Rashed is currently accepting in-person & virtual clients.

Registered Social Worker

Rashed Afif

Registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers - Registration # 833373

He/him pronouns

Rashed brings professional expertise and a deep understanding of life’s challenges to his work. As the CEO of a large nonprofit in Hamilton, he has seen firsthand how stress, burnout, and life transitions — including mid-career challenges — affect wellbeing, and he integrates this perspective into his therapeutic approach.

At its core, Rashed’s care is compassionate, collaborative, and culturally responsive. He has lived experience of displacement, and uses this understanding to create a therapeutic space that honors diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Rashed can offer therapy in English and Farsi and he would be honored to support you in moving toward the life you want to live.

An interview with Rashed

  • My journey through personal challenges and leadership roles showed me how powerful it is to have compassionate support during difficult times. Becoming a therapist allowed me to combine my clinical training, leadership experience, and passion for helping others into meaningful work that supports healing and growth.

  • We can’t always control what life gives us, but we can choose how we respond. With the right tools and support, it’s possible to move from surviving to thriving.

  • “Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” – Viktor Frankl

  • I’m a proud parent of two young kids who remind me daily about patience, humor, and resilience.

Treatment areas
Rashed works with individuals aged 18+

  • Identity shifts

  • Major life transitions

  • Burnout

  • Stress

  • Leadership pressure and workplace stress

  • Career planning and role transitions

  • Anxiety and panic attacks

  • Depression

  • Anger management

  • Grief, bereavement, and loss

  • Interpersonal Conflicts

  • Relaxation and sleep difficulties

  • Self-Esteem

  • Personal Growth

Therapy modalities

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Narrative Therapy

  • Solution-Focused Therapy

Education and training

  • Master of Social Work
    University of Windsor, 2017-2019

  • Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology
    York University, 2009-2013

  • International Medical Graduate
    Herat University, 2008

  • Certificate in Trauma Healing & Conflict Resolution
    Eastern Mennonite University, 2009

  • Certificate in Non-Profit Leadership, Strategy & Change
    University of Toronto, 2023

  • • Emotional Focused Family Therapy

    • Motivational Interviewing

    • Mental Health First Aid

    • Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

    • Trauma Care

    • Anti-Racism Practices

Rates

Standard session fee: $145
Sliding scale range: $100-$140