


A Geriatric Social Worker
As a social worker, I have a specific interest in working with older adults and their families. Older adults are unique in that their problems and concerns can be wide-ranging and include some of the following:
Loneliness
Social isolation and loneliness are widespread problems for older adults as they lose the ability to access friends and activities. I can make recommendations for re-engaging socially.
Often it is the families of an aging adult who need help identifying and making changes to their loved one’s daily activity schedule.
Loss of independence
I help older adults and their families cope with the loss of function. Over time many older adults start to become dependent on family members for day-to-day activities.
I make specific recommendations on how to increase physical and mental functioning, preserve current independence, and suggest changes for the future.
Grief
Grief can be a valid response to the loss of independence, a partner or spouse, and friends. Significant life changes for an aging adult include loss of employment, financial problems, and illness.
As a social worker, I provide coping strategies to deal with grief and life changes.
Unresolved grief can lead to mental health problems like depression and anxiety. I am trained to recognize these symptoms and make recommendations in my counseling sessions.
Family conflict
The nature of family relationships can change over time when an aging adult needs more help and relies on family for caregiving. Conflicts arise over senior living options, disagreements about who is responsible for caregiving, POA and finances. I can mediate these conflicts and help families reach a consensus with an aging adult.
I DO WHAT I LOVE.
Education
I obtained my Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) from Carleton University in 2013. I am a registered Social Worker (RSW) with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). I have additional training in the area of Death, Dying and bereavement , Grief , Compassion fatigue, Gentle Persuasive Approaches in Dementia care, Cognitive behavior therapy, Acceptance and Commitment therapy and Dialectical behavioral therapy. In addition, I obtained a Social Service Worker Diploma from Algonquin College in 2009 and Geriatric Certificate program from McMaster University in 2023. Furthermore, I achieved my Clinical Psychology Bachelor's Degree from the University of Karaj, Iran. I also speak fluent Farsi. I am also a professional member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers. (OASW).
Specialties
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Adults, Adolescents, Elderly
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Dementia, Alzheimer
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Long Term Care Home(LTC)
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Retirement Home
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Burnout associated with Caregiving roles
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Life Transitions
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Loss and Grief
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Relationship Issues
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Stress and Health
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Anxiety Disorders
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Depression Disorder
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Suicidal Ideation
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Confidence and Self-esteem
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Personal Growth
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Mood Challenges
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Skill build training
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Weight loss
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Immigrant-Refugees mental health, challenges
Additional Training/ Qualification
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CBT Skills Training Certificate: Intensive from Unified CBT Academy, 2021
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DBT Skills Training Certificate: Intensive from DBT House, 2021
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Death, Dying and Bereavement Certificate: from Wilfrid Laurier University, 2021
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Geriatric Certificate Program from McMaster University ,Jan,2023
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Suicide Assessment and Prevention for older adults training Certificate from Algonquin College, 2013
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Gentle Persuasive Approaches in Dementia Care Training Certificate (GPA), 2013,2022
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Certificate of completion Emotionally Focused Family Therapy from OASW, 2021
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Certificate of completion CBT and Concurrent Disorders from OASW, 2021
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Certificate of completion CBT and Procrastination from OASW, 2021
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Certificate of completion CBT Mindfulness as Brief Intervention from OASW, 2021
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Certificate of completion CBT and Perfectionism from OASW, 2021
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Certificate of completion Trauma Stewardship from OASW, 2021
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Certificate of completion CBT and Eating Disorders Sensitive from OASW, 2021
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Certificate of completion the challenge of waiting: Anticipatory Grief from OASW, 2021
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Certificate of completion CBT Ambiguous loss from OASW, 2021
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Certificate of completion CBT and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) from OASW, 2021
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Certificate of completion Dual Diagnosis and the role of Social Worker from OASW,2022