brown non-binary therapist with short dark hair leans towards you andsmiles warmly

Welcome!

My name is Nimerta, and I am a registered social worker and therapist based in Toronto, Ontario.

Does worrying and work stress keep you up at night? Or maybe you have been struggling with postpartum anxiety, and it is affecting your ability to function at home. Do you feel overwhelmed and exhausted trying to get through each day? Do you wonder if life could be better?

You are not alone. I can help you learn how to greet life’s challenges in ways that incorporate your innate wisdom and strength, enrich your relationships, and bring you to the embodied and balanced life you were meant for.

A series of herbal ingredients placed on small plates in a vertical line on a pink background.

My services

Perinatal therapy

Are you pregnant or postpartum and feeling depressed, overwhelmed, anxious, or just not like yourself? Maybe you're struggling with the physical changes to your body, grieving a miscarriage, navigating fertility challenges, or finding it hard to connect with your baby. I understand that becoming a new parent is unique and challenging. I provide a non-judgmental place for you to be honest about what you're feeling. I work with you to find practical strategies and emotional support so you can feel more in control, less alone, and more confident in your journey.

Professional burnout therapy

Are you feeling the weight of compassion fatigue and moral injury? As someone who spent a decade working in primary care, I know firsthand the intense stressors of working in healthcare: long hours, high-stakes decisions, and a constant exposure to suffering; compassion fatigue and moral injury. I provide a safe space for you to process trauma, grief, and the weight of responsibility. You'll learn practical strategies to set healthy boundaries between your work and personal life, manage stress, and rediscover a sense of purpose. The goal is not just to survive but to find a sustainable way to practice without sacrificing your well-being.

Medical trauma therapy

Do you feel your heart race just walking into a medical clinic? Maybe you had a complicated surgery, a difficult birth, or a long hospital stay that left you with a deep fear. I will help you understand that these powerful reactions aren't your fault—they're a normal response to an abnormal situation. I will help you safely work through those embodied memories. The goal is to help you feel safe and in control again. You'll learn to rebuild trust in your body and your ability to engage with your health without fear.

Racial trauma therapy

My lived experience as a Punjabi Sikh born and raised on this land motivates me to address racial trauma in a space created specifically for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) to process and heal from the pain of racism. This is a chance for you to finally process harm, betrayal, and injustice in a space where your feelings are not questioned. The focus is on helping you reclaim your voice, rebuild your sense of safety, and find strategies to protect your mental and emotional well-being. It's about healing from ongoing systemic injustices while building a stronger, more resilient future for yourself and your community.

BIPOC nonbinary therapist with an inviting smile against a blue background

About me

I am a registered social worker and registered midwife who brings over a decade of experience supporting individuals and families through complex and transformative life transitions including perinatal mood disorders, grief and loss, and medical trauma.

I am passionate about reproductive justice, racial justice, sex positivity, queer parenting, spirituality, and helping you maintain a strong sense of self through identity and relationship changes. I have lived experience of surviving postpartum depression and anxiety, and as a healthcare professional who noticed the severe impacts of burnout and secondary trauma on my colleagues. As a parent to a neurodivergent child, I bring a lived understanding of navigating parenthood with complexity and care.

I am honoured to walk alongside you with care, integrity, and an attuned heart.

Two hands, one hovering above another with palms facing each other.

My approach

My therapeutic approach is rooted in warmth, compassion, and collaboration. As someone with intersecting identities (nonbinary, queer, racialized) I believe that individual therapy is a part of collective healing and liberation. I work from a trauma-informed, harm reduction, and anti-oppression framework. I believe in your innate wisdom and capacity for healing, and I partner with you to access resilience in the face of challenge.

My integrative approach incorporates various therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, Polyvagal Theory and nervous system regulation, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). I offer a holistic space that honours your emotional and physiological experiences.

