


Professional Background
I obtained my Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Connecticut in 2012. My masters and dissertation projects included a primary focus on anxiety disorders within a college student population. I was lucky to have an amazing educational and immersive pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral fellowship at the Institute of Living at Hartford Hospital, primarily working on an inpatient psychiatric unit for children and adolescents. Following this, I worked at a behavioural day school in New Britain, Connecticut as a psychologist providing services to children and adolescents with severe behavioural issues. I have extensive experience with diagnostic evaluations and evidence-based treatment within medical, school, inpatient and outpatient settings. Prior to starting Latif Psychology, I was in private practice at the Telka-Smith Psychology group for six years. During psychotherapy, I utilize a cognitive-behavioral approach, driven by the individual’s developmental level and early relationship experiences. I also incorporate a great deal of close collaboration with parents, teachers, and outside providers so that positive skills learned in therapy can be generalized into multiple environments.
Vision
I sincerely believe people are the experts on their own lived experiences, and I am a small piece of the puzzle to self-improvement. My job is to empower clients to learn about themselves, practice effective communication, and be leaders of their own journey. I love to collaborate closely with parents, caregivers, schools, and other members of the chosen family or community. I am open and welcoming of LGBTQ2S+ clients and clients of different religious and ethnic backgrounds. I myself identify with many different adjectives and identities: cis-gendered, straight, female, mom, wife, psychologist, friend, daughter, teacher, Bangladeshi-born/ American-raised/ Canadian permanent resident. I'm happy to discuss these roles only if and when relevant to the therapy process, but want to emphasis the focus is on you and YOUR journey. I am working on becoming a stronger advocate in anti-racist policies and practices, as well as understanding the impact of intergenerational trauma and ongoing systemic oppression on Indigenous and Black communities. While I do not claim to be an expert on these individuals' lived experiences, I hope to grow and learn and continue to be an ally.
