Therapy for International Students

Therapy for International Students

Shanti Psychotherapy offers therapy for international students because you require culturally responsive care that acknowledges the complexities of transitioning to life in Canada. Many of our therapists were international students themselves. Their lived experiences make us uniquely attuned to your realities. We, too, have lived abroad and away from family. Like you, we went through the process of adjusting to a new culture. We also carried extra burdens while trying to focus on academic success.

What’s Different With Therapy for International Students?

As an international student, you face a range of unique emotional and practical challenges. Acculturating to a new environment while balancing your own identity can lead to feelings of displacement and inadequacy.

Financial stress is another significant concern, as many students work part-time to cover tuition fees and living expenses. Systemic racism and discrimination can impact your self-worth and leave you struggling with low self-esteem.

Navigating the school system, visa requirements, and residency processes can be overwhelming and discouraging. Almost all international students experience homesickness, isolation, and lack a social support system initially.

All these issues are layered over the regular day-to-day stress of attending lectures, retaining knowledge and studying for exams. It is no wonder that many struggle with anxiety, stress, and depression, which, under extreme circumstances, can lead to self-harm and suicidal ideation.

Another issue unique to studying in Canada is the weather! Adjusting to Canadian winters can be a shock to the system. However, it’s also an opportunity to create new experiences. By staying prepared, finding ways to connect, and prioritizing your mental well-being, you can make the most of your time studying abroad and even thrive.

How We Can Help.

Therapy for international students includes learning techniques to manage academic pressure, build social connections and develop coping skills. Those facing racial discrimination or cultural isolation will find a place to process experiences, strengthen resilience, and find a sense of belonging. We also recognize that many international students worry about reintegrating when they return home. Therapy can help you prepare for that transition.

Our therapists approach each session with compassion, creating a safe and supportive environment for you. We listen without judgment to ensure you express yourself openly and honestly. You will receive practical tools and resources that help you face uncertainty with confidence.

For those who have experienced trauma before or during their time here, therapy will allow you to process these difficult experiences. We will help you heal, move beyond the trauma and create a healthier narrative about what happened.

In addition to emotional support, we provide guidance on accessing resources, including academic accommodations, community support groups, and financial aid. Your experience with us will help you improve your personal well-being and, consequently, your academic performance.

Book a Consultation

Research demonstrates the impact of mental health on academic success, and we recognize the challenges you face when studying abroad. Therapy can empower you to navigate stress, homesickness, and uncertainty with confidence. Many colleges and universities offer free or low-cost mental health services that you can access.

Shanti Psychotherapy is committed to supporting international students. In addition to one-on-one therapy, we have initiated outreach efforts in Ontario and India to improve access to culturally relevant mental health services. Our goal is to provide support when challenges arise and to focus on preventing the mental health struggles commonly experienced by international students. The brochures below provide general information that international students will find helpful.

International Students Mental Health Guide | Shanti Psychotherapy
Quick Tips for International Students

We invite you to book a 20-minute no-charge consultation to discuss your concerns and explore how therapy can help you. Our therapy rates are subsidized rates for international students.

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Being raised by a narcissistic parent can shape an entire life!

A child learns that love has to be earned and that their feelings come second. Those lessons follow them into adulthood, affecting relationships, self-worth, and self-perception.

Choosing distance is rarely sudden. It usually comes after years of trying to be seen, heard, and loved.

In her new article, Shanti clinician Rashmi Kumar, RP, who specializes in healing from narcissistic abuse, explores:

• Why children are wired to seek a parent’s approval, and what happens when love comes with conditions

• The lasting toll: people-pleasing, hypervigilance, self-blame, and trouble setting boundaries

• The breaking point, when no amount of effort will change their behaviour

• “Ambiguous loss,” grieving a parent who is still alive, and gentle ways to create your own closure

• What estrangement can mean for your relationship with the other parent

• Cultural pressure: when “family comes first” adds guilt to an already painful decision • How therapy can help you rebuild self-worth without losing your culture

Estrangement isn’t about ending love. It’s about ending harm.

