Registered Psychotherapist, EMDR Therapist
Speaks:
-
English
-
Hindi
-
Punjabi
-
Urdu
Areas of Practice:
- Anxiety
- Phobias
- Depression
- Mood disorders
- Borderline personality disorder
- Self-esteem
- Anger management
- Addictions
- Trauma
- Childhood trauma
- Relationships
- Family conflict
- Couples counselling
- Life transitions
- Bipolar Disorder
- PTSD
- OCD
- ODD
- ADHD
Therapist Location
- Ontario and other Non regulated provinces
Currently Accepting Clients
BOOK NOW
Expertise
I am passionate about my work in the field of Psychotherapy, and I take pride in
providing compassionate, empathetic, non-judgemental and trusting therapeutic
relationship throughout the process. I strive to empower individuals to overcome their
personal emotional barriers to improve overall mental health and move on successfully.
My work is client centered using a variety of modalities such as CBT, Narrative Therapy,
Mindfulness, EMDR and Hypnotherapy, individually or in combination according to
client’s unique needs.
I have experience working outside of Canada with a diverse clientele presenting with a
variety of issues. Most of my work experience is with children and adolescents who
have faced traumatic events including childhood emotional, physical and sexual abuse.
I have helped my clients to get over the trauma and anxiety arising as a result of abuse.
Qualifications
Riffat Yusaf
(Registered Psychotherapist, EMDR Therapist)
Education & Accomplishments
- Registered Psychotherapist, EMDR Therapist
-
Msc Psychology
- Population served:
- Individuals
- Families
- Youth
- Groups
Approach
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy(CBT)s
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
- Mindfulness-Based Therapies
- Solution Focused Brief Therapy
Experience
Schedule An Appointment With Riffat Yusaf
""Love yourself first and everything else falls into line." - Unknown"
Frequently Asked Questions
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured therapy that helps people heal from trauma and emotional distress. It uses bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tapping) to help the brain reprocess stuck or distressing memories.
EMDR helps your brain process and store unresolved memories differently so they are no longer emotionally overwhelming. It doesn’t erase the memory but takes away the emotional charge tied to it.
EMDR is evidence-based for treating trauma, PTSD, anxiety, grief, phobias, low self-esteem, and other emotional difficulties. It can also help people who feel “stuck” in therapy.
Yes. EMDR is considered safe and effective when provided by a trained clinician. Some people may feel intense emotions during sessions, but this is a natural part of the healing process.
Not necessarily. EMDR focuses more on what you notice internally (images, body sensations, thoughts) rather than retelling the story. You’re always in control of how much you share.
This depends on your goals and history. Some people feel relief in just a few sessions, while others may need longer. We’ll assess your needs together and move at a pace thatfeels safe.
Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that uses guided relaxation and focused attention to reach a deeply relaxed, trance-like state. In this state, you’re more open to exploring your thoughts, beliefs, and emotions.
No. Hypnosis is not sleep. You remain aware and in control the entire time. It’s more like a state of deep focus—similar to being absorbed in a good book or movie.
Most people can enter a light to moderate hypnotic state with the right guidance. You don’t need to “go deep” for hypnotherapy to be effective.
Hypnotherapy can support change in areas like anxiety, grief, chronic stress, phobias, self-confidence, sleep issues, habits (e.g. nail-biting), and emotional healing. It’s often used alongside talk therapy.
Not at all. Clinical hypnotherapy is therapeutic and respectful. You will never be made to do anything silly or against your values. Your mind stays alert and active throughout the process.
It depends on your goals, comfort level, and preferences. In our initial sessions, we’ll discuss what approach might suit you best—or even explore a combination of both, if that feels right.
Yes, they can complement each other well. Hypnotherapy may help prepare your nervous system for EMDR, or be used in between EMDR sessions to support relaxation, clarity, and integration
No. You are always in charge of the process. Both therapies are collaborative and paced according to your comfort. You can pause or stop at any time.
Yes, I offer both therapies virtually across Ontario. They are equally effective online when done with proper structure and support.
You can book a free 20-minute consultation or reach out through the contact form to ask questions. I’ll be happy to guide you toward the right support for your healing journey.
