Akbar Safari, RCC

Akbar Safari is a Farsi-speaking Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) who has provided counselling in Farsi, Turkish, and English for adults, youth, and families for over 20 years in both private practice and family service agency settings. He specializes in individual and substance use counselling, drawing on evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Psychodynamic Therapy to support clients in navigating life’s challenges.

Akbar’s integrative, client-centred approach is designed to meet the unique needs of each person he works with. He supports clients dealing with personality disorders, addiction, stress, anxiety, trauma, and parenting concerns, offering a warm, respectful space grounded in cultural responsiveness and clinical expertise. His commitment to mental health advocacy is reflected in his active participation in training and workshops focused on reducing stigma around mental health, substance use, chronic pain, and medically unexplained symptoms (MUS). As a Farsi-speaking counsellor, he is passionate about increasing access to culturally responsive mental health services for diverse communities.

Akbar holds a Master’s degree in Personality Psychology and is registered with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). He also maintains a Specialized Business License with Psychology and Counselling Organizations in Iran. His extensive training includes adolescent substance abuse intervention (Matrix Model), Clinical Hypnosis (ISSCH), and Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy through the Tehran Psychoanalytic Institute (TPI).

Fluent in English, Farsi, and Turkish, Akbar provides first-language counselling for clients who prefer to receive support in their native language. He is committed to building trust, empowering change, and helping people feel seen, heard, and supported—whether in person at Hollyburn’s North Vancouver office or virtually across British Columbia.

Whether you’re navigating addiction, emotional distress, parenting challenges, or seeking support for deeper personal growth, Akbar offers thoughtful, culturally attuned counselling to help you move forward with clarity and resilience—either in person at our North Vancouver office or virtually from anywhere in BC.