Mahtab Kharratzadeh
Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
I know how heavy and painful life can sometimes feel, especially when you are trying your best to keep going while carrying things that others may not see. My work as a therapist is rooted in a deep understanding that people do not just need solutions. They need to feel truly seen, heard, and not alone in what they are going through.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist Qualifying with a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology from the University of Ottawa and a Master’s degree in Family Counselling from Iran. I completed my academic and clinical training across both countries, which has given me a strong cross cultural perspective in understanding emotional pain, resilience, and healing. Having gone through major life transitions myself, including immigration and adapting to a new culture and language, I understand how overwhelming and disorienting change can feel and how important it is to have a safe place to land.
In therapy I aim to offer a space that feels warm, steady, and human. My approach is collaborative, trauma informed, culturally sensitive, and grounded in authenticity. I draw from Schema Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, attachment based, and person centred approaches while always tailoring therapy to the individual.
I work with adults,18 and above, experiencing anxiety, depression, self esteem challenges, relationship difficulties, perfectionism, emotional overwhelm, and questions around identity and belonging. At the heart of my work is the belief that therapy is not about fixing you but about helping you understand yourself with more compassion and finding a way forward that feels more possible and aligned.
I speak English and Farsi, AND value curiosity, depth, and meaningful connection with people
Quick facts
I completed my Bachelor’s and Master’s in Family Counselling in Iran, followed by my Master of Education in Counselling Psychology at the University of Ottawa
Before moving to Canada, I also worked for two years as an elementary school teacher and school counsellor
Creative and grounding activities are an important part of my life, including caring for plants (and trying to keep them alive most of the time), solving puzzles, playing video games, listening to music, playing instruments, and exploring different forms of art and creativity
Long walks and bike rides along the Rideau Canal and downtown streets, grabbing a cold drink in the summer or a warm coffee in the winter
ottawa mainstays
Wandering through big stores and markets like Walmart, IKEA, Winners, and Home Depot just for fun and inspiration
Picnics, relaxing afternoons, and badminton games at Major's Hill Park in spring and summer