At Forward Mind Counselling, our team is always there for you. We have built our practise with passion to help others and with our experience in Counselling. When you give our experts a call, we will take the time to talk to you and find how we can help right away.
Forward Mind Counselling in Surrey is dedicated to providing the best care possible for our clients. Through multiple therapeutic services, we hope to heal your body and help you achieve mental health wellness. We’re a counselling centre that you can trust. We are located at 7404 King George Blvd #200 in Surrey, visit us today or give us a call!
PLEASE NOTE: If you have funding covered by ICBC and would like to book a consultation/appointment, please book with one of the following counsellors: Raheel Rahman, Simrit Birk, Arshia Sidhu, Afsah Ahmad, Tajveer Sahota, or Emily Durkin.
Punjabi speaking counsellors: Simrit Birk, Gurnoor (Arshia) Sidhu, Tajveer Sahota, Gurneet Kang, Mahe Awan, Akanksha Gupta, Amraj Tanda and Afsah Ahmad.
Urdu and Hindi speaking counsellors: Raheel Rahman and Afsah Ahmad.
Countless research studies have shown that seeking help through counselling can transform your life in positive ways. Our skilled team of Registered Clinical Counsellors are here to support you on your journey to healing, happiness and positive well-being.
We understand that it can be difficult or overwhelming to ask for help, especially for those who are new to counselling.
No matter your prior experience, we support our clients every step of the way, helping them reach their goals.
Compassion, empathy, and integrity are at the core of what we do. We acknowledge the diverse cultural backgrounds and lived experiences of our communities, and offer a space where you can feel safe, welcome, and valued.
Located in Surrey, BC, we are multilingual and provide counselling services in English, Urdu, Hindi, and Punjabi.
Throughout his career, Raheel has assisted individuals and families struggling with mental health and trauma. In addition to his extensive education and training in the mental health and counselling field, he has worked with numerous non-profit organizations supporting children, youth and adults with anxiety, depression and anger issues.
He has also provided support to individuals with developmental disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS).
Raheel sees Individuals, Couples, Families, Youth 5+, as well as clients covered by ICBC and CVAP.
OFFERING IN PERSON AND VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS
Over the past 5+ years, Simrit has worked in Vancouver in various settings such as shelters, hospitals, and clinics. She has worked with clients who have experienced medical conditions and supported them with life adjustments, emotional regulation, and coping. Simi’s experience includes working with individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds in healthcare settings. She supports clients with depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and grief. Her most recent experience has been in group therapy services. She provides psychoeducation and emotional regulation skills to clients using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT) and exposure therapy. Simi uses a curious, empathetic, and empowering approach when working with clients and feels honored to support individuals who are experiencing challenges. She is an advocate for social inequities and strives to create authentic and therapeutic relationships with clients where they feel safe, valued, and understood.
Simi sees Individuals, Couples, Families, Youth 8+, and clients covered by ICBC.
OFFERING IN PERSON AND VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS
Arshia is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with over 7 years of experience working with youth and adults as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse and RCC. She uses a holistic approach that considers different biological, psychological, and social aspects, as well as cultural backgrounds as underlying factors. In therapy, she combines a variety of modalities, including person-centered, CBT, and Solutions Focused Therapy, to meet clients’ needs. Her experience supporting individuals with brain injuries and developmental challenges have prepared her to develop a sensitivity to each individual’s needs. Strong therapeutic relationships and communication skills lay at the core of her work. She has provided both individual and group counselling for individual clients and families to foster long-lasting changes and can provide support to help integrate new skills. She values creating a safe, respectful, and authentic environment where clients can achieve this healing.
Arshia sees Individuals, Couples, Families, Youth 4+, and clients covered by ICBC.
OFFERING IN PERSON AND VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS
Taj has been working in the field for over 10 years supporting children, youth and families in the Lower Mainland. She has worked in diverse settings such as schools, group homes, and hospitals providing mental health services. She has supported individuals who have gone through traumatic events, in processing their thoughts and feelings while taking on a person-centered approach. Through this approach she has assessed clients and worked on treatments plans collaboratively. Over the years, she has worked closely with dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), Trauma Therapy, and Psychotherapy. Taj believes creating a safe environment for individuals through empathy and compassion is the focal point of the clinical work she has been practicing for several years.
Tajveer sees Individuals, Families, Youth 5+, and clients covered by ICBC and CVAP.
OFFERING IN PERSON AND VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS
Akanksha is a dedicated and compassionate clinical counsellor with extensive experience in mental health. Drawing from her diverse background working as a physician, mental health worker, and therapist, she is passionate about helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges, heal from trauma, and achieve meaningful, lasting change.
Akanksha specializes in trauma therapy and person-centered care, offering a safe, empathetic space where clients feel valued, understood, and empowered. By integrating evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and Somatic Therapy, she helps clients build resilience, improve emotional well-being, and rediscover their strengths.
