and relationships.
Relationship Concerns
Support may include communication difficulties, recurring relationship conflicts, boundaries, emotional needs, trust concerns, and navigating relationship transitions.
Life Transitions
Counselling can provide support during transitions such as changes in relationships, employment, family circumstances, relocation, or other significant life events.
Parenting and Family Concerns
Support can focus on communication, parenting stress, family relationships, emotional regulation, and navigating available community resources.
Youth and Adolescent Support
Young people may experience academic pressure, relationship difficulties, anxiety, self-esteem concerns, family conflict, and challenges adjusting to change. Support can focus on developing coping skills, communication, and confidence.
Grief and Adjustment
Grief and major life changes can affect individuals in different ways. Counselling provides a supportive space to process emotions and adjust to changes at your own pace.
Community Resources and Service Navigation
When appropriate, I can help individuals and families identify community resources and understand pathways to services that may support their needs.
"You do not have to navigate difficult times alone. Support is available, and taking the first step can begin with a conversation."
Counseling For You offers individualized sessions based on your needs and goals.
Individual Counselling
One-to-one sessions providing a confidential and supportive environment to explore personal concerns, emotional challenges, and life transitions.
Parent Support
Individual support for parents and caregivers navigating parenting challenges, including families raising autistic children.
Relationship Support
Support with communication, boundaries, conflict, and relationship concerns.
Youth Support
Age-appropriate support for young people experiencing stress, anxiety, self-esteem concerns, family difficulties, or life transitions.
Psychoeducation
Practical information and strategies related to emotional well-being, stress management, communication, relationships, parenting, and coping.
Resource & Service Navigation
Assistance identifying appropriate community resources and services based on individual and family needs.
Consultation
A brief initial consultation to discuss your concerns, ask questions, and determine whether my services may be appropriate for your needs.
Parent Support for Families of Autistic Children
You Don't Have to Navigate the Journey Alone
Parenting an autistic child can bring many rewarding experiences as well as emotional, practical, and family challenges. My parent-support service focuses on supporting the parent and family, rather than providing autism treatment to the child.
Understanding and processing the emotional impact of an autism diagnosis
Parenting stress and caregiver well-being
Communication and family relationships
Establishing realistic expectations and goals
Navigating community services and resources
Preparing for meetings with schools and service providers
Advocating for your child's needs
Supporting siblings and family relationships
Building parental confidence
Developing sustainable self-care strategies
Please note: Parent support is not a substitute for medical, diagnostic, behavioural, or specialized autism services. When appropriate, referrals to other qualified professionals or community services can be discussed.
EAP and insurance clients are accepted, and a sliding scale is available based on individual circumstances. During the initial consultation, we can briefly discuss your concerns, the type of support you are looking for, and whether my services may be an appropriate fit. Please contact me for information about availability, payment options, and cancellation policies.
Fees and service arrangements are subject to change. Please contact me for current information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect during my first session?
The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and discuss what brings you to counselling. We will explore your concerns, goals, and relevant background information and begin identifying areas where support may be helpful.
How long is a session?
Standard counselling sessions are approximately 60 minutes.
Do I need to know exactly what I want to discuss?
No. You do not need to have everything figured out before your first session. We can work together to identify your concerns and priorities.
Is counselling confidential?
Information shared during counselling is generally kept confidential, subject to applicable professional, legal, and safety requirements. These limits can be discussed during the intake process.
Do you provide support to parents of autistic children?
Yes. I provide parent and family support focused on caregiver well-being, coping, family communication, service navigation, and practical support.
Do you diagnose autism, ADHD, depression, or other conditions?
No. My services are focused on counselling, support, psychoeducation, and service navigation. Where assessment or diagnosis is required, appropriate referrals can be discussed.
Do you provide emergency or crisis services?
Counseling For You is not an emergency or crisis service. If you are experiencing an immediate safety concern or emergency, please contact 911, go to your nearest emergency department, or contact an appropriate crisis service.
Can counselling be provided online?
Online sessions may be available depending on the service, location, and applicable requirements. Please contact me to discuss your needs.
Ready to talk?
Start with a free 15-minute consultation — no pressure, just a conversation.
Practical tips, reflections, and psychoeducation from Syeda — new posts coming soon.
Coming Soon
Understanding Anxiety: Where to Start
New post coming soon — check back or follow along on Instagram.
Coming Soon
Supporting a Family Member Through Grief
New post coming soon — check back or follow along on Instagram.
Coming Soon
5 Grounding Techniques for Stressful Days
New post coming soon — check back or follow along on Instagram.
New articles will be added regularly — check back soon, or follow along on Instagram for updates.
Contact
Take the First Step
Reaching out for support can be difficult. You don't need to have all the answers before you contact me. If you are considering counseling or parent support, I invite you to get in touch to discuss your needs and determine whether my services may be appropriate for you.
Please contact me to inquire about availability or to arrange a free initial consultation. A brief 15-minute conversation can help determine whether my services may be a good fit for your needs.
A dedicated online booking calendar can be added here once a scheduling tool (e.g. Jane App, Calendly) is chosen.
Please do not include sensitive or confidential personal information in an initial email or contact form.
Counseling For You is not an emergency or crisis service. If you are experiencing an immediate safety concern or emergency, please call 911, go to your nearest emergency department, or contact an appropriate crisis service.
