Our Team at Mastermind Centres

Driven by a passion for holistic healing, Maryam is a highly trained therapist offering a deeply integrated approach to mental wellness for individuals and couples. Her expertise includes the specialized treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) through the innovative combination of Ego State Therapy and EMDR, thoughtfully informed by Exposure and Response Prevention techniques.

With years of experience in couple therapy, Maryam is dedicated to helping partners build stronger and more fulfilling relationships. She is trained in Gottman Method Couples Therapy (Levels 1 & 2), a research-backed approach that focuses on improving communication, enhancing intimacy, and effectively addressing conflict by understanding and modifying negative interaction patterns. Maryam has also pursued training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and the Developmental Model. This training emphasizes strong interpersonal skills, self-awareness, and a deep understanding of human behavior, crucial for building rapport and guiding couples through therapeutic processes with empathy and effective communication.

Maryam's journey in counselling psychology, which began with a Master's degree and initial work in addiction and depression, has been continually shaped by her profound interest in trauma. Recognizing the intricate impact of relationship (attachment injury) and situational trauma, she has pursued extensive training in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (under the guidance of Pat Ogden) and Part Work (with Janina Fisher). These powerful, body-centered approaches provide a comprehensive understanding and effective treatment for a wide spectrum of traumatic experiences.

Recognizing the interconnectedness of mind and body, Maryam has also trained in Hypnotherapy (Levels 1 & 2) to help clients overcome anxiety, phobias, and persistent feelings of being stuck. Furthermore, as a board-certified Neurofeedback and Biofeedback practitioner, she utilizes the transformative power of neurofeedback to enhance cognitive function, emotional regulation, and overall well-being through brain self-regulation. Maryam's unique integration of Hypnotherapy and Neurofeedback (Alpha/Beta training) offers targeted support for individuals facing challenges with addiction, phobias, and sleep disturbances.

As a dedicated Approved Clinical Supervisor with the BCACC, Maryam is committed to fostering the growth of fellow therapists. Her overarching aim in therapy, whether working with individuals or couples, is to guide clients toward realizing their highest potential and reclaiming a sense of purpose and fulfillment in their lives.

Teresa is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#22522) with a Master’s degree in Counselling. She believes every individual has the capacity to grow through their struggles and emerge with clarity, strength, and purpose. By cultivating a safe, respectful space to understand your needs, Teresa can explore the patterns that are keeping you stuck. Through the practice of self-awareness and self-compassion, you can connect more deeply with your experiences, develop new understandings of self, and learn new ways of being.

Fernanda holds a Master’s degree in Psychology from the International Psychoanalytical University in Berlin and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from the Universidade de São Paulo. Her academic and clinical training took place across Canada, Brazil, Germany, and Chile, giving her a broad, multicultural foundation that informs her work with clients today.

Fernanda works with children, young adults, and adults, often supporting clients through challenges related to anxiety, parenting, relationship struggles, and the emotional impact of immigration or cultural adjustment. She has a particular interest in supporting mothers, drawing from both her research and clinical experience to help women navigate the transition into motherhood with care and self-compassion.

Her approach is grounded in empathy and flexibility. She integrates cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and person-centred principles to adapt to each client’s needs, believing that clients are the experts in their own lives and already carry the motivation to grow, even if things feel stuck or overwhelming.

Fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and German, Fernanda offers a welcoming space for clients from diverse backgrounds. She is available for both in-person and online sessions.

Lauren has a passion for helping others and learning about how the brain affects behaviour. Lauren received her Bachelor of Science in Behavioural Neuroscience from the University of British Columbia. She has experience supporting children with ASD and other behavioural disorders in both home and school settings. While at MasterMind, Lauren has completed several thousand Neurofeedback Training sessions and clients regularly compliment her caring and kind approach. In her spare time, Lauren likes to hike, read, play board games, and go on walks with her dog Gus.

Negin is actively pursuing her psychology degree at the University of British Columbia. With a keen interest in social psychology and a strong passion for behavioural neuroscience, she delves into the progressive field of neurofeedback, aspiring to support individuals on their unique paths toward mental wellness. Having amassed substantial research experience at both Simon Fraser University and the University of British Columbia, Negin brings a rich academic perspective to the highly skilled multidisciplinary team at MasterMind Brain Optimization Centres.

Laura is a recent graduate from the University of Victoria receiving her bachelor’s degree in biology and psychology. She had previous experience working with children who have neurodevelopmental disorders as well as working in a child neuropsychology lab helping parents and their kids learn a tablet-based game that helps build executive functioning skills. Laura is interested in how the difference in brain structure and function affects behaviour and cognition, and is passionate about helping others learn about their brain to understand themselves better. In her free time, you can find Laura playing ultimate frisbee, hiking, or skiing.

Joel is an executive, career, and life coach dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and business professionals thrive. His extensive background in leadership, corporate strategy, and operations management provides a deep understanding of the challenges facing today's leaders. He combines this practical business acumen with a passion for holistic well-being, recognizing the crucial link between personal fulfillment and professional success. Joel believes true leadership starts from within, helping clients cultivate self-awareness, enhance emotional intelligence, and lead authentically.

Grounded in the Co-Active Coaching model, Joel partners with clients to explore their values, clarify goals, and develop strategies for sustainable growth and balance. His PhD research in Applied Psychophysiology provides a unique perspective, integrating insights from mind-body science. He utilizes the Biopsychosocial model to empower clients to create a successful and deeply fulfilling life and business.