Building Trust and Safety in Counselling

What most people want in counselling is to feel truly understood. For people from Black, Indigenous, and other racialized communities that can be especially important, since traditional therapy spaces have not always felt safe or inclusive. Sometimes it means finding a therapist who shares parts of your background. Other times, it’s simply about having someone who is open, curious, and willing to listen without judgement. Either way, the message is the same: Your story belongs here. You belong here.

Trust is built when clients don’t have to set aside pieces of who they are in order to be heard. That’s what representation and inclusivity look like in practice; not leaving anyone out, but making sure every person has access to the kind of care that feels respectful and supportive.

Members of BIPOC communities often carry unique burdens whether it’s the weight of systemic racism, intergenerational trauma, or the daily pressure of navigating spaces that may not fully see them. In counselling, these realities shouldn’t be brushed aside. A culturally responsive therapist recognizes how these experiences shape mental health and healing.

That doesn’t mean a therapist has to share your exact background, it means they are committed to learning, listening, and honouring the role culture and identity play in your story. It transforms therapy into a space where your identity is not a barrier, but a strength.

As our counsellor, Meera Lakhani-Winsor, reminds us, therapy can also be political. It can be a space for difficult but necessary conversations about justice, belonging, and what it means to thrive in a world that does not always feel welcoming.

Welcoming Meera to Tapestry

We’re proud to welcome Meera to our team. Meera, originally from Pakistan, brings a deep dedication to supporting racialized communities through compassion, cultural humility, and curiosity.

Meera’s approach is about meeting people where they are. She strives to create a warm, supportive space where clients can share their stories without fear or judgement. Her focus on collaboration, authenticity, and respect aligns with Tapestry’s values, making counselling a place where diversity is celebrated and where every client can feel safe and valued.

Making Counselling More Accessible

At Tapestry, inclusivity also means addressing barriers that make counselling harder to access. Meera has committed to offering a limited number of discounted sessions so that people who might otherwise go without support can find a way in.

lived experiences, and your identity, we invite you to explore counselling at Tapestry. Our team is committed to creating spaces where healing feels possible, where stories are honoured, and where everyone is welcome.