Merna Tawfik, Arabic-speaking therapist in Mississauga at Healing Roots Therapy

Merna Tawfik

(she/her)
Pyschometrist & Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Arabic-Speaking Therapist in Mississauga

Service Type:

Individual Therapy

Core Therapy Focus:

AnxietyAbuse (Physical/emotional/mental/sexual)ADHD AssessmentsADHD ProgramAnger ManagementAutism AssessmentsBIPOC ExperiencesChronic IllnessCross Cultural ChallengesCultural IdentityCultural, Race & ImmigrationDepressionDyslexia AssessmentsEmotional RegulationFamily ConflictGiftedness AssessmentsGrief/LossHealth AnxietyNeurodivergenceParentingPersonal Identity/GrowthPhobiasPsychoeducational AssessmentsPsychological AssessmentsSelf-CareSelf-esteem/Self-WorthSelf-exploration/Self-growthStress/BurnoutTrauma

Languages:

Arabic, English

Availability:

Tuesdays: (Evening, In-Person & Virtual)

Wednesdays: (Afternoon/Evening, Online/Phone)

Saturdays: (Weekend, In-Person & Virtual)

Please note: The availability listed above reflects this practitioner’s general schedule. Appointment availability may vary.

Bio At A Glance:

Merna is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) offering in-person therapy in Mississauga and virtual therapy across Ontario. She provides compassionate, trauma-informed support for teens and adults navigating anxiety, depression, chronic illness, neurodivergence, and cultural identity. Merna offers therapy in both English and Arabic for clients who prefer to work in their first language.

Beginning therapy can bring up many emotions: excitement, uncertainty, and even a bit of overwhelm, and that’s completely okay. It’s normal to feel unsure about what to expect or to wonder whether therapy will truly help. You don’t need to have everything figured out before we begin. I am here to walk alongside you, helping to bring clarity, understanding, and ease as we move through the process together. Therapy is a space to slow down, reflect, and take gentle steps toward understanding yourself and what you need most right now.

In our work together, my goal is to create a calm, safe, and non-judgmental space where you can feel comfortable being yourself. My approach is collaborative and centered around you, guided by empathy, curiosity, and compassion. Whether we’re exploring patterns that no longer serve you, healing from past wounds, or finding new ways of coping, our work together focuses on helping you feel more grounded and connected to your inner strength.

Life’s Motivational Motto

“By being yourself, you put something wonderful in the world that was not there before.” – Edwin Elliot

Other areas of focus in therapy:

ADHD, Anger Management, Anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Behaviour Issues, BIPOC Experiences, Body Image Concerns, Boundaries, Break Ups, Bullying, Child Development, Childhood Trauma, Chronic Illness, Co-Dependency, Communication, Cross Cultural Challenges, Cultural Identity, Death, Depression, Divorce/Separation, Domestic Violence, Family Adjustment, Family Conflict, Grief/Loss, Health Anxiety, Immigration/Emmigration, Insomnia/Sleep Issues, Life Transitions, Loneliness, Mood Disorders, Panic Attacks, Perfectionism, Performance Anxiety/Sports Performance,, Personal Identity/Growth, Phobias, Post-Partum Depression, Racial Identity, Relationship Difficulties, School Challenges, Self-Esteem/Self-Worth, Self-Harm Reduction, Social Anxiety, Stress/Burnout, Suicide Ideation, Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, Woman's Issues, Work Life Balance, Relational Truama, Religion, Faith & Spirituality

More About

Merna Tawfik

Therapy modalities
Acceptance & Commitment TherapyAnti-OppressiveBehaviour TherapyCognitive Behavioural TherapyCompassion Focused TherapyEmotionally Focused TherapyExposure TherapyFamily SystemsHumanisticIntegrative or Holistic TherapyIntensive Short Term PsychodynamicInternal Family SystemsMindfulness ApproachMindfulness CBTMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused Brief TherapySomatic Experiencing (SE)Strength BasedTrauma Focused CBTTrauma Informed Therapy
Experience

Over the past years, Merna has worked across therapeutic, developmental, healthcare, educational, and assessment settings, supporting children, adolescents, adults, and families through a wide range of emotional, behavioural, and developmental challenges. Her diverse clinical experience has allowed her to work with individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, mood-related concerns, chronic illness, neurodivergence, and major life transitions.

In her role as a psychometrist, Merna administers and scores psychoeducational and psychological assessments under the supervision of psychologists to evaluate cognitive, academic, attention, memory, executive functioning, and social-emotional functioning to better understand each client's unique strengths and areas of need. This experience has strengthened her ability to recognize complex learning and mental health presentations while informing individualized, evidence-based treatment planning.

Merna has also provided play-based therapeutic support to children living with chronic illnesses in hospital settings, helping them prepare for medical procedures, reduce anxiety, and build coping skills during challenging healthcare experiences. These experiences have deepened her understanding of the emotional impact of illness on both children and families and reinforced her commitment to compassionate, client-centred care.
Alongside her clinical work, Merna has contributed to psychological research. She co-authored the published article, Record, Recall, Reflect: A Qualitative Examination of Compassion Fatigue in Toronto Zoo Staff. Her undergraduate honours thesis explored the emotional impact of childhood cancer on caregivers, further strengthening her understanding of trauma, grief, caregiver well-being, and family dynamics.

Education & Registration


  • Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) Registration # 18461
  • Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology - Yorkville University
  • Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Family and Child Studies - University of Guelph
  • Diploma in Communication Studies - University of Guelph

 

Additional Training


  • Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) - LivingWorks

Answers to some frequently asked questions:

Yes. I offer therapy sessions in both English and Arabic for clients in Mississauga and across Ontario. Working in your first language can make it easier to express complex emotions and feel fully understood, especially when discussing family dynamics, cultural expectations, faith, or sensitive personal experiences.

Yes. I have experience working in hospital settings supporting individuals living with chronic illnesses. A health diagnosis can bring grief, anxiety, uncertainty, and significant life adjustments. I provide a compassionate space to process these emotions, develop coping strategies, and find ways to live fully alongside health challenges.

Yes. I support clients with ADHD, autism, and other forms of neurodivergence. I also have experience conducting psychoeducational assessments, which has deepened my understanding of how neurodivergent individuals experience the world. My approach is affirming and focused on helping you work with your brain, not against it.

Somatic Experiencing is a body-based approach to healing trauma. It recognizes that trauma is stored not just in our thoughts but also in our bodies, and focuses on helping you release tension, regulate your nervous system, and restore a sense of safety. It can be particularly helpful for clients who feel “stuck” in their trauma responses or who experience physical symptoms related to stress and anxiety.

Yes. Supporting BIPOC individuals and those navigating cross-cultural challenges, immigration, and cultural identity is a core part of my practice. I understand the unique pressures that come with balancing cultural expectations, family dynamics, and personal growth, and I provide a space where your background and experiences are understood and respected.

Message Us!

Have questions about therapy? Ready to schedule a free consultation? Submit your inquiry using the form below. You can also book consultations and appointments directly online here.