A Conversation with Parinaz Falsafi

Parinaz Falsafi, a Registered Clinical Counsellor, holds a masters degree in psychology from Tehran and has eight years of experience guiding patients to their own goals. Her aim with each client is to help them understand and use their strengths, as well as develop and maintain a positive view of life.

Parinaz sees counselling as a spiritual journey, and is well-known for her compassionate, curious, accepting approach with each client on their own unique path.

Parinaz works with individuals, couples and groups, providing counselling in both English and Farsi.

1. What is your general philosophy and approach to helping?
Are you more directive or more guiding?

Some clients need to be guided, and some of them need to get directive help. I use an integrated approach based on my client’s needs, while I have always had a systematic view in analyzing my client’s stories.

2. Can you tell us a little bit about your background and training in this field?

I’m a registered clinical counselor and supervisor in BC. I have been certified in an externship of emotional focus couple therapy, and I’m trained in small study groups based on the Tavistock approach. Also, I have been certified in CBT and I have been trained and supervised in psychoanalytic therapy.

3. What should a new client expect when working with you?

I’m passionate and curious about understanding patterns of people’s lifestyles and thoughts. I usually focus on finding inner emotions and underlining reasons for someone’s behavior in the context of a situation. People need to understand different parts of themselves and the internal conversation they have with themselves. It is the start of being familiar with their authentic self.

4. How did you get into counseling?

I have always had the desire to solve problems and be sensitive to others’ feelings. In my view, a desire to nurture and provide a safe space for people to share their secrets and be themselves was the starting step toward developing my personality as a counselor.

5. What do you love most about your job?

Nothing is more enjoyable than helping my clients walk through their dark situations together and trusting me to cooperate while remembering, repeating, and finally repairing their painful stories. It’s really rewarding for me when I see they can be free of old pain, in touch with and accept themselves as they are.

I love my job because I love helping people to find a new window in their minds and see themselves with their unique views.

Contact Lynn Valley Counselling to book a consultation with Parinaz.