Dr. Hajera Rostam, RPsych
Registered Psychologist #2275
As a Registered Psychologist in British Columbia (CPBC #2275), I am committed to helping clients harness their inner resilience to navigate life’s challenges. I believe that, while we all have the capacity to overcome adversity, there are times when professional support is invaluable. My aim is to provide a safe, empowering space where clients feel equipped to explore and address their concerns through evidence-based, collaborative care.
My practice is grounded in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), integrating mindfulness techniques along with multicultural and social justice perspectives. With additional specialized training in Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), I work extensively with individuals, couples, and families to address a range of emotional and relational issues.
I have developed expertise in treating depression, anxiety, and stress-related conditions, and I am experienced in providing integrated care for trauma, substance use, and addiction recovery. My background also includes substantial work with college and university students, as well as with international, immigrant, and refugee populations.
A core part of my approach involves honoring diversity and raising awareness around the impacts of discrimination, social oppression, and systemic inequalities on mental health. I am deeply committed to providing therapy that respects each client’s unique background and life experiences.
Areas of Focus
I was born in Afghanistan and became a refugee at the age of 12 due to the political instability during the Soviet Invasion. I have lived in varied socio-political contexts that have greatly contributed to my understanding of diversity, human suffering and individual’s strength to launch themselves from adversity toward healing and growth.
In 1996, based on my academic excellence, I was selected by the World University Services of Canada to settle in Canada (this is an agency that enables refugee students fleeing war to pursue higher education). Coming to Canada exposed me not only to a journey of reconciling my multiple cultural identities but also shaped my choice of a career in the helping profession.
I completed my PhD in counseling psychology at the University of British Columbia, with an accredited internship at the University of California at Berkeley, Counselling and Psychological Services. I received a doctoral research training mentorship with IMPART: The Intersections of Mental Health Perspectives in Addictions Research Training, funded by UBC, CIHR and BC Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health. This training provided me with learning to become skilled at conducting multidisciplinary health research with a focus on the intersections of violence, trauma and mental health with addictions.
During my professional career, I have had the privilege of working in diverse clinical contexts ranging from community mental health settings such as the Family Services of Greater Vancouver, university counselling centres, chronic pain management clinics, and residential treatment centre for substance use problems. I am passionate about helping individuals, couples and families to cope with difficult life circumstances and develop skills to thrive in their everyday lives and relationships.
About Me