Mitra Bissessar | Therapist | Shanti Psychotherapy

Meet Mitra Bissessar

Registered Social Worker

MSW RSW

He/Him

 As a therapist, my journey has been shaped by personal discovery and cultural expectations. Coming from an Indo-Caribbean background, I know firsthand the pressures around career success, wealth, and family expectations. For years, I believed I had to fit into a specific mould to make my family proud, even if that meant suppressing parts of myself—like emotions, vulnerability, and creativity—that didn’t align with traditional views of achievement and strength. Over time, I realized that holding back my true self was affecting every part of my life. Now, as a husband and father, I’m still figuring it out as I go, trying to show up with openness, honesty, and care in my family, even when things feel uncertain. 

As a Registered Social Worker with a Child and Youth Background, I specialize in supporting: Young adults and teens exploring their identity, friends, school, anxiety, depression, feelings of social anxiety, self-worth, and purpose. In addition, couples working through cultural, emotional, or relationship challenges as well as families navigating complex dynamics, generational gaps, or cultural expectations. 

My work is about helping people from all walks of life reconnect with who they truly are. Together, we’ll explore the stories, beliefs, and barriers that may be holding you back. Whether you’re navigating cultural expectations, mental illness, family dynamics, or personal struggles, my goal is to empower you to define success, strength, and fulfillment on your own terms. 

Therapy is a space where your story matters. It’s a place where you can safely confront challenges, celebrate progress, and embrace every part of who you are. My practice is rooted in compassion, cultural awareness, and evidence-based care. I bring a trauma-informed lens to my work, tailoring sessions to your unique needs using approaches like: Emotion-Focused Therapy, Attachment-Based Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Practices. 

My goal is to support you in building a life rooted in authenticity and resilience. Therapy is a place where your unique story is honoured, and together, we work to celebrate every part of you. I believe that everyone deserves to live with self-compassion, fulfillment, and a deep sense of connection—to themselves and to others. Therapy isn’t just about problems—it’s about possibilities! Ready to take the first step? Let’s begin.

Pride began as protest. As we celebrate, we remember the Black and Brown queer and trans communities who led the way.At Shanti Psychotherapy, solidarity means unlearning, growing, and showing up, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Because if liberation doesn’t include queer and trans people, it’s not liberation.This Pride Month, and always, we honour the legacy, resilience, and joy of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. 🌈💖#PrideMonth #2SLGBTQIA #QueerJoy #TransRightsAreHumanRights #TherapistsForJustice #ShantiPsychotherapy #MentalHealthMatters #PrideIsPolitical

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Are you mad at me? Did I do something wrong?Sometimes it’s not just anxiety, it’s a nervous system shaped by childhood and intergenerational trauma. When you grow up reading the room for safety, even small mood shifts can feel like danger. Healing means learning you’re safe now. 💭🧠Reach out to us on our website to access support.#intergenerationaltrauma #traumahealing #nervoussystemsupport #innerchildhealing #mentalhealthawarenes #southasiantherapy #southasianmentalhealth #southasiantherapist #therapistsofinstagram #traumatherapy #grouptherapy

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Feeling drained or unmotivated lately? You might be experiencing burnout. 💭 Here are a few gentle check-in questions to help you tune into what your mind and body might be telling you:✨ Are you holding tension in places like your shoulders or stomach?
✨ Have you stopped prioritizing things that bring you joy?
✨ Are you neglecting parts of yourself that truly matter?
Burnout can creep in quietly—but you don’t have to navigate it alone.Feel free to reach out for support or therapy. You deserve care, too. 💛You can find lots of resources for support on our blog, which you can access on our website using the link in our bio.#BurnoutSupport #TherapyIsForEveryone #SelfCompassion #southasiantherapy #mentalhealthmatters #torontotherapy #southasiantherapist #southasianmentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness

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Join us for at THRIVE 2025 for a Healing from Intergenerational Trauma Workshop: The Socialization of the “Good Girl” in South Asian Women and Girls.A full day event dedicated to unpacking cultural narratives, fostering self-awareness, and supporting healing within our communities, including a workshop facilitated by us at Shanti Psychotherapy.📅 May 25th | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🎙 Workshop facilitated by Angie Agrawal Holstein, Rohama Kabeer, and Rashmi Kumar.
🔗 Tickets available via the link in our bioThis event is hosted by @sawcollective_canada & @laadliyan , and we at Shanti Psychotherapy are excited to be part of it.We invite South Asian women and girls to explore the roots of intergenerational patterns and connect in a space of growth and reflection. Let’s break cycles and build new legacies together. 💜#IntergenerationalHealing #SouthAsianMentalHealth #GoodGirlSyndrome #CulturalHealing #TraumaInformedCare #SouthAsianTherapist #SouthAsianMentalHealth

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We’re growing to serve you better!We’re pleased to announce that Shanti Psychotherapy is now offering sessions at our satellite office in Etobicoke. If you or a loved one are seeking support, we invite you to reach out and book a free consultation. We’re here to walk alongside you in your healing journey. 🌿#EtobicokeTherapist #PsychotherapySupport #CompassionateCare #SouthAsianTherapist #bipoctherapy

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Starting therapy can feel like a big step and it’s totally okay to feel a little nervous or unsure. The first session is really about getting to know each other and making sure you feel safe, seen, and supported.We’ll talk about things like consent and confidentiality, what’s been bringing you to therapy, and what you’ve been struggling with lately. I’ll share how I work and we’ll explore how we can tailor the process to meet your needs. We might set a few gentle goals, and you’re always welcome to ask any questions that come up.Think of it as laying the foundation for a space where you can feel heard, supported, and empowered, at your pace, and on your terms.#TherapyJourney #FirstSessionSupport #MentalHealthMatters #CompassionateCare #HealingStartsHere #TorontoPsychotherapy #GroupTherapy #SouthAsianTherapist

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