Fluent in multiple languages and experienced in working with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Akanksha brings a culturally sensitive lens to her practice, ensuring every client feels comfortable and supported on their journey to mental wellness.
How Akanksha Can Help:
Akanksha iscommitted to empowering my clients to achieve their goals, discover their potential, and build a fulfilling, balanced life. Let’s work together to create the change you’re seeking.
Languages: English | Punjabi | Hindi | Urdu
Clientele: Individuals, Couples, Families, Youth 8+ and CVAP clients.
OFFERING IN PERSON AND VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS
Her work is rooted in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and art therapy, offering clients creative and practical tools to navigate life’s complexities. Stephanie specializes in grief and loss, including pet loss, as well as supporting individuals through life transitions, burnout, and stress. With a passion for working with neurodivergent individuals, she fosters understanding and self-acceptance while helping clients build meaningful, balanced lives.
Stephanie strives to provide a safe, collaborative environment where clients can safely explore their emotions, discover strengths, and move toward healing and growth.
OFFERING IN PERSON AND VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS
With over a decade of experience in social work, counselling, and community advocacy, Mahe specializes in supporting diverse, multi-barrier populations. She holds an MSW from the University of Waterloo and a PhD from the University of Surrey, UK. Mahe is a recipient of the Town and Gown Award for Community Engagement and the Norma Brown Award for Professionally Trained Women in Social Work, and she is an active member of the BC Association of Social Workers.
Mahe provides counselling for children, youth, adults, and families, addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, autism, OCD, and pain management. She integrates culturally sensitive, trauma-informed, evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Family Systems Therapy, using solution-focused, client-centred practices tailored to individual needs.
Fluent in English, Punjabi, Hindi/Urdu, and basic Saraiki, Mahe offers holistic, bio-psychosocial-spiritual approach that promotes resilience and empowerment. She is committed to lifelong learning, professional ethics, and fostering safe, respectful environments.
Counselling services: Thursdays & Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00.
OFFERING IN PERSON AND VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS
I work supporting individuals through mental health challenges such as addiction, anxiety, trauma (including complex trauma), narcissistic abuse, depression, grief, stress, life transitions, adjustment issues, self-esteem concerns, workplace stress as well as relationship difficulties.
As a BIPOC counsellor, I am deeply committed to creating inclusive, affirming, and safe spaces for all individuals including people of colour, queer individuals, and neurodivergent folks. I believe therapy is most effective when it is collaborative, authentic, and grounded in compassion. My goal is to support clients as whole individuals, rather than focusing only on their symptoms or labels. I take a trauma-informed, non-pathologizing stance that values inclusivity and anti-discrimination. In every session, I strive to create an environment where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered to build resilience and long-term well-being.
I work from an eclectic lens, integrating multiple evidence-based modalities such as Client-Centred Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT), Narrative Therapy, IFS (parts work), mindfulness-based practices, and neuroaffirmative interventions. My practice is adaptable to each client’s unique needs, ensuring therapy is both meaningful and effective.
I strive to build a safe, compassionate space where clients feel empowered to heal, grow, and thrive beyond their challenges.
Specialties include:
OFFERING IN PERSON AND VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS.
18+ ONLY.
I am a client-centred and culturally responsive counsellor dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space for healing. I hold a Master’s degree in Clinical and Counseling Psychology and registered with the BCACC.
My professional journey has taken me through hospital settings, community mental health, seniors’ mental health, and advocacy roles across India and Canada. I have experience supporting clients with Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline, working with caregivers, conducting psychological assessments, providing psychoeducation, and helping individuals navigate stress, trauma, anxiety, relationship challenges, and life transitions. I also conducted research on distress and resilience in caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients, which strengthened my understanding of how people cope during overwhelming times.
In my work, I integrate mindfulness, trauma-informed practice, systemic perspectives, and a strengths-based approach. I believe in meeting clients where they are and working collaboratively at their pace. My goal is to support people in understanding their experiences, building resilience, and rediscovering balance and well-being. Empathy, curiosity, and respect guide every part of my practice.
I am committed to ongoing learning and growth as I continue developing as a counselor.
Outside of my professional role, I value mindfulness, cultural connection, and personal growth, qualities that shape the way I show up with clients, with warmth and authenticity.
OFFERING IN PERSON AND VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS.
Wes specializes in working with men of all ages – particularly men with symptoms of ADHD, anxiety and depression – along with parents and couples. He is a Child and Youth Mental Health Clinician with a government agency part-time, and is available for virtual sessions outside of these hours. He comes with over 16 years of experience serving marginalized populations in his community in various roles.
Wes grew up in Newton and Cloverdale. He is a son, brother, husband, father, and counsellor. Before counselling, he worked mainly with young men as a probation officer over 12 years, and with adults at a residential drug and alcohol recovery program for five. In those positions, he learned to listen to his clients first, and then build on their existing strengths and motivation to help them change longstanding habits using evidence-based strategies.
