Maryam Ashkan
Preferred Name: Maryam
About Me
Maryam Ashkan, MA., RP, is a registered psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience, specializing in trauma and dissociative identity disorder. As the Managing Director at MentalOptimist Clinic, she integrates evidence-based approaches—including EMDR, CBT, and Brainspotting—with a deep understanding of neuroscience to offer a client-centred treatment experience. Maryam is also a recognized Brainspotting Consultant and provides clinical supervision for fellow psychotherapists. Fluent in both English and Farsi, she is dedicated to supporting individuals, families, and trauma survivors on their journey to healing.
Education & Experience
I hold a Master of Arts in Psychometrics from Allameh Tabatabai University (2003) and a Bachelor of Arts in General Psychology from Islamic Azad University (2000). These academic foundations have shaped my comprehensive understanding of psychological assessment, research, and clinical practice. With over 20 years of experience, my career spans various roles in mental health—from clinical practice and research to management and supervision. As the Managing Director at MentalOptimist Clinic, I oversee clinical operations and lead a team dedicated to trauma-informed care. I specialize in using evidence-based approaches such as EMDR, CBT, and Brainspotting to address trauma and dissociative identity disorder, ensuring a client-centered treatment experience. My diverse background also includes positions as a psychotherapist at renowned clinics, a clinical research therapist at William Osler Hospital, and roles in direct case work and academic instruction. This extensive experience has enriched my expertise, allowing me to effectively support individuals, families, and trauma survivors on their journey to healing.
Professional & Volunteer Affiliations
I am an active member of several professional organizations that support my practice and ongoing development as a trauma specialist and psychotherapist: College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO): Registered Psychotherapist since 2016. EMDR International Association (EMDRIA): Member in good standing since 2019. Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals (OAMHP): Member since 2015. Ontario Society of Registered Psychotherapists (OSRP): Member since 2019. The Canadian Association of Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies (CACBT): Registered Cognitive Behavioral Therapist since 2018. In addition to my professional memberships, I have also contributed to the community as a volunteer. I served as the Program Committee Co-Chair for Soroptimist International of Toronto from March 2016 to 2018, where I organized and anchored workshops, facilitated panel discussions, and collaborated with community leaders to develop programs addressing mental health challenges among Syrian refugees.
Specialty Area
- Abuse/Neglect
- Addictions
- Anger Management
- Anxiety/Panic Attacks
- Bipolar Disorder
- Depression
- Dissociative Disorders
- Domestic Violence
- Grief/Loss/Mourning
- Mood Disorders
- Motor Vehicle Accidents
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders
- Performance Enhancement
- Personality Disorders
- Phobias
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Self-Harm
- Sexual Abuse
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Sleep Disorders
- Stress Management
- Suicide Risk
- Survivor's Guilt
- Traumatic Incident
Population Served
- Adults
- First Responders
- Immigrants
- Veteran Center
- Veterans/Military
Language
- English
- Farsi