HOPE Therapy Journey
Heart of Possibilities Embodied
About Me
Ummulkiram Kothari, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) & Art Psychotherapist
A soft space to land
Where all parts of you are welcomed
With curiousity and compassion
A remembering unfolds
Heart Uplifts
Possibilities Unfold
Journey Embodied
------ Ummulkiram
About Me.
My journey into psychotherapy was not linear—it was shaped by a deep desire to reclaim my power and step back into the driver’s seat of my life. Like so many, I faced challenges that left me feeling disconnected from my mental, emotional, and physical health.
HOPE—Heart of Possibilities Embodied—emerged from my personal story and reflects the essence of my practice. It represents a belief that even in our most challenging moments, possibilities for healing, growth, and transformation are within reach.
My passion for this work grew from my own experiences as a mother of three young children, trying to balance a career, household, and the elusive task of caring for myself. I spent years feeling overwhelmed and burnt out, which led to fertility challenges, pregnancy losses, PTSD, and an autoimmune disorder. These struggles forced me to pause, reflect, and reimagine how I approached life.
When my children were young, our family turned to yoga, meditation, and mindfulness to navigate traumatic experiences together. These practices became a lifeline, helping us build resilience and reclaim a sense of peace. I chose to see these challenges as opportunities for growth and transformation. Through dedicated training and practice in mind-body-heart modalities, I gently healed from burnout, rebuilt my health, and rediscovered hope.
For the past five years, I’ve had the privilege of working with women facing pelvic health-related chronic conditions, guiding them to rewire their nervous systems and step into the driver’s seat of their biology. Before that, I spent over five years collaborating with teachers and elementary-aged children, introducing mindfulness and movement practices to help them self-regulate and create peaceful, connected classrooms.
Today, as a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and Art Therapist, I practice through the lens of HOPE. My approach is trauma-informed and focuses on the nervous system while weaving neuroscience with ancient wisdom from my cultural heritage. I believe we all carry an innate intelligence—a voice of wisdom within—that guides us toward growth. My role is to create a compassionate, stable space for you to reconnect with your inner power, explore possibilities, and embody your potential.
In my quest to reclaim my own power and build resilience, I’ve trained in modalities like Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy, HeartMath’s Personal Resilience Mentor Program, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Yin Myofascial Yoga, and Kundalini Yoga and Meditation. These practices have profoundly shaped my approach to therapy. I also hold a Bachelor of Business Administration with a Marketing Specialization, reflecting my earlier professional journey.
Outside of my practice, I spend time with my family and our beloved fur baby, exploring creative outlets like cooking and art, or connecting with nature. Whether I’m hosting women’s circles, meditating, or walking outdoors, I remain deeply committed to living in alignment with my values and continuously deepening my own growth.
HOPE guides my work and my life. It’s an honour to walk alongside my clients on their journeys, reminding them that even in life’s most difficult moments, the heart of possibilities is waiting to be embodied. Together, we’ll rediscover your inner strength and move toward a life of resilience, joy, and authenticity.
My Story
Ummulkiram Kothari, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) & Art Psychotherapist
My journey into psychotherapy was not linear—it was shaped by a deep desire to reclaim my power and step back into the driver’s seat of my life. Like so many, I faced challenges that left me feeling disconnected from my mental, emotional, and physical health.
HOPE—Heart of Possibilities Embodied—emerged from my personal story and reflects the essence of my practice. It represents a belief that even in our most challenging moments, possibilities for healing, growth, and transformation are within reach.
My passion for this work grew from my own experiences as a mother of three young children, trying to balance a career, household, and the elusive task of caring for myself. I spent years feeling overwhelmed and burnt out, which led to fertility challenges, pregnancy losses, PTSD, and an autoimmune disorder. These struggles forced me to pause, reflect, and reimagine how I approached life.
When my children were young, our family turned to yoga, meditation, and mindfulness to navigate traumatic experiences together. These practices became a lifeline, helping us build resilience and reclaim a sense of peace. I chose to see these challenges as opportunities for growth and transformation. Through dedicated training and practice in mind-body-heart modalities, I gently healed from burnout, rebuilt my health, and rediscovered hope.
For the past five years, I’ve had the privilege of working with women facing pelvic health-related chronic conditions, guiding them to rewire their nervous systems and step into the driver’s seat of their biology. Before that, I spent over five years collaborating with teachers and elementary-aged children, introducing mindfulness and movement practices to help them self-regulate and create peaceful, connected classrooms.
Today, as a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and Art Therapist, I practice through the lens of HOPE. My approach is trauma-informed and focuses on the nervous system while weaving neuroscience with ancient wisdom from my cultural heritage. I believe we all carry an innate intelligence—a voice of wisdom within—that guides us toward growth. My role is to create a compassionate, stable space for you to reconnect with your inner power, explore possibilities, and embody your potential.