Wes sees individuals, including adults and youth (8+), couples, and families.
Counselling services: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS ONLY
Gurneet is a Registered Social Worker with a degree in Masters in Arts and Counselling Psychology. Having worked with families, children, youth, and adults over the past decade, Gurneet works from a client centered lens, helping you understand how mental health, shame, guilt, anxiety and trauma have played a role in your life. Sessions are focused on clients understanding their triggers, emotions, beliefs, and values and how this shapes us into the people that we are and how we view the world. Gurneet is a firm believer that our past experiences have shaped who we are today.
Gurneet sees Individuals, Couples, Families, and Youth 13+.
VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS ONLY
Amraj is a registered clinical counsellor who is skilled in supporting teens and adults through various life challenges, such as mental health, complex trauma, substance misuse, and motor vehicle rehab. Amraj’s approach to therapy is client centred, therefore collaborating with individuals to help them meet their goals, offer support, and create healthy lifestyle changes.
Amraj offers a diverse range of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Observational and Experiential Integration, and Motivational Interviewing.
Coming from a minority background, Amraj places a high value on cultural competency and is proud to offer services in Punjabi, ensuring inclusivity and understanding in the counseling process. Amraj has worked with various visible minority groups, LGBTQ+, and Indigenous populations.
By providing evidence-based skills and effective treatment plans, Amraj’s goal is to help people live optimally and thrive. Amraj understands that life can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Connect with Amraj from the comfort of your own home with convenient telehealth sessions.
Amraj sees individuals between the ages of 14-65.
VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS ONLY
I am Afsah Ahmad, a registered Clinical Counselor with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). I hold a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from Adler University and a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. With over 15 years of experience in the field, I have had the privilege of working internationally and with various organizations in B.C., including government, private, and non-profit sectors.
I believe that everyone has the potential for growth and healing, even when life feels overwhelming. My approach as a counsellor is rooted in compassion, understanding, and empowerment. I work collaboratively with you to explore challenges, gain insight, and develop practical strategies to move forward. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, relationship struggles, or navigating life transitions, I am here to support you in rediscovering your strength and resilience. My goal is to provide a safe space where you can build the confidence to create meaningful change in your life.
I work with individuals, couples, and families, helping clients navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, personal growth, trauma, and life transitions. My approach is compassionate, client-centered, and evidence-based, creating a safe and empowering space for healing and growth. I am dedicated to providing the support needed to help you overcome obstacles, rediscover your strength, and move forward with confidence.
VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS ONLY
As a counsellor, I recognize that human beings are incredibly messy, complicated, and deeply dimensional. Life is not simply about joy or suffering—it is a complex tapestry where both can exist simultaneously. Even in the midst of struggle, there is space for resilience, meaning, and personal growth. My approach to therapy is grounded in compassion, curiosity, and a commitment to understanding each person’s unique experience. In a world that often pressures us to wear a mask – to fit expectations, suppress emotions, or present a version of ourselves that feels more socially acceptable, my intention as a therapist is to create a space where you can remove the mask and reconnect with your true, embodied self.
“Through a holistic approach, I work alongside my clients to gently foster self-awareness, heal emotional wounds, and create practical strategies for lasting transformation. I understand that one of the hardest parts of change is taking that first step, and it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed as you begin this journey of self-exploration and growth. Please know that you don’t have to do it alone. In our work together, I aim to provide a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where you can feel supported and empowered to take that first step. With care and patience, we will explore your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, helping you heal from the past and build a stronger, more hopeful foundation for the future.”
I work with clients who are navigating anxiety, life transitions, relationship challenges, collaborative family counselling, ADHD, trauma processing, stress, and burnout. No matter where you are in your journey, I am here to support you with warmth, understanding, and the belief that you are capable of meaningful, long-lasting change.
VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS ONLY
I specialize in supporting Individuals who are seeking growth, moving through life changes, feeling overwhelmed, struggling with daily stress and anxiety, wanting a deeper self- understanding, relationship conflicts, and social issues.
As your therapist, I hope to build rapport and help my clients develop/ find the insight, skills and resilience that are necessary to navigate life’s challenges. I am an empathetic therapist who uses a collaboration of life experience, mixed with my educational background to provide the best therapy that produces results. My educational history includes a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UBC, and a master’s degree in Psychotherapy from Yorkville University.
An integrative approach is used in my sessions, by pulling from different scientifically approved methodologies which are tailored specifically to the individual needs of my unique clientele. Some of the common approaches used are Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Person- Centered Therapy, and Somatic Techniques.
Although I let my educational background and scientific approaches guide me, I understand that my clients are the experts on their own lives. Therefore, together my clients and I will develop a treatment plan that can produce results and help individuals find the possibilities that they need to cope with life’s challenges. I look forward to getting to know you and see how you can grow and utilize the strengths that allow you to keep moving forward.
Some of the areas I work with include:
VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS ONLY
