Roya Pourzia
Toronto,Canada
Summary
With over 16 years of clinical experience, I specialize in individual, couples, and group psychotherapy, supporting clients through a wide range of emotional, relational, and psychological challenges. My therapeutic approach integrates evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT/EFIT), Psychoanalytic methods, and Mentalization-Based interventions to deliver tailored, effective treatment.
A registered member of the Iranian Psychological Association, I am dedicated to providing culturally sensitive and client-centered care in both English and Persian. My professional background spans private practice, clinical collaboration in hospitals and mental health centers, pre-marriage and family counselling, and group therapy facilitation.
In addition to clinical work, I bring expertise in parenting support, resilience-building strategies, and interventions for relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem challenges. Passionate about advancing mental well-being, I continue to engage in research on resilience, communication patterns, and innovative therapeutic approaches — empowering individuals, couples, and families to achieve meaningful, lasting change.
Overview
1
1
Certification
Work History
Founder & Psychotherapist
Roya Pourzia Counseling Office
- Provided individual and couples psychotherapy services, specializing in anxiety, depression, family dynamics, and relationship counseling.
- Designed and delivered personalized treatment plans tailored to client needs.
Collaborating Therapist
Rah-e Sabz Clinic | Zein Zeeba Mental Health Center
- Conducted psychological assessments and therapy sessions across diverse populations.
- Supported clients through cognitive-behavioral and emotion-focused approaches.
Marriage Counseling Specialist
Pre-Marriage Counseling Association (under Dr. Saeedeh Hadi)
- Delivered workshops and consultations focused on communication, compatibility, and emotional readiness for marriage.
Therapist
Shahid Beheshti Counseling Center (under Dr. Doukanei)
- Facilitated therapy for individuals and couples dealing with complex emotional and interpersonal challenges.
Founder & Lead Therapist
Bamdad Counseling Center
- Oversaw all clinical operations, including staff supervision, client intake, and therapeutic programming.
Psychotherapist (Clinical Placement)
Ziaian Psychiatric Hospital (under Dr. Ziaei)
- Supported patients with severe psychological disorders in inpatient settings.
Research Assistant
Amena Childcare Center Counseling Unit
- Participated in developmental psychology and early intervention research for over two years.
Group Therapist & Counselor
Cultural Center, District 21, Tehran
- Led group therapy sessions focusing on emotional well-being, coping strategies, and community mental health education.
Education
M.A. - Counseling Psychology
Islamic Azad University, Science & Research Branch
B.A. - Psychology
University of Tehran
Skills
- Anxiety & Depression Treatment
- Couples Therapy
- Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT/EFIT)
- CBT
- Psychoanalysis
- Pre-Marriage Counseling
- Group Therapy
- Parenting
- Resilience Building
Languages
English (Professional)
Persian (Native)
Certification
- DSM-5 Diagnostic Workshop – Segal Center (Dr. Motabi, Dr. Ladan Fathi)
- Life Skills Training Workshop – Dr. Hamid Pour
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Certification – Dr. Hamid Pour
- Mentalization-Based Therapy Workshop – Dr. Saeed Ghanbari, Hilan Center
- Classical Psychoanalysis Training – Tehran Psychoanalysis Institute (Dr. Touraj Moradi)
- Resilience Workshop – Dr. Mokri
- Family Therapy Certification – Dr. Bagher Sanaei
- CBT for Marital Infidelity – Dr. Motabi
- Pre-Marriage Counseling Training – Dr. Mousavi
- CBT for Self-Esteem Issues – Dr. Ladan Fathi
- Parenting Skills Workshop – Dr. Karine Tahmasebi
- CBT for Procrastination & Perfectionism – Dr. Motabi & Dr. Ladan Fathi
- Transactional Analysis (TA) Workshop – Dr. Babaeizad
- CBT for Personality Disorders – Dr. Motabi
- Psychological Interventions for Breakups – Dr. Motabi
- ISTDP (Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy) Training – Dr. Tahmasebi
- Emotion-Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) – Dr. Mona Cheraghi
- Emotion-Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) – Dr. Zhila Behnad
Timeline
Marriage Counseling Specialist
Pre-Marriage Counseling Association (under Dr. Saeedeh Hadi)
Therapist
Shahid Beheshti Counseling Center (under Dr. Doukanei)
Founder & Lead Therapist
Bamdad Counseling Center
Psychotherapist (Clinical Placement)
Ziaian Psychiatric Hospital (under Dr. Ziaei)
Research Assistant
Amena Childcare Center Counseling Unit
Group Therapist & Counselor
Cultural Center, District 21, Tehran
B.A. - Psychology
University of Tehran
Founder & Psychotherapist
Roya Pourzia Counseling Office
Collaborating Therapist
Rah-e Sabz Clinic | Zein Zeeba Mental Health Center
M.A. - Counseling Psychology
Islamic Azad University, Science & Research Branch