It’s more common than you think, and you are not alone. You can heal from this, and we’re here to help.

📖 Read the full article: link in bio
📞 Free 20-minute consultation: (437) 747-0692
🌐 shantipsychotherapy.ca

#narcissisticparent #narcissisticabuse #familyestrangement #adultchildrenofnarcissists #ambiguousloss

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Open post by shanti_psychotherapy with ID 18115076959999316
Being raised by a narcissistic parent can shape an entire life!A child learns that love has to be earned and that their feelings come second. Those lessons follow them into adulthood, affecting relationships, self-worth, and self-perception.Choosing distance is rarely sudden. It usually comes after years of trying to be seen, heard, and loved.In her new article, Shanti clinician Rashmi Kumar, RP, who specializes in healing from narcissistic abuse, explores:• Why children are wired to seek a parent’s approval, and what happens when love comes with conditions• The lasting toll: people-pleasing, hypervigilance, self-blame, and trouble setting boundaries• The breaking point, when no amount of effort will change their behaviour• “Ambiguous loss,” grieving a parent who is still alive, and gentle ways to create your own closure• What estrangement can mean for your relationship with the other parent• Cultural pressure: when “family comes first” adds guilt to an already painful decision • How therapy can help you rebuild self-worth without losing your cultureEstrangement isn’t about ending love. It’s about ending harm.It’s more common than you think, and you are not alone. You can heal from this, and we’re here to help.📖 Read the full article: link in bio 📞 Free 20-minute consultation: (437) 747-0692 🌐 shantipsychotherapy.ca#narcissisticparent #narcissisticabuse #familyestrangement #adultchildrenofnarcissists #ambiguousloss

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My high five "why": NO ONE should have to put aside their culture before they can heal.

I`m Angie Agrawal-Holstein, proud mom of three, a trauma therapist, and the founder of Shanti Psychotherapy.

I grew up second-generation South Asian in Southern Ontario. After 25 years in mental health, I know culture is the missing piece in care.

Research shows culturally adapted therapy brings 4.7 times greater odds of symptom remission (Hall et al., 2016). Yet most people have never heard of culturally relevant therapy or language matching. So they settle for one-size-fits-all care, and too many end up back in a revolving-door system.

At Shanti, therapy is offered in 15 languages by clinicians who understand family expectations, faith, stigma, and what it`s like to live between cultures. You don`t have to translate your feelings or explain where you come from. You can simply begin.

If we win the High Five Grant, it will fund a Canada-wide awareness campaign so people know this kind of care exists and can find it:

• A video series of our clinicians explaining culturally relevant therapy, in their own languages • Targeted outreach to newcomer and international student communities • Translated pamphlets for campus events, including our seven Laadliyan university chapters • Subsidized sessions through our Making Therapy Accessible Program

Culture isn`t a bonus in therapy. It`s essential.

Thank you @usbank and @highfivegrant for investing in mom entrepreneurs.

#highfivegrant #culturallyrelevanttherapy #languagematching #mentalhealthcanada #momentrepreneur #shantipsychotherapy

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Open post by shanti_psychotherapy with ID 18111231313852175
My high five "why": NO ONE should have to put aside their culture before they can heal.I'm Angie Agrawal-Holstein, proud mom of three, a trauma therapist, and the founder of Shanti Psychotherapy.I grew up second-generation South Asian in Southern Ontario. After 25 years in mental health, I know culture is the missing piece in care.Research shows culturally adapted therapy brings 4.7 times greater odds of symptom remission (Hall et al., 2016). Yet most people have never heard of culturally relevant therapy or language matching. So they settle for one-size-fits-all care, and too many end up back in a revolving-door system.At Shanti, therapy is offered in 15 languages by clinicians who understand family expectations, faith, stigma, and what it's like to live between cultures. You don't have to translate your feelings or explain where you come from. You can simply begin.If we win the High Five Grant, it will fund a Canada-wide awareness campaign so people know this kind of care exists and can find it:• A video series of our clinicians explaining culturally relevant therapy, in their own languages • Targeted outreach to newcomer and international student communities • Translated pamphlets for campus events, including our seven Laadliyan university chapters • Subsidized sessions through our Making Therapy Accessible ProgramCulture isn't a bonus in therapy. It's essential.Thank you @usbank and @highfivegrant for investing in mom entrepreneurs.#highfivegrant #culturallyrelevanttherapy #languagematching #mentalhealthcanada #momentrepreneur #shantipsychotherapy

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Violence and aggression toward education staff are increasing, raising important questions about the mental health and behavioural supports available within schools.

