Maryam Ashkan, MA, RP, is a seasoned psychotherapist and trauma specialist with over 20 years of experience working across both for‐profit and nonprofit sectors. As the Managing Director and Supervisor at MentalOptimist Clinic, she integrates neuroscience into psychotherapy through an integrative, client-centred approach that honours the mind-body connection. Maryam is a registered psychotherapist certified in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), EMDR, and Brainspotting, and she is recognized internationally as a Brainspotting Consultant with Brainspotting Canada and internationally.
In her practice, Maryam offers comprehensive services—including specialized psychotherapy for individuals, families, children, and trauma survivors. She is a registered provider with BlueCross, offering psychotherapy services approved for clients under the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) and Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC). A member of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD), she has developed a particular expertise in working with Dissociative Identity Disorder, as well as a broad range of concerns such as depersonalization/derealization, complex and developmental trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, addictive behaviours, and abuse survivorship.
Beyond her clinical work, Maryam provides clinical supervision for Registered Psychotherapists and has contributed to several academic publications on topics including visual perception, religious orientation, emotional intelligence, and conflict management.
Maryam’s professional memberships include the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), Certified Brainspotting Therapist, Certified EMDR Therapist, Certified Cognitive Behavioural Therapist, as well as affiliations with the Canadian Association of Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies (CACBT), EMDR International Association (EMDRIA), Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals (OAMHP), Ontario Society of Registered Psychotherapists (OSRP), and she is also a NAMA Certified Anger Management Specialist-II.
Her extensive training, international consultancy credentials, and commitment to trauma-informed care make her a trusted expert in brainspotting and psychotherapy. To schedule an appointment or consultation, please contact MentalOptimist Clinic.