Psst..when was the last time you had a real conversation about mental health?

Mental health is more than just a clinical diagnosis or talking about symptoms. Mental health something we all have, and it’s something that impacts all parts of your life. It is about how you feel, every day; how you feel in your relationships; how you feel about yourself; how you feel about the world. It is about personal growth and self-discovery. It is about marveling at the magic of the universe and leaning into our joy. It is about no longer being afraid of what lurks in the shadowy parts of our Self, instead welcoming it.

It is about living an examined life.

So, what’s my story?

I was born in Pakistan, and my upbringing was between Saudi Arabia and Toronto. Besides Canada, I have lived in the Middle East, South Asia and the United States. This, along with my mixed-cultural identity, helps me understand the challenges of cross-cultural adjustments and life transitions. I value cultural diversity immensely and make an effort to understand the cultural and historical context of mental health issues. I have experienced many transitions in life, and see them as a time of renewal. And I take this lens to the world we are in - how can we make sense of all our differences?

I’m a trained therapist, speaker, and author, and the founder of WellGuide, a digital mental health brand. I create grounded, emotionally intelligent tools for people who look “high functioning” on the outside but feel stretched thin on the inside. My work lives at the intersection of psychology, culture, and behavior, delivered through corporate keynotes, workshops, writing, and creative content that makes emotional health feel both accessible and real. I’ve been featured as a mental health expert in outlets including Business Insider, CBS, CP24, Globe and Mail, Time, HBR NBC News, and Teen Vogue, and I’ve spoken on podcasts such as Axios, The Tamsen Fadal Show, and Immigrantly. I also serve on the PS Wellness Council (Vox Media).

I earned my undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Toronto and my Master’s in Counseling at Adelphi University (Derner School of Psychology). I’m certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy through the Beck Institute and in Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy through the Albert Ellis Institute.

I spent a decade in clinical practice and have held professional licenses in Ontario, Canada (RP) and New York State, USA (MHC-LP). Today, I’m a former clinician and a current digital health executive - building programs and experiences that translate clinical insight into tools people can actually use in real life. I no longer see therapy clients. Instead, I focus on scaling emotional wellbeing through leadership, organizational and public education, and systems-level work that helps more people access care, language, and support.

My mission is to make high-quality mental health education more accessible, especially for people who were never taught the language for what they’re feeling. I’m committed to sharing psychology-backed, research-informed, evidence-based tools that support real change, not just insight. Most of my time is spent speaking, writing, and building in the digital mental health space, with one goal in mind: helping people move from coping in silence to living with more clarity and self-trust.

My goal is to educate people about mental and emotional health, empower them to feel more confident, and elevate the quality of their lives.

I believe that we all lead a multifaceted and layered existence, creating complex lives and stories. That’s why I love to write - writing is how I make sense of the world around me, as well as the world within me. I have found solace in the writings of others, often during some of my most difficult times, and hope to share the same comforts with you. Each of us have unique strengths that have brought us this far; and life will only get easier as we build our inner-selves. We are always in a state of becoming - and so I hope to stay curious about myself, and hope to inspire that within you as well.

Through Well.Guide, I’m using the magic of conversations and power of community to transform the way we talk about mental health, from shameful to empowered. I hope you find my writings helpful and leave feeling emboldened to have meaningful conversations about mental health and wellness.

TYSM - Can't wait to connect with you!

xx, Israa

With Well.Guide, I have created a platform to provide accessible and evidence-based information about mental health.

Our Instagram community is a place where people can find support, inspiration, and insights on their mental wellness journey. I believe that by educating and empowering individuals, we can make a positive impact on the collective mental health of our society. Join my community by signing up for the bi-weekly newsletter, a curated collection of mental health features, current affairs as they relate to wellness, reading and podcast recommendations, and most importantly - a deep dive into a specific mental health topic. Don’t forget to subscribe here!