In a recent CBC News article, Shanti founder and trauma therapist Angie Agrawal Holstein speaks to the growing expectations placed on educators:

“It is not possible for teachers to wear all these different hats of behaviour specializations, diagnostics, as well as the emotional counseling support.”

Supporting students also means ensuring educators have access to the right professionals, resources, and systems around them.

🔗 Read the full CBC News article for more on this important issue in our bio.

#shantipsychotherapy #mentalhealthinschools #teachermentalhealth #studentmentalhealth #mentalhealthsupport education

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/violence-against-education-staff-in-n-w-t-on-the-rise-union-says-9.7322079

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Open post by shanti_psychotherapy with ID 18336535264275213
Violence and aggression toward education staff are increasing, raising important questions about the mental health and behavioural supports available within schools.In a recent CBC News article, Shanti founder and trauma therapist Angie Agrawal Holstein speaks to the growing expectations placed on educators:“It is not possible for teachers to wear all these different hats of behaviour specializations, diagnostics, as well as the emotional counseling support.”Supporting students also means ensuring educators have access to the right professionals, resources, and systems around them.🔗 Read the full CBC News article for more on this important issue in our bio.#shantipsychotherapy #mentalhealthinschools #teachermentalhealth #studentmentalhealth #mentalhealthsupport educationhttps://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/violence-against-education-staff-in-n-w-t-on-the-rise-union-says-9.7322079

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Do you find yourself replaying conversations, expecting the worst, or getting stuck in the same thoughts over and over again?

Anxiety can make it difficult to switch off, even when you know your thoughts aren’t helping. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps you identify unhelpful thinking patterns, challenge them, and develop practical tools to respond differently.

Learn how CBT can help you break free from cycles of worry and build healthier ways of coping.

📞 Book a free consultation to learn more: https://www.shantipsychotherapy.ca/

#CBT #AnxietySupport #Overthinking #MentalHealthSupport #Psychotherapy

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Open post by shanti_psychotherapy with ID 18086477825645946
Do you find yourself replaying conversations, expecting the worst, or getting stuck in the same thoughts over and over again?Anxiety can make it difficult to switch off, even when you know your thoughts aren’t helping. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps you identify unhelpful thinking patterns, challenge them, and develop practical tools to respond differently.Learn how CBT can help you break free from cycles of worry and build healthier ways of coping.📞 Book a free consultation to learn more: https://www.shantipsychotherapy.ca/#CBT #AnxietySupport #Overthinking #MentalHealthSupport #Psychotherapy

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Meet Sonomi, Registered Psychotherapist at Shanti Psychotherapy. 🌿

Sonomi supports parents navigating stress, overwhelm, family challenges, and the everyday realities of raising children. She is passionate about helping parents build stronger connections with themselves and their families through compassionate, practical support.

📍 Virtual and in-person appointments available
📞 Book a free consultation to learn more

#MeetTheTherapist #Psychotherapy #ParentingSupport #mentalhealth

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Open post by shanti_psychotherapy with ID 17997714071982938
Meet Sonomi, Registered Psychotherapist at Shanti Psychotherapy. 🌿Sonomi supports parents navigating stress, overwhelm, family challenges, and the everyday realities of raising children. She is passionate about helping parents build stronger connections with themselves and their families through compassionate, practical support.📍 Virtual and in-person appointments available 📞 Book a free consultation to learn more#MeetTheTherapist #Psychotherapy #ParentingSupport #mentalhealth

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