Samira Gholami (She/Her)
Counselor/Therapist, Registered Therapeutic Counsellor
In-Person in Richmond, BC V6V 3A1
Online in United Kingdom,
Multiple Canadian Provinces
Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Newfoundland And Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Saskatchewan, Yukon
Are you feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges, struggling in your relationships, or finding it difficult to balance your needs with the expectations of others? You deserve a supportive space where your experiences are understood and your voice matters. As a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC), I offer affordable, compassionate counselling for adolescents, teens, adults, and couples. Drawing on my experience in supervised counselling, community mental health, and family support, I help clients navigate anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, communication challenges, and life transitions. My approach is collaborative, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive, with services available in English and Farsi. Whether you're seeking personal growth or hoping to strengthen your relationship with your partner, I'd welcome the opportunity to support you in creating meaningful, positive change.
Client Focus
Session Format: Couple, Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Senior, Teen, Young Adult
Demographic Expertise: Men, Middle Eastern, Muslim, Women clients.
Languages: English, Farsi
Treatment Approach
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) One of the most widely used approaches, CBT helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier patterns. It is effective for anxiety, depression, and many other concerns.
- Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) Builds skills in self-kindness and compassion toward others. It is especially helpful for people who struggle with shame or self-criticism.
- Eclectic Therapy Draws from different therapeutic methods based on what fits each client best. It is flexible and personalized rather than following one single model.
- Integrative Therapy Combines techniques from multiple approaches into a customized plan. It adapts to each client’s unique situation and needs.
- Multicultural Therapy Acknowledges the role of culture, race, and identity in mental health. It values diversity and adapts treatment to each person’s background.
- Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) Emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity. It provides a safe space for self-discovery and growth.
Approach Description: I believe that meaningful therapeutic change begins with a relationship built on trust, compassion, and mutual respect. My approach to counselling is collaborative, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive, recognizing that every individual brings their own experiences, strengths, values, and challenges into the therapeutic relationship.
**Person-Centred Counselling**
At the heart of my practice is the belief that you are the expert on your own life. I strive to create a warm, accepting, and non-judgmental environment where you feel comfortable exploring your thoughts and emotions without fear of criticism. Rather than offering quick solutions or telling you what to do, I work alongside you to develop greater self-awareness, recognize your strengths, and discover meaningful paths forward.
**Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)**
I incorporate evidence-based CBT principles to help you better understand the connections between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Together, we can explore patterns that may contribute to anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, or relationship difficulties. By identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and developing practical coping strategies, we can work toward healthier emotional responses and more balanced ways of approaching life's challenges.
**Trauma-Informed Care**
I recognize that past experiences can influence how we perceive ourselves, relate to others, and respond to stressful situations. My trauma-informed approach prioritizes emotional safety, choice, collaboration, and empowerment. You will never be pressured to discuss experiences before you feel ready. Instead, we will work at a pace that respects your boundaries while supporting your sense of safety, confidence, and personal agency.
**Culturally Responsive Counselling**
Our cultural backgrounds, family relationships, and personal identities shape how we understand mental health and emotional well-being. I recognize that navigating cultural expectations, intergenerational differences, or competing responsibilities can sometimes create additional challenges. I approach these experiences with sensitivity and curiosity, ensuring that your values, beliefs, and lived experiences remain central to our work together.
**A Collaborative Path Toward Change**
My goal is to make counselling both supportive and practical. Depending on your needs, our sessions may involve exploring emotional patterns, strengthening communication skills, developing healthier boundaries, building emotional regulation strategies, or finding new ways to approach difficult situations.
I don't believe therapy should follow a rigid formula. We will regularly reflect on your progress, explore what is working, and adapt our approach as your needs evolve.
Above all, I want you to leave our sessions feeling heard, respected, and increasingly confident in your ability to navigate life's challenges. Together, we can create space for growth, healing, and meaningful change—one step at a time.
Fees & Insurance
Fees
- Average Session Fee 120
- Affordable sliding scale therapy: apply if you may be eligible.
