Rafeah Gangat
Guelph Solution-Focused Therapist
Counselling for students and adults who are seeking practical, supportive therapy for anxiety, stress or overwhelm and challenging life experiences.
Counselling for:
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Students, Teens & Young Adults (16+)
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Adults (18+)
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Availability:
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In-Person & Online Sessions
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Weekday Evening Appointment Times
Focuses:
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Anxiety & Stress
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Identity & Self-Exploration
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Communication & Boundary Setting
Main Therapies Practised:
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Person Centred, CBT, Solution-Focused
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Designation:
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Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) #17009
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Languages Spoken:
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English, Gujarati, Urdu
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Accepting New Clients
Free 15 Min Introductory Sessions Available
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Who Rafeah Helps...
Working with clients in-person in Guelph and online across Ontario, Rafeah supports students and adults who may feel overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, stuck, disconnected from themselves, or unsure how to move forward.
Many clients come to therapy feeling like they are carrying stress quietly while trying to continue functioning in daily life.
Students, Teens & Young Adults
• Identity & Self-Esteem
• Communication & Conflict
• Friendship Challenges
• Navigating family expectations
Adults (18+)
• Anxiety & Chronic Stress
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Depression, burnout, or disconnection
BIPOC & Muslim Clients
• Culturally-sensitive therapy
• Personal Values & Belonging
• Navigating intergenerational / cross cultural expectations
What Therapy is like with Rafeah...
Therapy with me is collaborative, supportive, and grounded in compassion and curiosity.
My approach is focused on helping clients better understand themselves, identify patterns contributing to stress or emotional overwhelm, and build practical strategies that feel realistic and sustainable in everyday life.
Clients often describe wanting a space where they can slow down, process their thoughts openly, and feel genuinely understood without needing to explain every part of their background or experiences.
I aim to create a therapeutic environment where clients feel emotionally safe, culturally respected, and empowered to move toward meaningful change at their own pace.
Whether you are navigating anxiety, identity questions, relationship stress, burnout, or life transitions, therapy can be a place to reconnect with yourself and develop greater clarity and confidence to move forward.
Therapy Through a Culturally Sensitive Lens
An individual's experiences are shaped by many factors, including culture, family dynamics, faith, identity, relationships, community, and the environments they move through every day.
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For some clients, this may include navigating experiences related to culture, marginalization, belonging, or spirituality with a therapist that has a relatable lived experience. For others, working with a therapist from a different background may feel more open for therapeutic insight with curiosity, respect and without any assumptions.
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Rafeah's approach to therapy is grounded in cultural sensitivity, humility, and understanding that no two individuals experience the world in exactly the same way.
Rafeah aims to create a space where clients from all backgrounds feel comfortable exploring the parts of themselves and their experiences that matter most to them.
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When is Rafeah Available...
In-Person Sessions in Guelph & Online Across Ontario
In-Person / Online
Monday, Wednesday 5pm – 9pm
Online Only:
Thursday & Friday 5pm – 9pm
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Additional Info about Rafeah...
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Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) #17009
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Masters Degree in Spiritual Care & Psychotherapy
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Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Wilfrid Laurier University
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​Other Concerns / Issues Rafeah helps with...​
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Addiction & Substance Use
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Overthinking
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Self-Esteem & Confidence
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Academic Stress
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Life Transitions
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Spirituality
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Relationship Challenges
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Family Conflict
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Social Anxiety
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People-Pleasing
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Grief & Loss
Other Therapy Approaches Rafeah uses...
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Strengths-Based Therapy
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Trauma-Informed Care
- Mindfulness-Based Strategies
Frequently Asked Therapy Questions
Does University of Guelph student insurance cover therapy at Niilo Wellness?
Yes. University of Guelph student health benefits include coverage for Registered Psychotherapist or Registered Social Worker services, including sessions at Niilo Wellness. Students have 80% coverage up to $750/year in mental health coverage.
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Niilo Wellness does not direct bill, but after your session you can quickly submit your receipt for reimbursement through the student insurance app. Many students use their student coverage and then are able to use any additional coverage they may have through a parent or family plan.
How do I know if therapy could help me?
Therapy can help create space to better understand your thoughts, emotions, relationships, and patterns while developing healthier ways to cope with stress and navigate challenges. You do not need to be in crisis or have everything figured out before starting therapy.
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Do I need to be Muslim or religious to work with Rafeah?
No. Rafeah works with clients from all backgrounds, beliefs, cultures, and identities. While some clients may wish to explore experiences connected to faith, spirituality, or cultural identity within therapy, this is never required.
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Therapy with Rafeah is tailored to each individual client and their goals. Some clients are specifically seeking a therapist who understands the role culture or faith can play in emotional wellbeing, while others are simply looking for a supportive, compassionate, and culturally-sensitive therapist to help them navigate anxiety, stress, relationships, identity, or life transitions.
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What should I expect during my first therapy session?
The first therapy session is an opportunity to begin getting to know one another in a supportive and low-pressure environment. Rafeah will ask questions about what has been brought you to therapy, review your intake form and begin to explore your goals for therapy, and any challenges or concerns you would like support with.
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Reach Out to Rafeah...
Address
Niilo Wellness
21 College Avenue West
Lower Level
Guelph, Ontario
N1G 1R7
Campus Co-Op Commons // College Ave & Gordon St. // University of Guelph Area​