Experienced Punjabi Counsellor in Surrey BC: Compassionate and Nonjudgemental Therapy
Masters of Social Work: University of New England 2016
Bachelor of Arts, Major in Criminology: Simon Fraser University
RSW with the BCCSW
About Manpreet (she/her)
Languages spoken: Punjabi & English
Experienced & Compassionate
About Me
I am a Master’s-level therapist with 10 years of post-Masters experience supporting individuals through a wide range of mental health challenges. I earned my Master’s degree from the University of New England in the United States and completed my Bachelor of Arts at Simon Fraser University.
Throughout my career, I have worked both as a therapist and a college instructor, providing counselling services in English and Punjabi. My clinical experience includes supporting individuals dealing with alcohol addiction, anger management, trauma, depression, anxiety, social anxiety, OCD, loneliness, relationship challenges, thought disorders, and the psychological impacts of motor vehicle accidents. I am deeply committed to creating a safe, culturally responsive, and compassionate space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered.
In addition to my clinical work, I am passionate about education and mentorship. I have taught at multiple colleges across Canada and served as a subject matter expert in the development of a counselling psychology course in 2021. I value contributing to the growth of future professionals in the field.
I have also been recognized as a mental health expert in the media, including appearances on the Harpreet Singh Show on JOYTV, where I discussed various psychological topics. My insights have also been featured in Drishti Magazine.
Born in Mackenzie, BC and raised in Surrey, BC, I bring both professional expertise and personal understanding of diverse communities to my work. My approach is rooted in empathy, collaboration, and evidence-based practice, with a strong focus on helping individuals build resilience and lead meaningful lives.
Treatment Areas
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Major Depressive Disorder, commonly referred to as depression, is a mental health condition that affects how you feel, think, and function in daily life. It is more than just feeling sad or going through a difficult period—it is a persistent state that can impact your mood, energy, relationships, and sense of self.
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Anxiety Disorders are a group of common mental health conditions that involve excessive worry, fear, or nervous system arousal. While anxiety is a natural and often helpful response to stress or danger, it can become overwhelming when it is persistent, intense, or out of proportion to the situation.
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by a cycle of obsessions and compulsions. It can create significant distress and interfere with daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. OCD is not simply about being neat or organized—it involves persistent, intrusive thoughts and urges that feel difficult to control, along with behaviors or mental rituals aimed at reducing anxiety.
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Grief is a natural and deeply human response to loss. It can arise after the death of a loved one, but also from other significant life changes—such as the end of a relationship, loss of health, identity shifts, or major transitions. Grief is not something to “fix,” but something to move through with care and support.
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An abusive relationship is a pattern of behavior in which one person uses power and control over another through harmful, manipulative, or coercive actions. Abuse can occur in romantic partnerships, family relationships, friendships, or caregiving situations, and it can take many forms—not only physical harm.
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When an individual is going through a breakup or divorce they will need to grieve the relationship, the life they imagined, and in some cases they may also need to make sense of the past abuse by their partner.
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Trauma refers to the emotional, psychological, and physiological response to an event or series of events that feel overwhelming, threatening, or deeply distressing. It occurs when a person’s ability to cope is overwhelmed, leaving a lasting impact on how they experience safety, relationships, and themselves.
Trauma can result from a single incident or from ongoing, repeated experiences over time.
What Can Be Experienced as Trauma
Trauma may arise from a wide range of experiences, including:
Abuse (emotional, physical, sexual, or neglect)
Accidents, injuries, or medical emergencies
Sudden loss or bereavement
Domestic violence or unsafe relationships
Childhood adversity or chronic stress
Community violence, discrimination, or systemic oppression
Ongoing instability or unpredictable environments
What feels traumatic is subjective—two people can experience the same event very differently.
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Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a medical and psychological condition characterized by difficulty controlling alcohol use despite negative consequences. It exists on a spectrum, ranging from mild to severe, and can affect a person’s physical health, emotional well-being, relationships, and daily functioning. AUD is not a matter of willpower or character—it is a complex condition influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors.
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In the treatment of anger management there will be psycho-education alongside DBT skills provided.
Therapies Offered
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When difficult or traumatic experiences are not fully processed, they can remain “stuck” in the brain, leading to ongoing emotional distress, triggers, or negative beliefs. EMDR helps the brain reprocess these memories in a safe and structured way. A key component of EMDR is bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements, tapping, or sounds), which supports the brain in integrating these experiences so they feel less intense and more manageable.
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a modern, evidence-based approach that helps you develop a different relationship with your thoughts and emotions. Rather than trying to eliminate difficult feelings, ACT focuses on building acceptance, increasing psychological flexibility, and supporting you in living a life guided by your values.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, evidence-based form of psychotherapy that focuses on the connection between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It is based on the idea that unhelpful thinking patterns can influence how you feel and act—and that by changing these patterns, you can improve your overall well-being.
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Integrative DBT is a compassionate, evidence-based approach that combines the structured, skills-focused foundation of Dialectical Behavior Therapy with the flexibility of other therapeutic modalities. You learn and apply DBT skills such as mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
“Healing may not be so much about getting better, as about letting go of everything that isn’t you — all of the expectations, all of the beliefs — and becoming who you are.”
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“Healing is not linear. It is a spiral. You will revisit the same wounds again and again, but each time from a higher perspective.”
Trauma Informed
I am trauma-informed. This means I recognize that many people have experienced trauma, and that these experiences can have a lasting impact on how individuals think, feel, relate to others, and navigate the world.
I provide care in a way that prioritizes choice, safety, trust, and collaboration. This includes working at a pace that feels comfortable, respecting personal boundaries, and ensuring that you remain in control of the therapeutic process.
My approach is grounded in understanding the connection between past experiences and present difficulties, while also focusing on strengths, resilience, and what helps you feel supported and empowered.
