Jaskiran Sidhu

About Me as a Human…

When I am not in therapy-land, you can find me:

Breaking a sweat at the gym, flowing through a yoga or Pilates class, or soaking up some fresh air on a sunny walk. I love spending time with my cousins and friends, especially when we’re trying new restaurants in the city. I also love travelling and exploring new countries. There’s something exciting about learning different customs and finding hidden gems along the way. On quieter days, you’ll find me curled up with a good book or watching a hockey game.

For Self-Care:

Self care for me is all about slowing down and listening in. That might look like stretching out on my mat, putting on a playlist that lifts my mood, or rewatching a nostalgic TV show that brings me comfort. Other times, it’s spending quality time with my girls, embracing my inner social butterfly and recharging with the energy of good company. Creating pockets of stillness helps me stay grounded and show up fully for others.

For Fun:

I’m usually saying yes to spontaneous outings, dessert runs, or anything involving food and laughter with the people I love. I also enjoy experimenting with fashion and indulging in a little shopping spree now and then. Whether it’s playing sports or diving into a competitive board game, I’m always up for a fun challenge and love bringing out my competitive side.

For Growth:

Growth shows up in my life through learning and unlearning, whether it’s reflecting on my own patterns, stepping outside my comfort zone, or soaking up knowledge through books and online courses. Right now, I’m focusing on studying for the EPPP, hitting my fitness goals, and challenging myself to approach life with more intentionality. It’s about embracing new experiences and pushing myself to evolve both personally and professionally.

Something unique about me is:

I balance warmth and directness to help people feel understood. My cultural lens as a Punjabi Canadian allows me to connect deeply with clients from diverse backgrounds. I bring curiosity, realness, and calm to the therapy space. As someone who thrives in connection, I’m passionate about helping people feel seen and supported. I meet clients where they are with empathy, compassion, and a bit of humour, fostering genuine, growth-oriented conversations.

What are your academic credentials?

I hold a Master of Counselling degree from the City University of Seattle and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from MacEwan University. My education has provided me with a strong foundation in human development and mental health, which I apply to support clients in their personal growth and healing.

Before I Was in the Mental Health Field…

I was working in:

Before entering the mental health field, I worked as a Behavioural Interventionist with children on the autism spectrum and volunteered with newcomer children. These experiences deepened my understanding of diverse needs and allowed me to develop strong skills in working with children and families from various backgrounds.

The most impactful thing about my experience here was:

The most impactful thing about my experience was seeing children and families navigate challenges with strength and determination. It taught me the importance of empathy, patience, and customizing interventions to meet each individual’s unique needs.

Three Things I’m Currently Obsessed With and Why:

1. StairMaster: It’s my go-to workout that gets my heart pumping and works up a serious sweat. There’s something about the challenge and the determination it takes that makes me feel physically amazing every time.
2. Wordle: It’s a fun part of my morning routine that wakes up my brain. I love the little victory of solving it, and it’s a great way to kickstart my day.
3. TikTok: It’s my guilty pleasure! Whether I’m discovering new trends, learning something random, or just getting lost in funny videos, it’s a quick way to unwind.

Books & Podcasts

The Most Helpful Book I’ve Read Is:

The Gift of Therapy by by Irvin D. Yalom
Biggest Takeaway: My biggest takeaway from The Gift of Therapy was the importance of being authentic and fully present in the therapeutic relationship. Yalom emphasizes that the real gift of therapy is not just the techniques and interventions we use, but the genuine connection we form with clients. This has reinforced my belief that fostering trust, empathy, and openness in therapy can be just as transformative as the methods we apply.

The Most Interesting Book I’ve Read Is:

Attached by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller
Why: It explores the science behind attachment theory and how different attachment styles influence our relationships. The book offers insights into how understanding our attachment style can help us navigate romantic relationships and create healthier connections. It's both enlightening and practical, providing real-world advice on fostering secure attachments.

Favorite Podcast:

Coaches don't play
Why: it’s hilarious, relatable, and feels like catching up with a friend. It mixes unfiltered humour with real-life commentary, and always lifts my mood.

Specialty & Specific Interest Areas

Client Populations:

I work with adults and adolescents in individual therapy, as well as couples. I especially enjoy creating a space where clients can feel heard and supported as they explore who they are and what they need.

Clinical Concerns:

I have a special interest in working with relationship issues, anxiety, self-worth, guilt, shame, boundary-setting, and attachment styles. I’m passionate about helping clients understand themselves on a deeper level, break free from unhelpful patterns, and build relationships rooted in mutual respect and emotional safety.

Non-Clinical Concerns:

I’m especially drawn to supporting clients through identity exploration, cultural pressures, and big life transitions. It’s meaningful to me to help people reconnect with themselves, especially when they’re figuring out how to honour their values while navigating expectations from others.

Expertise & Additional Areas of Study

I have the following additional courses, workshops, and training:

• Self Esteem: I help clients rebuild their sense of self-worth by challenging negative beliefs and developing a more compassionate and empowering mindset that fosters confidence and self-acceptance.
• Relationship Issues: I work with individuals and couples to navigate challenges like communication breakdowns, unresolved conflicts, and emotional disconnects, helping them build healthier, more fulfilling connections.
• Anxiety and Depression: I support clients in understanding the root patterns behind persistent worry, overthinking, low mood, and emotional shutdown. Through structured identity-level therapy, we address the belief systems and behavioural loops that keep anxiety and depression in place—so clients can experience relief, resilience, and greater emotional stability.

Some of the Clinical Orientations, Methods, and Theories I Integrate with ShiftGrit’s Core Method:

1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) - I use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and challenge negative thought patterns, ultimately empowering them to shift their mindset and improve their emotional responses and behaviours.
2. Narrative Therapy - Incorporating Narrative Therapy, I help clients reframe and rewrite the stories they tell themselves, encouraging them to view their experiences through a lens of empowerment and agency, rather than being defined by past struggles.
3. Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) - Using Solution-Focused Therapy, I focus on clients’ strengths and resources, guiding them to set practical, achievable goals that move them toward the future they want to create.
4. Attachment Theory - Drawing on attachment theory, I explore how early relationships shape emotional bonds, helping clients understand their attachment style and create healthier, more secure connections in their current relationships.

People Like Working with Me Because…

People like working with me because I bring warmth, humour, and realness into the therapy space. I know how to hold space for difficult emotions while also helping clients feel heard, supported, and empowered. My cultural awareness and approachable style help people feel safe to open up and be themselves. I’m deeply invested in each person’s growth journey, and I’m committed to helping you build the tools and mindset to navigate life’s challenges with confidence. Together, we’ll not only address what’s holding you back but also create a path forward that feels true to who you are.

Free form

As a first-generation Punjabi Canadian, I am fluent in both Punjabi and Hindi, I deeply understand the nuances of cultural identity, family dynamics, and the challenges that come with navigating multiple cultural expectations.