South Asian Therapist
Virtual therapy in Ontario
“It can be difficult to uphold respect for our parents when we feel emotionally drained by them.”
– Alia Siddiqi, MC, RP
Your family’s expectations feel like a weight you carry every day.
Maybe your parents keep asking when you’re getting married. And no matter how much you achieve, it never feels like it’s enough.
At the same time, the constant family conflict—your mom using you as her therapist, and all the cultural “rules”—leaves you drained.
You’re tired of living in the shadow of rules and wounds passed down through generations.
And deep down, you’re afraid that if you don’t break these patterns, they’ll follow you into your own relationships.
You don’t have to wait to start therapy. We’re currently welcoming new clients, so you can access the support you need sooner.
You DON’T have to choose between your family and yourself.
Imagine setting boundaries that actually stick—where you can care for your family without feeling like you have to sacrifice yourself.
You’re no longer replaying family conflicts in your head or carrying guilt every time you make a choice for yourself.
You’re finally making decisions that align with your values—without feeling like you’re betraying your family or your culture.
We’re South Asian too. Our therapists are first- and second-generation immigrants. We know what it’s like to balance family expectations, culture and your own goals, so you won’t have to explain the basics before we can help.
A growing practice since 2023. The Therapy Couch started as a solo practice in 2023 and has grown into a group practice. We’ve supported more than 300 clients so far.
Registered, qualified therapists. Every clinician is registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO):
Maryum Rahman, MA, RP, CRPO #007762
Alia Siddiqi, MC, RP, CRPO #009657
Rida Ahmad, MA, RP (Qualifying), CRPO #10300
Sukhmeet Brar, MACP, RP (Qualifying), CRPO #14164
Therapy in your language. Sessions are available in Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi and English.
All four therapists are accepting new clients. No waitlist.
Sliding scale with every therapist. We know therapy can be expensive. Sessions are $180/hour, but every therapist offers a sliding scale. If you have no insurance or limited coverage, ask us about it during your free consult.
Flexible scheduling. Need an evening or weekend session? Let us know, and we’ll do our best to make it work.
Online or in person. We offer virtual therapy across the GTA, including Toronto, Scarborough, Mississauga, Brampton and Durham Region. In-person sessions are available in Mississauga.
Why South Asian Clients Across the GTA Choose The Therapy Couch
We get it because we’ve been there.
You don’t have to explain the pressure, the guilt, or why it’s so hard to say no. we already understand. Our South Asian backgrounds allow us to empathize with your narratives.
We know what it’s like to live between two worlds, juggling family expectations and your own dreams.
We’ll help you untangle generational patterns, create boundaries that feel doable, and build a relationship with your family that doesn’t feel like a constant battle.
Using modalities like Emotion-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Narrative Therapy our therapists integrate multiple therapeutic approaches through a psychodynamic foundation to promote effective and long-term therapeutic outcomes.
Serving clients across Ontario virtually: Toronto, Scarborough, Markham, Mississauga, Brampton, Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, Oshawa, Clarington, Bowmanville, Peel, GTA
Who this Therapy is for
→ People juggling family expectations while trying to live their own lives.
→ Those who are looking for South Asian therapist
→ 1st and 2nd generation immigrants navigating cultural and generational divides.
→ Anyone feeling trapped by family dynamics or carrying the emotional weight of others.
→ Those scared of repeating generational patterns in their own relationships.
→ People ready to set boundaries and create relationships that feel supportive, not draining.
→ Couples navigating in-law involvement
→ Anyone feeling pressure around marriage, dating, or life timelines
→ People struggling with anxiety or emotions they were taught to push down
→ First-time therapy seekers worried about stigma
→ Some of us speak Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi
Frequently Asked Questions
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If you are South Asian and looking for a therapist who understands where you come from, you are in the right place. Starting therapy is already a hard step. We offer a space where you don't have to explain why your culture, religion, or family do things a certain way. Our focus is on you and your experience, not on over-explaining your life.
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We support South Asian clients with the pressures that often come with growing up between two cultures. Common areas we help with:
Family expectations around career, marriage, and life timelines
Conflict or tension with parents, siblings, or extended family
In-law involvement and boundaries in marriage
Dating and relationship pressure
Identity and finding balance between culture, faith, and life in Canada
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Our four wonderful therapist offer therapy sessions virtually. You can do therapy anywhere you want across Ontario. Toronto, Scarborough, Mississauga, Brampton, Durham Region, Ottawa.
Sukhmeet Brar offer therapy services in person in Central Mississauga, ON
Exact address shared when you book -
No. What you share in therapy is confidential. We will not contact your parents, partner, or anyone else without your written consent.
There are a few legal limits to confidentiality, such as a risk of serious harm to you or someone else, and your therapist will explain these in your first session.
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We offer therapy in English, Urdu, Hindi, and Punjabi. Many clients find it easier to express certain feelings in the language they grew up with, and you are free to move between languages during a session. Let us know your preference when you book, and our team will match you with the right therapist.
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Yes. For many of our clients, faith is an important part of who they are, and we treat it that way. We work with your beliefs, not around them. You won't be asked to choose between your values and your wellbeing. If faith is less central for you, or something you are still figuring out, that is welcome here too.
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Many insurance plans do cover therapy.
Please check with your insurance provider how much is covered and if they cover Registered Psychotherapist.
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You can book a free 15 minute consult with one of our therapist to discuss your concerns and goals for therapy.
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Our per session cost for individual and Couples is $180.00/hr. If you do not have insurance or your insurance does not cover enough for therapy we offer a sliding scale. A sliding scale is when the therapist can reduce the price of the session to fit your needs.
Our Step-By-Step Therapy Process
Step 1: Reach Out
Book online, submit a form or call (416)-710-1381. Tell us a little about what's going on, in your relationship or with family, friends, or work and whether you're coming as a couple or on your own.
Step 2: The Free 15-Minute Consult
We'll talk about what's going on. In your relationship or with family, friends, or work and answer your questions. No pressure, no commitment.
Step 3: Your First Session
We'll explore what's bringing you in, the patterns you keep running into, and what you want to change. Together, we'll set clear goals for your work.
Step 4: Ongoing Sessions
Sessions are virtual, from anywhere in Ontario. We use an integrative approach to help you reach your goals, working on what's underneath the conflict and giving you practical tools to use between sessions. Book and manage appointments through our Client Portal.
Step 5: Moving Forward
Every journey is different. Some clients feel relief within a few months; others choose longer-term therapy to keep growing. You decide the pace.
Meet the Clinicians
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Maryum Rahman-Registered Psychotherapist, MA.
Languages: Hindi and Urdu
Offers virtual therapy
Works with: Individuals and Couples
Specialities: Anxiety, family issues, marriage counselling and depression
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Rida Ahmad-Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA
Languages: Hindi and Urdu
Offers virtual therapy
Works with: Individuals
Specialities: anxiety, self doubt, caregiver burnout and postpartum mothers
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Sukhmeet Brar Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP
Languages: Hindi and Punjabi
Offers virtual therapy and In person
Works with: Individuals
Specialities: anxiety, family issues, anxiety, low self esteem, and burn out
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Alia Siddiqi Registered Psychotherapist, MC
Languages: Hindi and Urdu
Offers virtual therapy
Works with: Individuals and Couples
Specialities: Life transitions, burn out, family issues, depression and anxiety
How to Get Started?
Start with a free consultation. Ask your questions and see if we’re the right fit. Book online with the Book a Free Consult button below, or send us a message using the form.
Other ways to connect with us:
Call us: (416)-710-1381
Email us: admin@therapycouch.ca
