The CRR Team
“Counseling at CCIS helped me develop better communication strategies in my family by teaching me how to express my thoughts and emotions openly and without judgment. Through the sessions, I learned techniques to actively listen to one another and resolve conflicts in a constructive way. This has created a stronger sense of trust and understanding in our relationships. We now feel more connected as a family and better equipped to navigate challenges together, knowing we have the tools to support each other effectively.” – CRR Client
As Canada marks Mental Health Awareness Month this May, we shine a light on the Centre for Refugee Resilience (CRR), a program at CCIS dedicated to supporting immigrants and refugees as they navigate the complex journey from trauma to healing. CRR’s work is a testament to the power of culturally informed, trauma-focused care, providing hope and practical tools to those rebuilding their lives in a new country.
Our Mission: Healing, Empowerment and Inclusion
CRR exists to support newcomers including children, youth, adults and families who have faced adversity and trauma before and after arriving in Canada. Our mission is to walk alongside clients with humility and flexibility, offering a safe space where healing is possible and every story is respected. During Mental Health Awareness Month, we reaffirm our commitment to breaking down stigma and building resilience in newcomer communities.
Comprehensive, Client-Centered Therapy Services for All Ages
CRR offers individual and family therapy for clients aged three through senior adulthood. Our trauma-focused approaches are tailored to the unique experiences of immigrants and refugees. For children and youth, therapy is often provided in school settings, while adults can access services onsite, virtually, or in community locations. Parent support is a key part of our work with younger clients, helping families address trauma, migration stress, and the challenges of acculturation.
Case Coordination and Holistic Support
Our case coordinators help clients navigate the many stressors of migration and resettlement, from socio-economic barriers to feelings of isolation. They provide referrals to essential services, advocacy, and practical problem-solving, always using a strengths-based, holistic approach. Coordinators and therapists work together to ensure client safety, stabilization, and empowerment, recognizing that healing is a journey that unfolds over time.
Community Education and Capacity Building
CRR also offers community education on topics such as understanding trauma, self-care, parenting after trauma, youth wellbeing, and supporting resilience. These sessions are available on request and aim to build capacity within communities to better support newcomer mental health.
Understanding the Barriers: The Newcomer Experience
Despite the breadth of support, many clients, especially professional newcomers, face persistent challenges. Cultural stigma around mental health, language barriers and the pressures of resettlement can make seeking help difficult. As Mental Health Therapist Afraa Akasha explains:
“Newcomer professionals often have cultural beliefs of mental health concerns, including describing them as ‘psycho,’ ‘crazy,’ or ‘cursed,’ as well as the need to hide mental illness from the community they belong to. Post-migration, access to basic needs and resettling in a new country can further exacerbate one’s mental health, especially when seeking employment in a new professional system. Seeking support for one’s mental health in this phase can become a low priority for many.”
Amanda Carbajal, Youth Mental Health Therapist, adds: “For professionals who experience a language barrier, it impacts their job prospects and financial security, obviously, but it also impacts isolation and stigma or service access. We often remind external agencies that there are more differences within cultural groups than between groups, so it would follow that professionals might have more in common with other professionals regardless of culture and language…”
Even for those fluent in English and employed, therapy can feel inaccessible due to confidentiality concerns, limited first-language support, and services operating during business hours. The journey to healing is further complicated by the need to adapt to new workplace cultures and the discomfort of microaggressions.
Stories of Impact and Hope
Despite these hurdles, CRR clients and staff continue to build pathways to resilience.
As Case Coordinator Alheli Torres shares: “I feel privileged to hold space for my clients sharing vulnerabilities and worries with me about their family members, their resettlement journey, leading to conversations about how to talk about their mental health, access appropriate supports for increased mental wellbeing. Through providing psychoeducation, access to resources, newcomers are able to find safe space to explore their readiness in addressing their mental health challenges.”
Another client reflects:
“It was initially very difficult for me to open up about my feelings and emotions, but the therapist created a safe and supportive space that made the process feel comfortable and secure. They helped me understand the confidentiality of the program, which gave me the confidence to share more openly. Through their guidance, I learned valuable strategies and techniques to support myself during tough times. I’m truly grateful for the care and understanding I received, as it has made a meaningful difference in my life.”
How to Connect: Referrals and Criteria
Anyone can refer a client to CRR (with the client’s consent) by completing our referral form and sending it to [email protected] or by fax to 403-262-2033 (Attn: Centre for Refugee Resilience).
Eligibility Criteria:
- Immigrant or refugee background (3 years+)
- Presenting with trauma-related symptoms
- Experiencing economic and social barriers
- Stability to engage with services
- Not in active crisis (other crisis supports will be recommended)
Join Us: Building a More Resilient Community
At CRR, we know that healing happens in community. As we continue our work, we invite partners and community members to reflect on the unique barriers faced by newcomers-especially professionals-and to join us in fostering more inclusive, accessible systems of care. Whether through referrals, collaboration, or community education, your engagement helps strengthen the collective resilience of those we serve.
Meet the CRR Team
- Aqsa Iqbal – Program Manager, Registered Social Worker
- Ashlee Kitchenham – Clinical Lead
- Kathleen Bragas – Clinical Lead – Youth and Children
- Afraa Akasha – Mental Health Therapist
- Alheli Torres – Case Coordinator (Adult Specialist)
- Amanda Carbajal – Youth Mental Health Therapist
- Janina Guerra – Youth Mental Health Therapist
- Maisa Agh – Wellbeing Navigator
- Mariah Macavinta – Wellbeing Navigator
- Noemi Ramirez Escobar – Case Coordinator
- Rasha Shalaby – Child and Youth Case Coordinator
- Trista Lam – Mental Health Therapist
- Valeria Gomez – BENCH Crisis Counsellor
Together, we are committed to walking alongside newcomers as they navigate the realities of healing, resettlement and integration. Let’s continue to build a community where every newcomer feels seen, supported and empowered.
