Candid Cherry Tree Chats
Get to Know our Student Therapists!
An interview with Ramann Patara and Sophi Diab
Meet Our Student Therapists
We are excited to introduce Sophi Diab and Ramann Patara to the Cherry Tree Counselling team!
Ramann is a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology student therapist and Sophi is a Master of Science in Psychotherapy student therapist. Both provide online and in-person counselling here at Cherry Tree through the Affordable Therapy program until April 2025.
Sophi and Ramann are able to work with those looking for support with anxiety, depression, stress, life skills, self-care, coping skills and perinatal mental health. As part of our Clinical Internship Program, they are able to provide online therapy with standard and flexible rates based on eligibility and needs.
If you are interested in working with either Ramann or Sophi or would like more information about our Affordable Counselling offerings, please contact us via email at admin@cherrytreecounselling.ca.
The Interview
RAMANN: Hi Sophi! I’m so excited to connect with you today and chat about our respective student internships at Cherry Tree Counselling!
SOPHI: Hi Ramann, yes, I’ve been looking forward to this!
RAMANN: Let’s dive in!
Q: What is one fun fact about you, or something a client would love to know about you?
SOPHI: Great question, I have an 8-month-old Border Collie/Retriever puppy who is full of energy and love. His name is Ryder and he definitely keeps me busy. What about you?
RAMANN: I have 3 kids - a six-year-old and 4-year-old twins who love everything about dinosaurs! Recently, they have converted our sweet Goldendoodle into a T-Rex during their imaginative play!
SOPHI: So cute! I would love to know…
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in psychotherapy?
RAMANN: I was inspired to pursue a career in therapy by my passion for building and supporting healthy communities through authentic relationships. Our work is so meaningful and can have such intentional influence in our clients’ life journeys. Overall, I would love to make a positive impact on that journey and support clients with their wellness. How about your inspiration, Sophi?
SOPHI: I love that. I think it was a combination of things for me! As cliché as it sounds, I’ve always known I wanted to pursue a career as a helping professional. Like you, I’m interested in mental health, psychology, and trauma.
More than that, I’m fascinated by people's stories. I love learning and connecting with folks. I aim to create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can be seen and heard. But more than anything, what inspires me, is the possibility that I can be a part of someone’s healing journey.
RAMANN: As you are sharing, I am reminded of our commitment to our clients’ well-being.
“...I hope to work with [clients] to improve their quality of life and work with them to connect the dots through curiousity and compassion.”
Q: How do you practice self-care and maintain a work-life balance as an intern therapist?
SOPHI: I love this question because truthfully, it is not always something I’ve been the best at. I practice self-care and maintain balance by reminding myself that taking care of myself is, in part, an act of compassion. When I offer myself compassion and respect, I am offering the folks around me, the best version of myself. Some ways I practice this is by going for hikes with my dog, spending time with my loved ones, or engaging in something creative like painting! What does that balance look like for you?
RAMANN: I find work-life balance and self-care practices through an intentional effort of being mindful and attuning to simple joys in my daily life. This could include pausing and enjoying that first sip of tea or belly laughing with my kiddos. I also engage in a 5-minute journal writing routine which focuses on gratitude, joy and intention and I keep up this routine because I am excited to do it; it fosters joy in my life. And that's the key for me engaging in practices that foster joy and calm in my everyday routines and interactions - not adding more to my plate.
SOPHI: That’s amazing, Ramann. I can see how your practice of self-care is going to positively influence the work you do with clients. Speaking of that…
Q: How do you hope to make a difference in the lives of your clients as a therapist?
RAMANN: As a therapist, I hope to make a difference in my clients' lives by providing a supportive, safe, compassionate and empathetic space where they can explore their challenges and strengths. I believe in the transformative power of a compassionate and collaborative therapeutic relationship which hopefully empowers each of us to operate from a place of curiosity and wonder to deeply explore the therapeutic journey.
SOPHI: I couldn’t agree more! For me, I think about how the difference I hope to make will depend on each individual client I work with and what they’re bringing in with them to the therapeutic space. I’d be curious about what difference they hope to see. More generally, I hope to work with the client to improve their quality of life and work with them to connect the dots through curiosity and compassion. But I lot like you, it’s really important to me to offer clients a safe therapeutic space that fosters collaboration, curiosity, and an openness to new perspectives.
“I aim to create a safe, non-judgemental space where clients can be seen and heard.”
Q: Last question, what is something that excites you to be a part of the Cherry Tree Counselling team?
SOPHI: I’m so beyond grateful and excited to be a part of a team that values inclusivity, quality, and connection. I am eager to continue to develop my therapeutic posture and make a difference in the lives of others!
RAMANN: I feel the same way. The clients will feel belonging, supported and connected because that’s what the staff embodies and models. I am really looking forward to being a part of such a warm and connected work culture and learning from it.
Are you looking for Affordable Therapy? Our intern therapists are available and waiting to support you through in-person or online counselling during the daytime, evenings, and weekends.
Connect with us and let’s talk about how we can help you.
