Kimia Marandi

Personal biography

Life can be challenging, and sometimes it can feel exhausting to constantly feel like you’re fighting a losing battle. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, feeling overwhelmed by your emotions, feeling invalidated and misunderstood, navigating relationship difficulties, or simply feeling stuck, you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. You deserve a space where you can feel heard, understood, and comfortable being yourself without fear of judgement.
My goal is to walk alongside you on your journey of self-discovery, helping you better understand yourself, recognize your strengths, and work toward becoming the person you want to be and having the life you want to have. Therapy is your space, and I want to make it one where you feel safe to open up, explore your experiences, and grow at your own pace.

Approach

My approach to therapy is client-centred, meaning that you and your needs are always my priority. Therapy is a collaborative process where we work together to better understand your experiences, recognize your strengths, identify areas where you may need additional support, and take meaningful steps towards the goals you have set for yourself. I draw from evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based strategies, tailoring them to your unique needs. Together, we can explore your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, develop practical coping and decision-making skills, and find healthier ways to navigate life’s challenges, and we’ll work through it all at a pace that feels right for you.

Experience

I hold an Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Biology from the University of Waterloo. Over the past few years, I have worked in psychotherapy clinics, conducting intake assessments and supporting individuals through different stages of their mental health journeys. I understand how difficult taking the first step toward therapy can be, which is why I will always strive to create a welcoming space where you can feel genuinely heard and comfortable to open up and be yourself. Alongside my clinical work, I have also been involved in research exploring memory biases and the experience of shame.

Working With Me

At Therapy Villa, I am a Clinical Therapist, providing therapy under the supervision of Ms. Niyati Gandhi, M.A., C. Psych. I am currently completing my Master of Psychology in Clinical Psychology at Adler Graduate Professional School.

More Than Just My Work

Outside of work, I love spending quality time with friends and family as much as possible. I also enjoy watching TV shows and movies, and going to the gym is one of my favourite ways to unwind and relieve stress. I’m also a big foodie and love exploring new restaurants and trying different foods whenever I get a chance.