My specialities

  • Anxiety

  • Depression 

  • Burnout

  • Postpartum mood disturbances

  • Navigating transitions

  • Queer and trans families

  • Polyamorous, nontraditional, evolving, diverse, and blended families

Education and certifications

  • University of Toronto Master of Social Work in Health and Mental Health Field of Study, Collaborative Specialization in Sexuality Diversity Studies

  • Toronto Metropolitan University, BHSc. with Distinction in the Midwifery Education Program

  • University of British Columbia, BA Double Major in Psychology and Gender Studies, Minor in Critical Studies in Sexuality

  • Registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, #860841

  • Registration with the College of Midwives Ontario, #1999

  • Trauma Certificate, Wilfred Laurier Social Work Professional Development

  • Fundamentals of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy

  • Fundamentals of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Wilfred Laurier Social Work Professional Development

  • Certification in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), CBT Canada

  • Certification in Research Ethics based on the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (TCPS 2: CORE 2022)

  • Contraceptive Care Part 1 & 2 McMaster Midwifery Continuing Education

  • Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

  • Sany’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Ontario

  • YouthREX, Centering Black Youth Wellbeing Certificate

  • Trauma-Informed Care: Building a Culture of Strength, through the Crisis and Trauma Resource Institute​​

Frequently asked questions

  • Therapy is a collaborative process where you and I work together to understand your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. The goal is to help you resolve specific challenges, cope with life's stresses, and improve your overall well-being.

  • Therapy can be beneficial for almost anyone, and you don't need a formal diagnosis to start. Consider therapy if you're experiencing ongoing stress, sadness, anger, or anxiety that interferes with your daily life. It can also be helpful for navigating major life changes, such as the arrival of a new baby/child, a breakup, job loss, or the death of a loved one. Ultimately, the best way to know if therapy is right for you is to give it a try. Book a free 20 minute consultation with me to see if we’re a good fit.

  • Progress in therapy isn't always linear; it's more like a journey with ups and downs. However, you'll likely start to notice some positive changes over time. Key signs that therapy is working include:

    • Increased self-awareness: You start to recognize your thought patterns and emotional triggers, which gives you more control over your reactions.

    • Improved coping skills: You learn and use healthier ways to handle stress and difficult situations.

    • Positive changes in behavior: You begin to set boundaries, communicate more effectively, and act in ways that align with your goals.

    • A shift in perspective: You start to view challenges from a different, often more optimistic, point of view.

    • External validation: Friends or family members may comment that you seem happier, calmer, or more confident.

    • The therapeutic relationship feels safe: You feel you can be honest and open with me without fear of judgment.

    We will discuss your goals in the first few sessions and regularly check in on your progress together.

  • The frequency of therapy sessions depends on your individual needs and the type of therapy we’re doing together. However, most people start by meeting with me once a week. This consistent schedule helps to build momentum and establish a strong therapeutic relationship.

    As you make progress and your symptoms stabilize, you may decide to reduce the frequency to bi-weekly or even monthly sessions. I work with you to determine a schedule that is effective while also being manageable for your lifestyle.

  • My hours of operation typically run Monday to Friday, 9-5. I do have some evening availability scheduled during the week, and I sometimes have limited weekend availability. Please contact me if scheduling is an issue and we can certainly work something out together.

  • My fee is $150 per 50 minute session. I do have limited sliding scale spots for priority populations. Please email me to discuss sliding scale or fee adjustments if applicable.

  • Once I receive your payment for your session, I will email you a receipt that will have the information required for you to submit to your extended health plan for reimbursement.

  • I am based out of Toronto, Ontario. I am currently providing therapy virtually to people in Ontario for ease of accessibility.

  • Email me via the form below and I will try to respond within 24 hours!

soft shadow of a young maple tree against a peach outdoor wall

Let’s get started on your healing journey

Email me to learn more or to book your free 20 minute consultation. Appointment times are typically Monday to Friday 9am-5pm with some flexibility to accommodate busy schedules. I strive to respond to messages within 24 hours.