Farinaz Kheirollahi Hosseinabadi

My name is Farinaz, and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). I hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, and my graduate research focused on cognitive behavioural interventions for children with ADHD. I have also completed formal training in Cognitive Behavioural Play Therapy (CBPT) and EMDR Basic Training.

I have a special interest in working with young children and families, particularly children experiencing challenges with anxiety, emotional regulation, social skills, attention, transitions, and behavioural concerns. My approach is warm, collaborative, and developmentally appropriate, with a strong focus on helping children feel safe, understood, and engaged in the counselling process.

Because children do not always have the words to explain what they are feeling or experiencing, I often use play, art, storytelling, role-play, and other creative activities in sessions. I believe play is a natural way for children to communicate, explore emotions, practice new skills, and make sense of their experiences. I combine these approaches with evidence-based strategies from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Cognitive Behavioural Play Therapy (CBPT).

My goal is to help children build practical skills they can use in everyday life, including identifying and expressing emotions, managing worries, coping with frustration, solving problems, navigating friendships, and developing greater confidence and flexibility.

I also have experience working as a Support Worker and Behaviour Interventionist in childcare and classroom settings, including supporting autistic children. This experience has helped me better understand the everyday challenges children may experience at school and in social environments, such as managing transitions, joining peer activities, communicating needs, following routines, and regulating emotions.

I believe parents and caregivers are an important part of a child’s progress. I work collaboratively with families to understand each child’s strengths, needs, and developmental history, and I may incorporate parent consultation, psychoeducation, and practical strategies that can be used at home and in the community.

I provide counselling in both English and Farsi (Persian) and welcome children and families from diverse cultural backgrounds. I aim to create a supportive, respectful, and individualized space where children and families can feel comfortable while working toward meaningful and practical goals.