Dr. Shabnam Paiwand
Clinical & School Psychologist | Oakville, Ontario (in-person) | Virtual across Ontario
Clinical and School Psychologist supporting children, adolescents, and young adults through emotional, behavioural, social, and learning challenges in Oakville and across Ontario.
You can see your child trying. You can see the effort. But things still feel harder than they should. School might feel overwhelming. Emotions might come out quickly or feel hard to manage. You might be trying different strategies, and nothing is quite working in the way you expected.
Over time, it starts to feel confusing. You’re left wondering what’s actually going on, or what you’re supposed to do next. Often, what you’re seeing is a pattern that has not yet been fully understood.
I’m Dr. Shabnam Paiwand, a Clinical and School Psychologist. I provide in-person therapy and assessments in Oakville, as well as virtual therapy across Ontario.
Services
Individual Therapy
ADHD Therapy
Mental Health & Psychoeducational Assessments
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Emotional Regulation
ADHD & Learning Differences
School Stress
Social Skill Building
Certifications
Registered with the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (#7430)
Clinical experience across school boards and private practice settings
Education
Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.)
Master of Education (M.Ed.)
Ontario College of Teachers (OCT)
Why Work With Me
Most families come seeking clarity about what is happening, not just quick fixes. My role is to help you understand your child’s experience in a way that feels clear and genuinely helpful.
I don’t approach this as “I am the expert, and I know everything.” You know your child best. My role is to listen, understand the bigger picture, and help you navigate what comes next. Because of my background in both school systems and clinical settings, I naturally think about both environments simultaneously. What is happening at school, at home, and in your child’s learning profile is all connected. Families often tell me they feel more grounded after sessions and more confident in how to move forward.
My Approach To Therapy
Before we jump into strategies, I take time to understand your child as a whole. Not just what’s happening on the surface, but what’s underneath it. Their learning profile, emotional experiences, family dynamics, and day-to-day life. Therapy is meant to feel steady and predictable. Once that foundation is there, we begin to introduce different ways of thinking and responding.
I draw on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), but I don’t apply a single approach to everyone. It depends on the person in front of me. This is not just about insight, and it’s not just about strategies. It’s both. We make sense of what’s happening, and then we build tools that actually fit real life. A big part of my role is to make complex psychological information make sense. When things become clearer, there is usually less confusion and more direction around what to do next.
What Working With Me Is Like
We focus on understanding first, then applying that in real life. Sessions are usually scheduled weekly or bi-weekly, lasting about 50 minutes, with the duration tailored to each child's needs and progress.
For children, this often includes guided activities and conversations that help them understand their thoughts and emotions. Parents are part of the process, so support carries into home and school.
For teens and young adults, the work often looks like recognizing patterns such as overthinking, self-doubt, or feeling behind, and learning how to respond differently.
You’re not left trying to figure things out on your own. We go through things together so it feels clear, not overwhelming.
Getting To Know Me
I care deeply about the work that I do. I prioritize confidentiality and create a safe space where clients feel comfortable sharing their experiences openly and honestly.
Families often report feeling heard and supported, and that their child feels comfortable during sessions.
I aim to feel calm and steady in how I work. I take time to consider the full picture and offer suggestions that are realistic, grounded, and not overwhelming.
Who I Work Best With
I work best with families who want to understand what is happening and are open to being part of the process.
Parents who want clarity around how to support their child.
Young people who feel stuck in patterns of anxiety, overwhelm, or self-doubt.
Families looking for thoughtful, realistic support rather than quick solutions.
If you are looking for a quick fix or surface-level strategies, this may not be the right fit.
Begin Therapy in Oakville
If you’re trying to understand why things feel harder than they should, we can start there. You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out. I offer in-person sessions in Oakville and virtual support across Ontario.
We can start with a consultation to discuss your concerns about scheduling, costs, and the support options available to meet your needs.
You don’t have to keep sitting with this.
Reach out to Elm Psychology Oakville to talk through what you’re seeing and get a clearer sense of what support could look like, either in person in Oakville or virtually across Ontario.