Fatima Haneef
Registered Social Worker
Experience: Mental Health Project Lead at Wijhah Initiative, Programming Lead at Muslim Chaplaincy of Waterloo, Crisis Line Supporter at Khalil Centre & Counselling support at Muslim Social Services.
Age I Work With: Adults 18+
My passion for mental health comes from my own challenges navigating a rare diagnosis and a difficult postpartum. As a third-culture woman growing up in Canada, I had a challenging time navigating my own identity as a young Muslim in this diaspora. From discrimination at school, work, being undermined for my experiences, and having difficult conversations with family around identity, culture, and religion, I have witnessed firsthand the complexities of carving out one’s identity and remaining true to oneself across diverse environments.
Having worked across various social service sectors, including disabilities, addiction, immigration, and student support, I have developed a deep passion for exploring the intersections of identity, attachment, cultural dynamics, faith, and well-being. In the therapeutic space, I offer a culturally safe, trauma-informed, empathetic, and compassionate approach rooted in faith and tradition.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Social Development and a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Waterloo. I am currently completing my Master of Social Work at the University of Windsor and am a Registered Social Worker with the OCSWSSW. I also hold a diploma in Taleemul Quran from Al Huda Institute and am completing a certification in Crisis Intervention and Trauma Support from Humber College.
Topics I work with:
- Perfectionism
- Self Esteem
- Burnout
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Grief and Loss
- Life Transitions
- Navigating Identity – Culture & Islam
- Spiritual Abuse
Relevant Professional Training:
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
- Non-Violent Crisis Intervention
- Immigrant and Refugee Mental Health Training
- Crisis Intervention and Trauma Support
- Diploma in Taleemul Quran from Al Huda Institute