Positive Perspectives Counselling and Psychotherapy exists to carefully and intentionally provide equitable, socially just, and diverse mental health services for our community.
Meet Our Team
Each practitioner brings their own unique set of skills, strengths, and wisdom to their practice with one important commonality among the team.
That is to care for individuals, couples, and families who are suffering from mental health challenges. It is our mission to help clients overcome the struggles that have prevented them from achieving their goals.
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WELCOMING NEW CLIENTS
Hello friends! My name is Homa Houshmand. My pronouns are she/her and I am the clinical director and founder of Positive Perspectives. I am currently working and living in the city of Winnipeg, located on Treaty 1 Territory.
I started a solo in private practice in 2014, and now am beyond grateful to have had the opportunity to build an incredible team of practitioners who align with the mission and values of Positive Perspectives.
As a therapist and a mom of two toddlers myself, I very honestly understand the challenges that can come along with not only parenting, but the family planning and pregnancy stages too. I am honoured to be able to bring these perspectives to my mental health and psychotherapy practice.
I enjoy working collaboratively with caregivers who are feeling stuck in their identity, overwhelmed with their new roles, or simply curious to unpack parts of themselves as they move through life transitions. Whether this shows up as grief, trauma, anxiety or depression, please know that all parts of you are welcome in my space.
I operate from a feminist based and culturally diverse lens and my therapeutic approach relies heavily on each individuals own strengths and wisdom. I commonly use a blend of practices from Mindfulness Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Positive Psychology, Internal Family Systems and Narrative Therapy.
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NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS AT THIS TIME.
Social Work Associate
Hello lovely people! My name is Kim and my pronouns are she/her. I am proud to work and live on Treaty 1 territory.
Here is a little bit about me and the way I work:
I am passionate about women’s wellness and reproductive justice issues. I have experience working with people across the spectrum of reproductive choices including people who are experiencing infertility, pregnancy, are first-time parents, decision making counselling and people who have experienced abortion.
I enjoy working with people who are curious about exploring new parts of themselves and are moving through life transitions. Lately, I’ve been curious about what comes up for people when they are craving more transition in their life - such as a new relationship, a new job, or new passions… Essentially, anyone who is longing for their life to be in a different place. In my work with clients, I often use an eclectic approach that is tailored to the client.
I use an intersectional feminist lens to my work with folx and I am committed to working from a feminist, anti-racist and decolonizing lens; this work is both personal, professional, and ongoing. I believe it is important to locate ourselves within the broader structures at play such as intersecting forms of oppression and privilege.
I work from an integrative approach that includes body based practices and recognizes the importance of accessing the wisdom of the body.
I’m currently nerding out on Polyvagal Theory and I am looking forward to incorporating it more in sessions with clients!
I believe that over the course of our lives, there are times when reaching out to a counsellor can be helpful and finding the right fit is important. I offer in-person or video sessions on Mondays and Fridays.
I have a decade of experience working with women in community health as a counsellor and registered social worker.
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Social Work Associate
WELCOMING NEW VIRTUAL CLIENTS
Hi there, I’m Carly Thomas, BSW, RSW (she/they)!
I am a Registered Social Worker and Clinical Social Work Candidate. I am currently completing a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work with a thesis focused on traditional healing practices for Indigenous peoples.
The way I exist in the world undoubtedly comes into the therapy space. My practice is informed by ideologies such as anti-oppressive frameworks, Abolitionist Social Work, and land-based ecological knowledge. What I’ve learned both personally and professionally is that it’s not enough to study these ideologies. The real work lies in living them in simple, accessible, and relational ways. When we trade curiosity for academic arrogance we lose the plot. I strive to live these values with humility, knowing I must remain accountable and countably open to discomfort and growth.I am passionate about bringing ceremony and spirituality into my understanding of psychology and systems theory to create a powerful catalyst for healing.
One of my greatest strengths is that I am a neurodivergent therapist. My lived experiences with ADHD and Dyslexia deeply inform the way I practice by bringing empathy, adaptability, and creativity to my work. I strive to bring my whole self into therapy, and I encourage my clients to do the same.
