Amana Counselling · English & Farsi
Depression counselling in Surrey and North Delta
Life may look fine from the outside, while you feel little joy, hope or energy.
I’m Zohreh Kohzadi, RCC. We can make sense of what’s been difficult and work towards what matters to you—more connection, less self-criticism, or a day that feels more manageable.
A free 15-minute online conversation to ask questions and explore fit. For a paid appointment, choose Book Now to see how to begin.
In person in Surrey & North Delta · Online across BC
Daytime, evening, weekday & weekend options; see Jane for current times.
When ordinary things take more effort
Perhaps you miss feeling involved in your own life.
Getting out of bed or brushing your hair may feel like a chore. You might stop looking forward to things you once enjoyed, leave messages unanswered, or find even small decisions exhausting.
These experiences can have different causes. We can take time to understand yours, whether you have a depression diagnosis or are still trying to name what is happening.
You don’t have to feel motivated or know what to say before we meet. We can start with one difficult part of your day and work towards what matters to you: enjoying a conversation, being present with family, or finding a more manageable routine.
How counselling may help
We can make the next step smaller.
I won’t ask you to solve everything at once. We can look at one recent moment: what was happening, what you said to yourself, and what you did to get through it.
From there, we can notice patterns and try a different response. I’ll explain what I’m suggesting, ask what fits, and check how it is working for you.
When self-criticism takes over
Using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), we might examine a thought such as “I’m letting everyone down,” look at what supports or challenges it, and practise a more balanced response. The aim is to loosen a pattern that may be adding to your low mood.
When you’ve pulled away from what matters
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) can help us notice difficult thoughts without letting them make every decision. We might choose one manageable action—replying to a friend, for example—because connection matters to you, even while your mood is low.
When you feel overwhelmed or disconnected
We might practise a DBT-informed skill for coping with distress or asking for support. I also use mindfulness, grounding and somatic-informed strategies, such as noticing tension or feeling your feet against the floor. These can support how you respond in a difficult moment—sometimes described as nervous system regulation. We choose together, and you can decline an exercise.
Working with Zohreh
I want to understand the person behind the low mood.
I’m a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with BCACC, with a master’s degree in counselling psychology. I offer counselling in English and Farsi.
I listen carefully, ask questions and help make sense of patterns. We can practise something useful for your week or take time with something you haven’t been able to say. We’ll discuss what is helping and adjust our work when something doesn’t fit.
As a Muslim counsellor, mother and wife, I bring my own perspective. I’m interested in yours. People of every faith and no faith are welcome.
My experience includes supporting Muslim, Sikh, South Asian, Middle Eastern/West Asian, immigrant, refugee and bicultural clients. We can talk about culture, family expectations or migration without assuming what they mean to you. Faith is included only if you choose.
More about me and my approach →A first conversation
You don’t have to know what to say.
“I haven’t been feeling like myself” is enough to start. In a free 15-minute online consultation, you can tell me a little about what you’re looking for, ask questions and get a sense of how I work. It isn’t a counselling session, and there’s no obligation to continue.
If you decide to book, our first counselling appointment gives us time to understand what’s been happening, discuss what you want help with, and explain consent, privacy and its limits. We’ll agree on a starting point and talk about the pace of our work.
Starting counselling? Your first individual appointment is usually 80 minutes. See Rates for intake details, or ask me which appointment to choose.
Before you book
A few questions you may have
Do I need a diagnosis or a referral?
You can contact me directly without a diagnosis or referral. We can talk about what you have been noticing. If you plan to use insurance or a funded program, check whether it requires a referral or other approval.
What if I feel numb rather than sad?
Feeling flat or disconnected is worth talking about, too. I’ll ask what that feels like for you and how it affects your days. We don’t have to settle on a label before discussing support.
What if I have very little motivation?
You don’t need to arrive with a plan or completed exercises. We can begin with one difficult part of your day and choose a small next step that feels realistic for your energy.
What happens in the first session?
We discuss what brings you here, your goals, relevant history, and consent and confidentiality, including its limits. You can ask questions or let me know if you need to pause. Individual intake is usually 80 minutes; confirm your appointment type and fee in Jane and on Rates.
Which approaches might you use?
I may draw on CBT, ACT, DBT-informed coping skills, mindfulness and somatic-informed strategies, depending on your needs and preferences. I’ll explain what I suggest and why. This is individual counselling, not a comprehensive DBT or formal MBCT program.
Can we work on anxiety and depression together?
Yes. You can bring both worry and low mood into our conversations. We can look at how they affect your energy, sleep, relationships and daily routines, then discuss a plan that fits your needs. If other assessment or care would be useful, we can talk about that too.
Can counselling work alongside medication or medical care?
Yes. Counselling can be one part of your care. A doctor or nurse practitioner can assess medical concerns and discuss medication. With your consent, we can discuss coordination with other care providers. I don’t prescribe or advise changes to medication.
Can we meet online, in the evening or on weekends?
I offer online counselling across BC, including Greater Vancouver, and in-person appointments at my Surrey and North Delta offices, in English and Farsi. Daytime, evening, weekday and weekend options vary by appointment type and location. Jane shows current times. Contact me before booking from outside BC.
Can extended health benefits help cover sessions?
Many extended health benefit plans cover counselling with an RCC, and direct billing is available for eligible plans. Check your RCC coverage and counselling allowance. My Rates page explains fees, benefits, funded programs and attendance policies.
Can faith or cultural experiences be included—or left out?
Yes. You decide what belongs in our conversations. We can discuss faith, family expectations or cultural experiences if they matter to you, or leave faith out entirely. You won’t be expected to share my beliefs.
Whenever you’re ready to ask
We can begin with how things are today.
You don’t need a polished explanation. If you’d like to talk, I’d be glad to hear what you’re looking for and answer your questions.
Choose a free online consultation, view paid appointment options, or contact me with a practical question. Please keep detailed health information out of an initial website inquiry.