Ijaabo is a Black Muslim therapist with experience in child and family counselling. Ijaabo prides herself on creating a welcoming therapeutic environment that promotes cultural inclusivity and validation, by listening actively to clients and providing empathy and compassion. With a focus on supporting children and their caregivers, Ijaabo employs various modalities such as Attachment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Strengths-Based, Solution-Focused, Art and Play Therapy, and anti-oppressive/anti-racism perspectives.

Book a free consultation to meet with Ijaabo today! Services available in English, Somali, and Arabic (moderate proficiency).

Ijaabo is a Black Muslim therapist with experience in child and family counselling. Ijaabo prides... Read More

Difficult days are inevitable on life’s journey. You may be having challenges in a relationship, struggling to cope with a past or recent trauma, be a victim of abuse, bullying or race based trauma, going through a divorce or separation, worried about your relationship with children or other family members, experiencing anxiety, self-doubt, depression, stress, grief or just going through a difficult period of your life. Whatever the challenge or struggle, you don’t have to suffer in silence. It is ok to not be ok! Reassuringly, there is collaborative support available to get you through. Relieve yourself of the burden and embrace the opportunity to explore a new version of yourself with me, Latoya Reid: an experienced, non-judgemental, authentic and empathetic psychotherapist. I have worked extensively with diverse populations. Additionally, my lived experiences help me to validate, value and understand each client as a unique person and use this tailored approach to build therapeutic alliance where you are empowered to set your own goals and where non-judgmental feedback is offered. A firm believer in the power of people and their ability to help create their own realities, I honour my clients as the experts of their lives. This means tapping into your innate strength and resources, to rise above any stereotypes attached by society to pursue positive change and live your life to the fullest. As part of your healing journey and self-improvement, I partner with you as a guide by using your strengths and inner skills as a road map. As your psychotherapist, I will employ a tailored multidimensional approach that takes into consideration your trauma and cultural context, while collaboratively selecting therapeutic tools to cultivate the wholeness that you seek in order to lead a fully functional life.

Difficult days are inevitable on life’s journey. You may be having challenges in a relationship, ... Read More

These words may sound familiar: man up, tough up, don’t be a (fill in the gap), and so many other phrases hurled at men experiencing mental health challenges or who feel stuck in their lives. Or maybe as a woman you have been told to just get over it and move on, or being put in a box and undervalued. Having the lived experiences of having to counter those stereotypical worldview of how people should express themselves or navigate life’s challenges, I totally get it. While my lived experiences are from a male perspective, many women also find value in my work and skills, and that is why I pride myself in being a Certified Life Coach who not only has the experience of overcoming society’s imposed definition of how we should cope during times of distress, but also the silent suffering that accompanies our pain.

Often times our behavioural response of shutting down, reacting, turning to substances or even directing our attention to varied activities to fill our mind is interpreted as lack of interest, laziness, among other pathologizing labels. As a life coach, I offer a safe, non-judgmental space for my clients to move forward in life by reconciling with whatever in the past holds them hostage. I recognize the need for holistic healing and growth by reframing past experiences with empowering thoughts where clients transcend to seeing themselves as limitless.

While one of my specialties is in destigmatizing black, especially male, mental health problems, I also help both male and female clients to examine any relationship and career problems by providing the platform to share and receive insights into the available resources and skills to help with the restoration of dignity, pride, self-belief and self-worth, and the inalienable right to freely express oneself without judgement.

I pride myself in having requisite skills and expertise to support you on your journey; however, I never establish myself as the expert in the life of my clients. Your uniqueness will be honoured and valued as we tackle the challenges that have held or continues to hold you hostage. In so doing, my role is to help you become LESS critical of yourself and MORE aware of the societal and self-imposed limitations in order to transcend victimhood and emerge empowered to tackle life’s challenges head-on…and WIN!

If this sounds like what you have been looking for, book your free consultation with me today and let’s get started.

These words may sound familiar: man up, tough up, don’t be a (fill in the gap), and so many other... Read More