In my quest to reclaim my own power and build resilience, I’ve trained in modalities like Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy, HeartMath’s Personal Resilience Mentor Program, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Yin Myofascial Yoga, and Kundalini Yoga and Meditation. These practices have profoundly shaped my approach to therapy. I also hold a Bachelor of Business Administration with a Marketing Specialization, reflecting my earlier professional journey.
Outside of my practice, I spend time with my family and our beloved fur baby, exploring creative outlets like cooking and art, or connecting with nature. Whether I’m hosting women’s circles, meditating, or walking outdoors, I remain deeply committed to living in alignment with my values and continuously deepening my own growth.
HOPE guides my work and my life. It’s an honour to walk alongside my clients on their journeys, reminding them that even in life’s most difficult moments, the heart of possibilities is waiting to be embodied. Together, we’ll rediscover your inner strength and move toward a life of resilience, joy, and authenticity.
"Your Journey to Connection, Resilience, and Possibility"
At HOPE – Heart of Possibilities Embodied, I offer a holistic approach that nurtures the connection between mind, body, and heart. My practice creates a safe and compassionate space where you can explore your inner world, uncover your strengths, and move forward at a pace that feels right for you.
Building a Relationship with Your Body
Your body is not just a vessel but a storyteller, holding the imprints of your life’s experiences. Together, we will work on befriending your body—learning to meet its sensations with curiosity rather than judgment and sending care to areas that may feel tense, heavy, or disconnected. Like dipping your toes into water instead of diving in all at once, we’ll explore these sensations in small, manageable steps. This gentle approach allows us to pendulate between ease and challenge, building trust in your body’s capacity to heal and regulate. Over time, this practice can help you feel more grounded, contained, and connected to your physical and emotional self.
Creating Safety in Growth
Growth and transformation require a sense of safety in the present moment. My work is focused on helping you regulate your nervous system, so you feel grounded and supported throughout the process. We’ll move at a pace that feels right for you, taking things one step at a time, while ensuring that the journey feels manageable and empowering.
Partnering in the Process
I believe you are the expert of your life and your experiences. My role is to walk alongside you, offering tools, insights, and support as we explore your inner landscape. Together, we’ll create a collaborative space that values your voice and intuition.
Tapping into Creativity
Imagination and creativity are profound tools for self-discovery and healing. If it feels right for you, we can integrate creative practices such as art, visualization, or other forms of expression. These approaches can help access non-verbal parts of yourself, release tension, and bring a sense of ease to your nervous system, all while honoring your comfort level.
What to Expect in a Session
Whether we meet in person or virtually, each psychotherapy session is an opportunity for you to connect more deeply with yourself in a safe, supportive, and collaborative environment. Our work together will always be centered around your unique experiences, needs, and goals. Here's an idea of what you can expect when we begin our journey:
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Creating a Grounded and Safe Space: We’ll start by taking a few moments to ground ourselves, settling into the space—whether in person or virtually—and ensuring you feel fully supported. I’ll help you center your body and mind, making space for whatever you bring into the session without judgment.
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Collaborative Exploration: As we work together, our sessions will flow in a way that feels natural for you. We’ll talk about what’s most present in your life, whether it's emotions, thoughts, physical sensations, or creative impulses. Through conversation, somatic practices, and art therapy when appropriate, we’ll explore the underlying wisdom your body and mind hold, allowing you to uncover deeper insights into your experiences.
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Pacing and Presence: One of the core values of my practice is ensuring we move at a pace that feels right for you. Whether we’re diving into a particular challenge or exploring more subtle sensations, we’ll take small, manageable steps. Your comfort and well-being are at the forefront, and we’ll honor the natural rhythm of your process.
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Tools for Reflection and Integration: Throughout our time together, I will offer practical tools—mindfulness, grounding techniques, creative exercises—that allow you to reflect and integrate what we explore in session. These tools help you access your own inner wisdom, giving you ways to connect with your emotions, body, and mind more intentionally.
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Ending with Clarity: Each session will conclude with time to process what’s been uncovered. We’ll reflect on any new insights and identify ways to carry that awareness forward. You’ll leave with practices or insights to help you stay grounded and connected as you continue your journey.
Whether in person or virtually, my role is to hold space for you to explore, reflect, and reconnect with your inner wisdom. Each session is a step in creating more clarity, agency, and self-understanding, as we work together to uncover your path forward.
LLAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I have the privilege to work, live and play on sacred land which is located on the Ajetance Treaty lands and territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. This sacred land is also the traditional territory of several Indigenous Nations – the Huron-Wendat and the Haudenosaunee, and is currently home to many First Nations, Metis, and Inuit people today.
I am grateful to be able to work and serve on these lands, and I am committed to developing meaningful relationships with the Indigenous peoples of this land in the spirit of reconciliation
