Mental Health & Wellness

Dr. Natasha M. Ali is a Counselling Psychologist registered with the Psychological Association of Manitoba (PAM). She is also a member of the Manitoba Psychological Society (MPS).

In terms of education, Natasha obtained her doctorate in Counselling Psychology in 2010 from New Mexico State University and completed her pre-doctoral internship in 2009 at the University of Florida (with both programs accredited by the American Psychological Association). She obtained her Master’s in Counselling Psychology from McGill University, Quebec.

In terms of work experience, since 2018, Natasha has been offering individual & couple counselling, family consultations, and workshops on a variety of topics to Winnipeg’s Muslim community through MIA at the Waverley Mosque. For the past two years, she has also been operating a private practice in Winnipeg where she offers individual and couple counselling. Since 2012, Natasha has worked as a Counsellor & Counselling Psychologist at University of Manitoba’s Student Counselling Centre. In that role, she has offered individual, couple, and group counselling to university students. Natasha has also worked very closely with University of Manitoba’s Muslim Student Association since 2017, providing consultations to Muslim students. Prior to moving to Winnipeg, Natasha worked as a Psychology Resident & Diversity Coordinator at New Mexico State University’s Counseling Centre from 2011-2012, and operated a private practice in Toronto, Ontario for 3 years prior to obtaining her doctorate. In total, Natasha has accumulated over 9 years of clinical experience providing individual, couple, and group counselling to university students, and over 5 years providing individual and couple counselling to adults in private practice.

Natasha uses what is called an integrative approach to counselling, drawing from humanistic, emotion-focused, cognitive-behavioural, dialectical behavioural, and developmental approaches. She also considers the spiritual into mental and emotional healing. Regardless of what approach Natasha uses, she strives to listen and adopt a non-judgmental stance when working with you. She is comfortable working with a wide range of mental health concerns including, but not limited to: depression, anxiety, stress, relationship difficulties, adjustment concerns, identity development, eating difficulties, abuse, trauma, grief, and addictions. She thrives on working with diverse people of different ages, genders, races, ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, physical abilities, and more. She enjoys working with couples, is willing to provide family consultations, and loves facilitating groups. She counsels in English only.

Natasha was born in Montreal to immigrant parents, and has lived most of her life in Canada. She grew up in a “liberal Muslim” household, and while studying in the USA, discovered the protective factor and resiliency that comes from practicing Islam. Natasha is honoured to work with you and looks forward to meeting you.

Born and raised in Winnipeg, MB, Sophia Ali is a Social Worker who has experience in the areas of community development and health promotion. Her education background consists of a BA (Psychology) from University of Manitoba, BSW from University of Manitoba and a MBA from Athabasca University. She has worked at St Amant Centre, WRHA, St. Vital Parent Child Coalition, Youville Centre and is currently the Executive Director of Manitoba Alliance of Health Regulatory Colleges.

Registered as a Social Worker with the Manitoba College for Social Workers, Sophia is able to see adults, young adults and families needing additional supports. She has over fifteen years working with vulnerable sectors related to complex needs such as health issues, mental health, and locating appropriate resources in the community. Her background also includes working with immigrants, refugees, and teens.

She has volunteered with the MIA Takaful Committee, and MCNA (Muslim Children in North America) most recently. She is able to provide in-person counselling in Urdu, Hindi and English. Issues that she is comfortable in working with include abuse, attachment, self-compassion, communication issues, generational issues, cultural issues, depression, anxiety, grief and loss. Sophia uses the following approaches in her therapy: Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

In her free time, Sophia spends time with her husband and three children, friends and family, and enjoys travelling and reading.

Hani Ataan Al-Ubeady holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Winnipeg, and is a member of the Canadian Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT).

He has trained at Harvard Medical School, Global Mental Health, Trauma & Recovery, and Cross Cultural Therapy and Counselling.

He has clinical experience providing marriage and family therapy to people from diverse ethnic backgrounds including Muslim couples, families, and individuals. He uses an integrative therapeutic approach which includes Somatic Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, Bownian, and Satir approaches. Hani is pleased to offer couple and family counselling in Arabic and English.

Hani has nearly 20 years of experience working in the area of immigration, specifically settlement, integration, and community engagement serving newcomers—many of whom have been low-income. He has also worked extensively with the Indigenous community. Hani holds a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Political Science and Religious Studies, and a Master’s degree in Political Science.