+1647-831-8217 | rawan@hedefapsychologyclinic.com
About Us
Hedefa Psychology Clinic was created from a commitment to intentional, culturally aware, and deeply human care. The name Hedefa comes from the Arabic word hadaf, which means purpose, direction, and the act of moving toward something meaningful.
Rawan Hedefa (she/her)
HBSc, MSW, RSW
Clinical Director
Rawan Hedefa (she/her) is a bilingual (English/Arabic), compassionate and dedicated psychotherapist specializing in trauma, PTSD, anxiety and mood disorders, ADHD, and LGBTQ+ mental health. With a focus on providing anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, and strengths-based therapeutic care, Rawan strives to create a safe and inclusive space for her clients. She believes in empowering individuals to address deep-rooted concerns, tap into their existing inner strengths, and work towards a sense of peace and holistic healing.
Who is Rawan & how does she work?
Rawan Hedefa draws on her knowledge and expertise gained from a Bachelor's degree in neuroscience and psychology, as well as her MSW degree and Masters in clinical & counselling psychology, and current PhD in clinical & counseling psychology. Rawan honours the intricate connection between the mind and body in her work with clients. She approaches her practice in a non-judgmental manner, recognizing the importance of understanding the whole person and their unique experiences.
Rawan has gained extensive experience in both private practice and clinical settings. In private practice, she has provided Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectal Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) to clients, assisting them in developing effective coping strategies. Additionally, Rawan has worked in a hospital setting at Bridgepoint Hospital, providing counselling services. She has also dedicated her expertise to serving racialized individuals through her involvement with organizations such as the Mood Disorder Association of Ontario and Pflag York Region, among others.
Through her diverse experiences, Rawan is committed to supporting her clients on their journey toward healing and personal growth. She believes in the power of therapy to bring about positive change and works collaboratively with individuals to help them overcome challenges, explore their inner resources, and lead fulfilling lives.
Commitment to Anti-Oppressive Practice
Rawan Hedefa is deeply committed to anti-oppressive practice, understanding the importance of intersectionality and oppression within the realm of mental health. As a clinician, she is acutely aware of the unique challenges faced by individuals who navigate multiple marginalized identities. Rawan strives to provide client-centred and supportive care, acknowledging the various ways in which social structures can impact mental well-being.
Drawing from her lived experience as a queer person of North African/Egyptian descent, Rawan is dedicated to assisting individuals who share both similar and different identities. She understands the significance of representation and cultural competency in therapy. However, Rawan's commitment extends beyond her own experiences. She actively engages in continuing education and seeks to expand her knowledge of diverse cultures and identities to ensure she provides effective and inclusive care to all individuals.
Rawan also recognizes the importance of advocacy for marginalized groups both within and outside the therapeutic context. She aims to use her platform as a mental health professional to amplify the voices of those who are often unheard or underrepresented. Through her work, she strives to foster an environment that celebrates and validates diverse identities and experiences.
By combining her personal experiences, ongoing education, and commitment to advocacy, Rawan aims to create a therapeutic space that embraces and empowers individuals from all walks of life. She believes in the power of therapy as a catalyst for change and growth and is dedicated to helping her clients navigate their unique challenges while fostering a sense of belonging and well-being.
Helen Khaleji (she/her)
MA, MACP, RP
Trauma & Attachment Therapist for Adults and Couples
Helen Khaleghi is a Registered Psychotherapist specializing in trauma, attachment injuries, and relationship distress. She works with adults and couples navigating complex trauma, emotional dysregulation, co-dependency patterns, and recurring relational conflict.
Her clinical approach integrates EMDR, Schema Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Brainspotting, and somatic-based trauma work. Helen focuses on stabilization and nervous system regulation before engaging in deeper trauma processing, ensuring that treatment is paced, structured, and aligned with each client’s readiness. Sessions often explore attachment dynamics, core belief patterns, boundary development, and practical skills for managing intense emotions.
Who is Helen & how does she work?
Helen holds two master’s degree in clinical and counselling psychology and brings experience from both private practice and program settings. Her clinical work includes comprehensive intake and assessment, trauma-related measures, collaborative treatment planning, and ongoing documentation aligned with professional standards. She also has experience with risk assessment and safety planning when indicated, consultation/coordination with other providers, and facilitating psychoeducational and therapy groups. Helen’s approach integrates EMDR, Schema Therapy, DBT skills, and Somatic Trauma work. Depending on client needs, sessions may focus on strengthening regulation and grounding, mapping repeating patterns and triggers, building healthier boundaries, and—when appropriate—processing traumatic memories in a paced and carefully supported way. Her style is warm and direct, with clear goals, transparent collaboration, and attention to readiness.
Commitment to Anti-Oppressive Practice
Helen is deeply committed to anti-oppressive and culturally responsive therapy. As someone who immigrated from Iran, she brings lived awareness of how culture, migration, family expectations, and systemic structures shape safety, identity, and access to care. She understands that mental health does not exist in isolation from social realities, and that experiences of marginalization, displacement, or cultural pressure can profoundly influence attachment patterns, emotional regulation, and self-concept.
Helen approaches this work with care and humility. She recognizes that some experiences require a slower, more intentional pace and that trust must be built within a context of respect and attunement. She strives to create an affirming space for BIPOC clients and for individuals who have felt misunderstood, unseen, or pressured to silence or minimize their lived experiences.
Her commitment extends beyond awareness into ongoing action. Helen actively engages in continued education and reflective practice to deepen her cultural humility and clinical responsiveness. She works to ensure that her therapeutic approach remains inclusive, thoughtful, and grounded in each client’s cultural, relational, and social context.
Helping you find clarity, calm, and a stronger sense of self
DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU ARE ALWAYS WORRYING ABOUT THE FUTURE?
You find yourself planning, overthinking, and imagining every possible outcome, trying to feel safe in a world that has not always felt predictable.
DO YOU STRUGGLE TO TRUST YOUR OWN FEELINGS?
You second guess your reactions, wondering if you are being “too much,” “too sensitive,” or “not enough,” even though a part of you knows your emotions are trying to tell a story.
DO YOU FEEL DISCONNECTED FROM YOURSELF?
Some days you feel numb, other days overwhelmed, and you are not sure how to find your way back to a version of you that feels grounded and whole.
DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU HAVE TO BE STRONG ALL THE TIME?
You hold yourself together in front of others, but beneath the surface are exhaustion, loneliness, and the quiet hope that someone will finally see your pain.
DO YOU STRUGGLE TO BREAK OLD PATTERNS?
You notice yourself repeating the same cycles in relationships, work, or family dynamics, even when they do not align with the life you want to create.
