Aziz Mirza
I believe that we continuously construct our identities through our relationships. and that our primary process of growth, healing, and moving toward meaning can be profoundly nurtured in relational contexts as well. This is especially possible in a safe and nurturing environment that enables us to reveal and be embraced for the authentic layers, diverse parts, and intersectional identities that we embody. Therefore, I aim to support you in delving into the facets of your life you wish to understand, change, or see evolve, and cultivate contexts that make it possible.
Who you will be working with: I have a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, which anchors my belief in the transformative power of viewing issues through a psychosocial lens. This is crucial in driving substantive strides toward social justice and change. My approach is further driven by my upbringing across diverse countries, cultures, and belief systems, and compounded by my experience of being Queer. The intersectionality of holding multiple non-dominant identities has significantly shaped how I understand and navigate life, and the value I place in community and relationality. Through my work in therapy to improve mental health and foster supportive relationships, I aim to contribute meaningfully to the well-being of those often within society’s margins.
Areas of competence: I am confident in supporting your regulation, growth, and healing across the following domains:
• Identity (Queer identity exploration, development, and affirmation, intersections of racial and cultural identities, men’s issues)
• Neurodiversity (ADHD, autism, learning, and general) • Gender and sexuality
• Intimacy (sexual and non-sexual)
• Self-esteem, self-worth, and self-confidence
• Anxiety and depression
• Conflict and communication (skills development, boundary-making, self-advocacy, resolution)
• Life experiences, transitions, and struggles (immigrant and non-immigrant, career guidance)
• Trauma and post-traumatic stress (including impacts of racism and heteronormativity)
• Relationship challenges and attachment wounds (family, partner(s), friends, and peers)
• Ethical non-monogamy (ENM), polyamory, relationship anarchy, and other nonconformist relationship structures
Training and modalities: I take an integrative approach to therapy which draws on various theories and concepts including training in:
• Competent and Affirming LGBTQ2IA+ Couples and Partners Therapy
• The Developmental Model for Couples Therapy • Trauma Informed Training for Children and Families Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence
• Trauma Informed Care
• Crisis De-Escalation
• Brain Story
• Non-Suicidal Self-Injury: Assessment and Risk Management
• Unpacking Hate Crime
I am also informed in • Solution Focused Narrative Therapy (SFNT)
• Internal Family System (IFS)
• Neurodiversity informed I continuously embrace practices rooted in intersectionality, transformative justice, and anti-oppression, and honour these fundamental pillars within the therapy room.
Welcome to sessions with me: You are the expert on your life, so come as you are, and that includes all parts of you. There is no expectation of how you need to show up as a Queer or Person of Colour, I honor that your individual and collective identities do not fit any one narrative.
Aziz also offers a free 20-minute phone or video consultation, to support you in finding the most suitable fit as you embark on your therapy journey.
Aziz is a Registered Provisional Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists