ZUNAIRA BAIG
Registered Social Worker / Psychotherapist
(she/her)
**Sessions available in English, Urdu, Hindi, and Punjabi
Hi, I’m Zunaira (she/her). I’m a Registered Social Worker (RSW) working with teens (15+) and adults who are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or trying to make sense of themselves in a world that hasn’t always made space for them – especially folks navigating identity, relationships, culture, and mental health in complex or intersecting ways.
My approach is trauma-informed, queer-affirming, and grounded in compassion and collaboration. Therapy with me is about slowing things down, getting underneath what’s on the surface, and making sense of your experiences in a way that actually feels meaningful and supportive. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, intrusive thoughts, burnout, identity questions, or relationship dynamics, we’ll work together at a pace that feels right for you. I draw from CBT, ACT, and Motivational Interviewing, while keeping our work flexible, relational, and centred on you.
I bring both personal and professional understanding to this work. I know what it can feel like to move through the world as a “first” – first to pursue higher education, first to come out, first to choose a path that doesn’t align with family or cultural expectations. I understand how culture, religion, and family systems can shape the way we see ourselves, the choices we make, and the pressure we carry.
I have a strong interest in working with 2SLGBTQIA+ folks, as well as those from South Asian, Muslim, and/or immigrant backgrounds. I also support clients navigating ADHD, OCD, and broader neurodivergence, particularly where this intersects with identity, shame, perfectionism, or feeling “too much” or “not enough.” Many of the people I work with are unpacking internalized expectations, exploring who they are outside of those pressures, and learning how to relate to themselves with more understanding and care – including when it comes to school, career paths, or figuring out what direction feels right for them.
Working with me is meant to feel approachable and non-intimidating. You don’t need to have the right words or a clear goal when you start. You can show up exactly as you are. My goal is to create a space where you feel supported, understood, and able to move toward a version of your life that feels more grounded, aligned, and sustainable.
We May Be A Fit If…
You’re someone who…
❥ Is dealing with things like anxiety, low mood, trauma, relationship stress, or a big life change and want support that feels steady, thoughtful, and grounding
❥ Is looking for a therapist who brings a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and culturally aware approach into the work
❥ Comes from a marginalized background (racialized, newcomer, 2SLGBTQIA+, etc.) and want your experiences to be understood and taken seriously, not explained away
❥ Is feeling stuck with school, career choices, confidence, or everyday life skills and want help finding clarity, balance, and momentum
❥ Is working through family expectations, boundaries, or complex relationship dynamics
Areas of Focus
❥ Anxiety, panic, & overthinking
❥ Depression & low mood
❥ OCD & intrusive thoughts
❥ ADHD & neurodivergence
❥ Identity exploration (cultural, religious, gender, sexual)
❥ Self-esteem, self-worth, and self-compassion
❥ Trauma & complex trauma
❥ 2SLGBTQIA+ Support
❥ Relationship challenges, boundaries, & communication
❥ Career-related stress, identity, and transitions
❥ Students navigating academic stress and life transitions
❥ Newcomer and first-generation experiences
❥ Muslim identity, culture, and family dynamics
Get To Know Zunaira
❥ I’ve read The Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak 40 times. I’m very much a love-centered person.
❥ I believe in experiential learning, so I often practice therapeutic approaches myself before introducing them to clients.
❥ I have never worn heels - and never will.
❥ My favourite show is Derry Girls.
❥ My go-to snack growing up was a chip sandwich - white bread with regular Lays (don’t knock it ‘til you try it).