Maheen Sayal | Shanti Psychotherapy

Meet Maheen Sayal

Registered Social Worker

RSW MSW

She / Her

Reaching out for support often comes after navigating challenges that feel overwhelming or isolating. As someone who has also moved through experiences that bring people to therapy, I hold deep respect for the courage it takes to begin this work.

Whether you’re feeling stuck in cycles of inattention or procrastination, carrying shame around school or work or questioning your identity and sense of self, you don’t have to navigate it alone. In relationships, this might show up as feeling disconnected, caught in the same arguments or overwhelmed by family dynamics. I understand how these experiences can quietly shape your confidence, connection and day-to-day life.

I work with Individuals (14+), Couples and Families navigating concerns such as anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, trauma (including intergenerational trauma), learning disabilities, identity exploration, and relational challenges.

I also bring over 15 years of experience supporting students in higher education as a counsellor, helping individuals work toward their mental health and wellness goals during times of transition, mental and academic stress and self-discovery.

My approach is integrative and trauma-informed, drawing from EMDR, Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Prolonged Exposure Therapy, Mindfulness-Based CBT, and Somatic Psychotherapy. Together, we tailor therapy to your needs, whether you’re looking to process trauma, strengthen relationships or better understand yourself.

As an immigrant who has lived in Canada for over 30 years, I bring a deep appreciation for the complexities of identity, transition, and belonging. I also offer therapy in Urdu, English and Hindi, supporting clients who feel most at ease expressing themselves in the language that feels closest to home.

I believe that a core part of therapy is honoring your resilience. Your ways of coping and surviving and the strengths that have carried you this far. From this place, we can begin to explore new tools and strategies that fit your life and support the kind of change that feels meaningful to you either individually or as couples and families.

Outside of my work, I enjoy spending time with my husband, two daughters and our cat, especially being outdoors and going on nature hikes together.

If this resonates with you, I invite you to book a complimentary 20-minute consultation to see if we might be a good fit!

Not every relationship that starts with connection ends in safety.Toxic relationships often develop slowly — through patterns that create confusion, self-doubt, and emotional exhaustion. Over time, you may find yourself questioning your feelings, minimizing your needs, or walking on eggshells.Recognizing these patterns is the first step.�Healing takes time, support, and self-compassion.
You deserve relationships that feel safe, respectful, and steady.If you’re navigating the impact of a toxic relationship, therapy can help you rebuild your sense of self and move forward with clarity.#toxicrelationships #mentalhealthawareness #therapy #healingjourney #selfworth boundaries emotionalwellbeing

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“Narcissism” is a word we hear often — but it’s more than confidence or a big ego.
Narcissistic patterns can include manipulation, lack of accountability, and a strong need for admiration, often leaving others feeling confused, invalidated, or emotionally drained.Understanding these dynamics can help you recognize what’s happening and begin to set healthier boundaries.
You are allowed to protect your well-being.If you’re struggling in a relationship impacted by these patterns, therapy can provide support, clarity, and tools to move forward.Learn more on our website, in a blog post by Registered Psychotherapist Rashmi Kumar!#narcissism #mentalhealth #therapy #boundaries selfawareness healing emotionalhealth psychotherapy

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Are you 14–24 years old, based in Toronto, and ready for real conversations about sexual and reproductive health?
Join us at the Sexual & Reproductive Health (SRH) Youth Summit, hosted by Our Kids’ Health Network, on March 29, 2026.
This full-day, in-person event will bring together youth, healthcare professionals, and community organizations for interactive workshops and discussions focused on evidence-based sexual and reproductive health education. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, challenge myths, and connect with trusted experts and organizations through engaging community booths.
✨This summit centers youth voices, credible information, and creating space for honest and respectful dialogue. This is a free event, and lunch will be provided. Attendees will also receive a digital certificate of attendance. Don’t miss this opportunity!
Event details:
📅 March 29, 2026
🕘 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
📍 Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Toronto
🎟️ Cost: FREE (a $10 gift card will be provided to support local transportation)
👥 Who: Youth ages 14–24
👉 Register by March 15 using the QR code or the following link: https://lnkd.in/esmqdPZk
👉 For more information about the event: https://bit.ly/srhinfo
Know someone who should attend? Please share this post!
#SRHYouthSummit #OurKidsHealth #YouthHealth #SexualHealth #YouthEngagement

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Sitting with feelings, especially difficult ones, is a hard but important skill. Tolerating and soothing difficult feelings until they pass is an important skill that for most people is not taught or modeled well in our society that tends to avoid intense feelings. 💪🏽This ability bolsters our other skills of practicing grace, processing our emotions and allowing ourselves to move forwards towards the goals and life we want to curate. It’s important to explore and be curious about the emotions we are experiencing, to recognize what they are, to allow yourself to feel them. All emotions can be observed and supported with compassion until the feelings lesson.✨#emotionfocusedtherapy #therapytoronto #therapiststoronto #southasiantherapist #

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a little tour of our etobicoke space ✨
this is where anhad and our team of therapists work with teens, adults, couples, and families.

we support adhd, ocd, mood challenges, relationship concerns, and mental health struggles — in a space designed to feel calm, safe, and welcoming.#etobicoke #therapyspace #mentalhealthsupport #adhdsupport #ocdsupport

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