Amira Dirie - Trauma, ADHD, Anxiety, Burnout, Muslim & Black Professional Therapist in Toronto

Amira Dirie

Registered Psychotherapist

(Qualifying)

About me

About me

Life can bring forward a multitude of journeys—some long and difficult, others sudden and unexpected. At times, we might find ourselves being impacted by anxiety, relationship changes or overwhelming emotions. If you’re feeling stuck, isolated or unmotivated, please know you’re not alone. Choosing therapy is a courageous first step to get the support you need. You deserve to feel supported and seen. Through trust and collaboration, we can foster an environment that nourishes your healing and growth.

As a Black Muslim woman, with a Somali background, my work is heavily informed by my lived experience. I believe in the transformative power of bearing witness to one another’s stories and experiences. This means, you can expect a space where your unique life story and identities are fully acknowledged and respected. In our work together, you’ll find a safe, supportive environment where you can bring your whole self, and be met with my whole self in return.

Your challenges are unique, and your therapy should reflect that. Together, we’ll create a plan that works for you, using evidence-based methods such as Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and Narrative Therapy, we can work together to help reframe negative thought patterns or work to cultivate self-compassion. If trauma is a part of your story, I can incorporate trauma-informed approaches to help you re-establish safety and control in your healing journey.

Ultimately, I hope to walk alongside you as you navigate the shifts and tensions of life, and to work with you as you make new discoveries along the way. I offer a free 15-minute consultation call (available in the evenings and on weekends) so we can chat more about what you are looking for, and how therapy at Ocean Blue can help you!

Modalities Used by Amira

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Attachment-based therapy
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Compassion Focused Therapy
• Culturally Sensitive Therapy
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
• Existential Therapy
• Humanistic Therapy
• Multicultural Therapy
• Narrative Therapy
• Person-Centered Therapy
• Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
• Strength-Based Therapy
• Trauma Focused Therapy

Amira's experience

• Trauma-Informed Approach and Treatment: I provide compassionate, trauma-informed care to support clients facing difficulties in relationships, life transitions, and major life events. She holds an Intensive Trauma Treatment Certification and is trained in highly effective techniques, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Somatic-Based therapies. My expertise allow me to guide clients toward healing, resilience, and lasting emotional well-being.
• Couple Therapy: I have specialized training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). With this approach, I help couples explore their emotional attachment, strengthen emotional bonds, enhance communication, resolve conflicts, and rebuild trust, creating deeper, healthier relationships.
• Young Adults & University Students: I have extensive experience supporting young adults and university students through personal crises, academic pressures, anxiety, depression, and major life transitions. While working at York University, I provided guidance and compassionate support to students, helping them build resilience, develop effective coping strategies, and improve their emotional well-being. My empathetic and practical approach empowers young adults to navigate challenges with confidence and clarity.
• BIPOC+ Intersectional and Anti-Oppressive Support: I an committed to providing an inclusive and culturally responsive space for clients from diverse backgrounds. I have extensive experience working with BIPOC individuals, immigrants, and those navigating the complexities of identity and systemic barriers. Using an anti-oppressive and intersectional approach, I tailor my my support to honor each client’s lived experience, fostering healing and empowerment.

Fun Facts

I really enjoy the relaxing and exciting aspects of arts and crafts, and I find myself often scrapbooking or creating multi-media works to express feelings or maintain memories. A fun fact is that my secret (not-so-secret) quirk and hobby is wax seal stamping! I too know personally how the sensations of burnout or the loss of motivation when creating or pursuing projects can stop us from pursuing hobbies. I believe that our worth is not defined by the quantity of what we produce but by the quality and the meaningful value that our work, projects, and moments of leisure bring to our lives.