Farzaneh Mashhadi
CLINICAL ASSOCIATE
I am a clinical associate working toward registration as a Psychological Associate with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. I provide psychological services under the supervision of a Registered Psychologist. I offer assessment and treatment to adults and adolescents.
The stories we carry
One of the things I find most meaningful about psychology is the opportunity to connect with people and hear their unique stories. I have always believed that everyone has a story worth hearing and that truly understanding someone means taking the time to listen with genuine curiosity and an open mind. It means appreciating not only who someone is today but also the experiences, relationships, and circumstances that have shaped who they are along the way. I strive to create a welcoming, non-judgmental space where the people I work with feel heard and understood, and where their unique stories and experiences are acknowledged and valued.
Making space for connection
I love getting to know people, and I find it especially meaningful to build the kind of trust that helps them feel comfortable being themselves, expressing their thoughts and feelings, and sharing parts of their stories that often go unspoken. I am approachable and open, allowing connections to develop naturally and at each person’s own pace. Often, the small moments build that trust: being fully present, giving someone time and space to express themselves, and making a genuine effort to understand where they are coming from. I believe there is something both powerful and comforting about knowing that you can be yourself around someone, speak openly, and trust that you don't have to hold back or find the perfect words to be understood.
Looking beyond the surface
I value a compassionate, person-centred, and trauma-informed approach to psychological assessment. I value the different backgrounds and perspectives people bring and approach each person with openness, curiosity, and respect. I take a holistic view of each person's psychological presentation, recognizing that psychological outcomes rarely develop in isolation. They are often influenced by a combination of life experiences, relationships, social contexts, and broader systemic factors. I have a particular interest in how experiences of trauma and adversity, particularly in childhood, can continue to shape the way people navigate life and how taking the time to explore these experiences as part of the assessment process can provide a fuller understanding of their current concerns and psychological functioning.
The path that brought me here
I earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from York University, where I developed a strong foundation in psychological and neuropsychological assessment, clinical interviewing, and psychological case conceptualization. My academic work explored how early childhood adversity and cumulative exposure to trauma across the lifespan relate to cognitive and mental health outcomes. My research involved working with precariously housed individuals, many of whom experienced multiple, overlapping risk factors and challenges, including childhood adversity, exposure to trauma across the lifespan, mental health conditions, and substance use. Working with this population helped spark my interest in forensic psychology and the intersection of psychology and law. I am particularly drawn to the value a thoughtful, holistic psychological assessment can offer: helping us look beyond labels and diagnoses to better understand individuals, appreciate their unique circumstances, bring their needs and strengths into clearer focus, and inform approaches that support rehabilitation and positive change.