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.

Alireza, a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC#23662) and bilingual in English and Farsi, brings a calm, thoughtful presence to every session.

Using a person-centered, trauma-informed approach, he creates a safe, non-judgmental space for clients to explore their experiences. His style is warm, collaborative, and evidence-based, integrating EMDR (EMDRI-approved), DBT, ACT, and motivational interviewing to support meaningful and lasting change.

Alireza has extensive experience working with adults navigating issues such as anxiety, depression, substance use, men's issues, divorce, relationship challenges, PTSD, and complex trauma. His clinical background—including work in mental health crisis at CMHA and as a clinical and substance use counsellor at Fraser Health—has given him the skills to address diverse challenges effectively. Clients appreciate his practical, reflective approach, which helps them build self-awareness, strengthen coping skills, and reconnect with their sense of strength and purpose.

Diba is a compassionate student counsellor who is currently completing her Master of Counselling at City University of Seattle in Canada. She is doing her clinical internship at Mastermind Brain Optimization Centre. Diba has a strong academic background, with an MSc in Psychoanalytic Developmental Psychology from University College London (in collaboration with the Anna Freud Centre) and a BSc in Experimental Psychology from the University of Bristol, UK.

Diba has a diverse background in counselling, teaching, and advocacy. She has experience working with children and adolescents, and she has been a school counsellor. She has also completed specialized training in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and trauma-informed practice, which has shaped her approach to helping clients who have experienced complex trauma. Her practice is guided by a deep understanding of issues like anxiety, depression, and the struggles children face with friendships, fitting in, and executive functioning difficulties often associated with ADHD. Diba is passionate about helping people build resilience and navigate life’s challenges, and she works to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive space where clients feel heard and empowered. Diba moved to Canada in 2021 and brings a multicultural perspective to her work. She is fluent in both English and Farsi, allowing her to connect with a diverse range of clients.

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.

Isabelle's eagerness to learn about the brain and its relation to behaviour has led to her completing a bachelor’s degree, majoring in Psychology, at the University of British Columbia. She has a strong desire to help others, which has shaped her experience in working with individuals in the mental health field, by volunteering as a crisis responder and providing support within senior care homes. In her free time, she enjoys going on walks, spending time with her loved ones and cooking.

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.