Shahnaz Jafarzadeh MSW RSW, MEd

Shahnaz Jafarzadeh M.Ed., MSW, RSW, is a Social Worker who is licensed with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. With over 20 years of experience, most recently at Mackenzie Health Department of Domestic Abuse and Sexual Abuse, Shahnaz works with adults and couples to develop self-acceptance and cope with a variety of concerns and specializes in the long-term effects of trauma, abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, and domestic violence. Her approach is to create motivation to strengthen the vision for a life free of emotional pain, anxiety, and depression. As well as to encourage clients to see challenging times as opportunities to create positive change, creating a space to heal from emotional change.
She provides trust and support to go through healthy and positive transitions to a healthy lifestyle. Shahnaz utilizes a variety of approaches to reach these goals including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Decentralization Reprocessing (EMDR), and Internal Family System (IFS). These modalities are used to develop new skills for stress-reduction, emotion regulation, and effective coping strategies to manage external life circumstances. Shahnaz can provide services in both English and Farsi.
Shahnaz is available to work with teens (16+), adults, and couples.
Shahnaz is trained in a variety of therapeutic treatment modalities including Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) which is a powerful therapeutic modality for trauma recovery,
Shahnaz's clients have reported that she has a warm yet direct and straight-forward approach to supporting her clients. She has helped many teens and adults learn effective strategies to cope with low mood, anger, low self-esteem, anxiety, and impulsivity. In her work with families,
Shahnaz can offer clear conflict resolution methods to help improve communication, health
boundaries, and overall improvements in relationships.
In her work with couples, Shahnaz is committed to working with couples who are clear about wanting to repair their relationship and remain a couple. She is passionate about helping couples rebuild trust and communication as they manage parenting difficulties, recover from infidelity, or navigate cultural values.

Shahnaz's warm, grounded, and calm demeanour helps clients to feel at ease and safe during their therapy journey.
As a first-generation immigrant from Iran, Shahnaz has lived experience of immigration, life transitions, and cultural adaptation.

When she is not supporting her clients, Shahnaz lives her best life with her family and close friends, enjoys dancing, staying active and going for walks, and takes time for reflection and relaxation.