About | IFGCounselling

Shabnam Janet Janani,

MSW. RSW. LICSW. LCSW.

- Recipient of Ontario Lieutenant Governor Award in the category of Diversity & Humanities - 2008.
- Contributing Author of the book - Social Work in Canada - An Introduction, Fourth Edition Steven Hick & Jackie Stokes.
- Certified in Integrated Treatment of Co-occurring PTSD & Substance Abuse Disorders.
- Contributing Editor to assess the content of child and adolescent books with Nardeban publisher.
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the State of California - License No. 87038.
- Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in the State of Massachusetts - License No. 121279.
- Registered Social Worker (RSW) in the Province of Ontario - License No. 823009.

"Human beings are members of a whole / In creation of one essence and soul / If one member is afflicted with pain / Other members uneasy will remain" This quote by Persian poet Saadi inspired me to pursue a career in social work after immigrating to Canada in 1999.

I was passionate about choosing a career path that stemmed from my personal philosophy. To me one's purpose in life is to be proactive, compassionate, and loving toward all human beings - not just our friends and family members, but everyone who needs a helping hand. Motivated by this vision, I completed a master's degree in Clinical Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University. I attained my degree after writing a thesis titled "The Words Beyond My Accent: A Closer Inspection of My Canadian Identity." Applying a social-creative constructionist theatrical framework, my research explored the process to identity formation experience by immigration to Canada. Incorporating autoethnography and poetic expression, my thesis offers the reader a lens into my experience as immigrant to Canada. As a result of it's innovative methodology, my thesis was nominated for an academic gold medal.

After graduation, I was employed as Mental Health Clinician in a variety of settings, including hospitals, counseling agencies, and community organizations where I could apply a range of therapeutic modalities and interventions. These included Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement & Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), problem-solving solution-focused therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), psychodynamic therapy, play therapy, and family system therapy.

Both my national and international psychotherapy experience have allowed me to integrate various theories, modalities, and social work perspectives into my practice. Each individual has hidden treasures within themselves, and theories and modalities help the therapist to understand the whole person in his or her environment and to determine where, when, and how the best environment can take place.

I often use a solutions-focused approach along with strengths-based theory to draw upon individuals' untapped resources during the intervention process. Theories and therapeutic modalities provide a pathway that brings together all that you have learned to create a foundation for assessments and interventions, but it is your kind heart and caring soul that enable you to truly help another human being. For that to happen, the formation of an effective therapeutic relationship with each client is essential. Building a relationship with patients based on trust, rapport, and respect; being an empathetic active listener; asking relevant questions at the right time, and being truly present in conversations with them are indispensable.

Practicing Behavioral Health Therapy in Canada and United States means interacting with people from diverse backgrounds, including many immigrants who are in a new environment facing a number of challenges. Cultural sensitivity, digging deep into your sense of self, and assessing your own personal biases are additional skills that must be exercised at all times.

I see social work not just as a profession, but as a way of living in which helping others, human rights, and social justice intersect. My spirit becomes a bit reacher everyday when I open my heart to someones else's pain and help them to find the strength to put through situations in ways they never thought possible.