In my private practice I work primarily with queer and trans folks, mixed-Indigenous clients, parents, neurodivergent individuals, and trauma including those who have received a diagnosis of PTSD and C-PTSD.
I have extensive experience supporting Indigenous folks in making informed decisions about their therapeutic treatment plans and connecting with their nervous systems in culturally meaningful ways.
I integrate Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, pleasure activism, and expressive tools like art, visuals, poetry, and ceremony into my sessions. I am a visual thinker and I support clients in exploring not just why we are the way we are, but how we can shift what’s no longer serving us. Trauma healing, in my experience, is about more than awareness. It’s about unhooking trauma from the places it’s settled in the body and gently helping it move through, using whatever path feels right: EMDR, art, land, or ceremony.
I look forward to creating safe and non-judgmental spaces for new and current Positive Perspectives community members.
I offer phone, or video sessions on Tuesday and Thursdays and phone consultations on Fridays.
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WELCOMING NEW CLIENTS
Herd Relational Therapy
Hi, I’m Nathalie Vander Zaag, and I use she and her pronouns.
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist (MMFT) which means I work with individuals, relationships and families from a systemic and relational lens.
What this looks like in my therapeutic work is exploring how your experience of your family functioning and its surrounding social context shapes how you relate to yourself, others and how you make sense of the world. As well as exploring how your network of relationships shape your sense of belonging and identity.
I have 14 years of experience in Winnipeg's North End supporting community members and their families. I created programming for children and youth, advocated for system-involved folks, facilitated Circle of Security Parenting groups, and co-facilitated equine-assisted parenting self-regulation groups.
It’s important that we feel we belong and feel heard in our herd. I have had the unique opportunity to work as a co-therapist with Canada's sole AHCB Hippotherapy professional and provide equine-assisted mental health services. My collaborative experiences with horses inspired the name, Herd Relational Therapy.
I’m passionate about working with families to build and strengthen secure attachments. I want to support parenting people (anyone involved in caregiving to a child/youth) as they navigate family relationships, peer friendships, boundaries, school anxiety and technology use.
In my therapeutic work meaningful relationships and trust are developed through talk, play, body awareness and creative activities. My therapeutic approach is informed by a variety of family systems therapies (Experiential Family Therapy, Structural Family Therapy, Internal Family Systems and Emotionally Focused Therapy), Circle of Security of Parenting and trauma-informed practices. We will work collaboratively towards the changes you would like to make.
I offer in-person therapy sessions Tuesdays and Thursdays.
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NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS AT THIS TIME.
Therapy With Grace
I am a cisgender queer woman who is living and working on Treaty 1 Territory. I hold a Master of Education degree in Counselling Psychology and am a certified member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.
In my work, I collaborate with participants to create a life that they believe is worth living. I strive to help people empower themselves to make changes in their lives and explore what wellness means to them.
By offering a safer space for folks to share their stories, I aim to support my participants as we navigate whatever they decide to bring to their sessions during our time together.
As a therapist, I work primarily from a person-centered, attachment-informed, trauma-informed, and intersectional feminist-based framework. I also often integrate additional approaches and therapy models as needed, including DBT, EMDR, ITATM, and others.
I currently provide individual therapy for folks aged 13 and up. I have experience working with participants on a variety of concerns and struggles, including, but not limited to, sexuality and gender diversity, sexual health and wellness, anxiety, depression, neurodivergence, trauma, and life transitions.
I offer in-person and virtual sessions from Monday to Friday. If you would like to work with me, I would be honoured to get to know you and your story.
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WELCOMING NEW CLIENTS
Sessions available in English and Punjabi.
I’m passionate about working with youth and adolescents who may be navigating life’s challenges. I hope to be a trustworthy constant—someone who provides warmth, safety, and understanding.
My therapeutic approach is client-centered, collaborative, and strength-based. I often use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) as a foundational tool, while integrating humanistic approaches such as Gestalt Therapy to support self-awareness and personal growth.
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Gretchen is Emily’s golden retriever and loyal companion, joining her at the office most days to help create a warm, welcoming environment. While she is not a therapy dog, Gretchen takes her role as Unofficial Greeter very seriously—offering soft tail wags, gentle smiles, and quiet curiosity to anyone who crosses her path.
