DR. MASHAL HAQUE, C.Psych, (Supervised Practice)

Psychologist in supervised practice

• Certificate Authorizing Supervised Practice through the College of Psychologists of Ontario (#10006562)
• Pre-Doctoral Residency in clinical health psychology from the University of Manitoba, receiving training in a breadth of topics including anxiety, depression, insomnia, chronic pain, and women’s health concerns
• PhD in clinical psychology from Queen’s University, focused on a behavioural intervention to improve cognition and everyday functioning in individuals with severe mental illness

You may have expected new motherhood to be amazing, and why wouldn’t you? You’ve heard seasoned parents asserting that their children are the best thing to ever happen to them and seen seasonal family photoshoots on Instagram depicting well-rested couples in coordinated outfits gazing meaningfully at their smiling, twinkly-eyed infant. The reality may be that while you feel deep love, gratitude, and pleasure, you may also have unexpected feelings of loss, sadness, fear, and resentment. I mean, that makes sense—every aspect of your life, including your identity, relationships, body, lifestyle, and career, is affected when you have a baby. When interacting with new mothers, people often focus on what has gained, but few talk about what has been lost. As a result, the contrasting emotions can be unsettling or confusing, leading to feelings of shame and isolation. This isn’t what you expected, and you wonder, what’s wrong with me? Am I a bad mom? Did I make a mistake?

It can uncomfortable or downright terrifying to share these thoughts and feelings, even with your closest others. My approach involves creating a warm, non-judgemental and supportive space, in which you feel safe to share your experiences and feel seen, heard, and understood. I’m curious to learn what living a meaningful and fulfilling life means to you, and what is standing in the way between you and that life. Drawing on our combined knowledge and expertise, I hope to support you in getting closer to the type of life you’d like to be living.

I’m am fortunate to have had educational opportunities that allow me to do my dream job—working with intelligent, strong, and resilient clients everyday! I completed my master’s and Ph.D. in clinical psychology at Queen’s University. More recently, I completed my residency at the University of Manitoba, where I received training in the assessment and treatment of anxiety, depression, insomnia, chronic pain, and women’s health concerns. My primary therapeutic modalities are Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Although I work with individuals experiencing a broad range of challenges, I am passionate about supporting women experiencing mood and anxiety difficulties during different reproductive life stages (e.g., pregnancy, postpartum) as well as grief secondary to stillbirth or neonatal loss.

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, exploring new countries, preparing and eating delicious meals, being on the lake, reading a juicy mystery, and indulging in reality TV.