- Your financial circumstances shouldn't determine whether you can access meaningful mental health support. My regular counselling rate is $120 per 60-minute individual session, but I understand that therapy can feel financially out of reach, especially when you're managing school expenses, family responsibilities, unemployment, or other financial pressures. Through Grigore Counselling & Associates, I offer flexible sliding-scale counselling based on individual financial circumstances and availability. Significantly reduced rates and, in some cases, fully subsidized sessions may be available for those experiencing financial hardship. You don't need to meet a specific income threshold or assume that your budget is too limited to qualify. Whether you can afford $100, $50, or considerably less, I encourage you to reach out and discuss your situation. Our goal is to help you find an arrangement that makes consistent, compassionate counselling possible without creating additional financial stress. Please contact our friendly administrative team to explore available options. All requests are considered individually, and reduced-fee availability may vary.
- Accepts Insurance
- Understanding your extended health benefits shouldn't be another source of stress when seeking counselling. At Grigore Counselling & Associates, our administrative team is happy to help you explore your insurance coverage and available payment options before your first appointment. Our clinic works with several major Canadian insurance providers, including Manulife, Canada Life, Sun Life, Equitable Life, and Blue Cross. Direct billing may be available for eligible services through participating insurance systems, including TELUS Health eClaims. As a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC) currently completing my Master of Counselling practicum under the clinical supervision of Lacey Poltorasky, my sessions may qualify for coverage depending on your insurance provider, individual policy, and requirements for supervised counselling services. Our administrative team can help you understand your options, including whether direct billing is available or receipts can be submitted for reimbursement. Insurance coverage cannot be guaranteed and should be confirmed with your provider before booking. If your benefits don't cover my services, please don't let that discourage you from reaching out. My regular individual counselling rate is $120 per hour, and flexible sliding-scale fees, including fully subsidized sessions in certain circumstances, are available to help make mental health support more accessible.
Education & Credentials
Samira Gholami Registered Therapeutic Counsellor
- Female
- License # RTC $3635
- Licensed in British Columbia
- Practicing Since 2018
Education: I hold a BA in Psychology from the University of British Columbia (2017) and a Diploma in Professional Counselling from VCCT (2021). I am currently completing my Master of Counselling at City University of Seattle, Vancouver campus (expected 2027).
Samira Gholami Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available In-Person in Richmond, BC V6V 3A1
- Available Online for residents of United Kingdom, Multiple Canadian Provinces Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Newfoundland And Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Saskatchewan, Yukon
- Online Therapy Details: Secure Jane Video
Life can feel overwhelming when anxiety, relationship difficulties, family expectations, or significant changes begin affecting your emotional well-being. Whether you're a teenager navigating growing independence, an adult facing personal challenges, or a couple struggling to reconnect, you deserve a supportive space where your experiences are understood and respected.
My name is Samira Gholami, and I'm a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC) currently completing my Master of Counselling degree at City University. Through Grigore Counselling & Associates, I provide compassionate, affordable counselling for adolescents, teens, adults, and couples in English and Farsi.
**Experience That Makes a Difference**
My professional background includes supervised counselling, community mental health, education, and family support. Since 2018, I've gained experience in supervised co-counselling and psychoeducation, accumulating over 900 hours of client contact across counselling, behavioural support, and community settings.
As the Co-Founder and Program Director of a community mental health nonprofit, I've also helped develop programs supporting emotional well-being, relationships, parenting, and stress management. These experiences have strengthened my understanding of how personal challenges, family dynamics, and cultural influences shape our lives.
**Individual and Couples Counselling**
I support individuals navigating anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, stress, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. Together, we can explore your experiences, develop healthier coping strategies, strengthen emotional awareness, and build greater confidence.
For couples, I provide a collaborative environment where both partners can feel heard and respected. Whether you're struggling with recurring disagreements, communication breakdowns, emotional distance, or rebuilding trust, we can explore relationship patterns and work toward healthier communication, mutual understanding, and stronger connections.
**My Therapeutic Approach**
My approach is person-centred, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive. I incorporate Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and evidence-informed strategies, adapting our sessions to your individual needs, values, and goals.
I recognize that family expectations, cultural identity, and personal experiences can influence how we understand ourselves and connect with others. My goal is to create a welcoming environment where you can explore these influences openly, without judgment.
**Affordable and Accessible Support**
I believe meaningful mental health support should be accessible. My individual counselling rate is $120 per hour, with flexible sliding-scale options available, including fully subsidized sessions in certain circumstances.
Whether you're seeking support for yourself, your teenager, or your relationship, taking the first step can feel intimidating. You don't need to have everything figured out before reaching out.
I'd welcome the opportunity to hear your story and support you in building greater confidence, emotional balance, and meaningful connections.