Her favourite place to be is wherever Emily is, usually curled up on her bed during sessions or waiting patiently in the hallway to say hello. Gretchen has a natural gift for helping people feel at ease. Clients often notice her calming energy, her friendly presence, and the way she seems to know when someone needs a moment of softness.
To book with Gretchen, please check out her human Emily McLeod’s page for more info!
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Associate
ON LEAVE UNTIL FEBRUARY 2027
Hello there! My name is Mairo [May-row], and I use she/her pronouns.
I’m a therapist passionate about creating spaces where your unique experiences are centred and celebrated. I believe our intersecting identities—race, culture, gender, and sexuality—profoundly shape how we navigate the world, our relationships, and, most importantly, our relationship with ourselves.
My approach to therapy is rooted in deep curiosity about the self, connection, and the stories we carry and tell. I’m particularly drawn to conversations about identity exploration, navigating relationships and life transitions, and managing stress in a world that often asks us to shrink or conform.
I bring an eclectic style to therapy, blending person-centred, cognitive-behavioural, solution-focused, and narrative therapy with insights from positive psychology. This flexibility allows me to meet you where you are while honouring your individuality and the wisdom you already hold.
Together, we’ll co-create a space where your thoughts, vulnerabilities, and curiosities can be explored safely without judgment to support you in showing authentically and thriving on your terms.
I offer in-person and virtual sessions on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and I look forward to connecting with you.
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Hello there! My name is Emily (she/her), and I was born and raised in Winnipeg on Treaty 1 territory.
I’m a registered psychiatric nurse with eight years of experience across acute inpatient psychiatry, emergency mental health, crisis intervention, and dementia care. Over the past several years I have also been providing psychotherapy in private practice, and I am currently awaiting my Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) designation after completing my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology—practising as both a psychiatric nurse and qualifying psychotherapist.
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CURRENTLY ON MATERNITY LEAVE
Source of Light Therapy
Hello! My name is Ravneet (she/her), and I’m so glad you’re here. It takes strength and vulnerability to connect with a therapist, and I’d be honoured to hear your story.
I come from a family of immigrants and identify as a first generation Punjabi-Canadian on Treaty 1 Territory. I have a Master of Social Work with a specialization in clinical practice with individuals, families, and groups, and I am a Registered Social Worker with the Manitoba College of Social Workers.
I believe that this work is my purpose in life. The name of my practice, Source of Light, is derived from the meaning of my name – Ravneet.
I am committed to serving individuals who are navigating life’s challenges and supporting them in managing stress. I am dedicated to supporting the BIPOC community and understand that there is significant stigma and barriers in accessing care.
This inspires me to bridge the barriers in care and provide culturally-affirming services for everyone. My hope is to co-create a safe and inclusive space where you can feel connected and safe to explore your experiences and thoughts.
I am accepting new clients on Saturdays and Sundays for individual therapy for youth and adults.
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WELCOMING NEW CLIENTS
I’m passionate about working with 2SLGBTQIA+ folks and supporting clients as they build self-esteem, confidence, and self-acceptance.
I also enjoy working with those navigating stress, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relationship challenges.
My approach is person-centred and trauma-informed, meaning clients are always in control of their own sessions, and I’m there to walk alongside them. I also draw from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Solution-Focused Therapy to meet each client’s unique needs.
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Catherine DN Therapy
WELCOMING NEW CLIENTS
Sessions available in English and French
Hello! My name is Catherine (she/her/elle). I am part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and I speak French fluently. I recognize my privilege to live on Treaty 1 Territory.
I enjoy working with individuals, couples and families and work with teens and adults of all ages. I am passionate about supporting people explore their identities and finding their self-acceptance. My lived experience with neurodivergence and chronic pain informs the work that I do with my clients.
I support individuals living with many different experiences, including anxiety, depression and mood disorders, neurodivergence, BPD, domestic violence situations, trauma, difficulties with emotional regulation, relationships concerns, coping strategies, attachment styles, interpersonal communication challenges, and more.