About Marina Daif

Marina is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at York University and her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. She completed her internship at MyLife Counselling under the supervision of our Clinical Director Mark Nixon. Marina had such positive feedback from her clients that we insisted she join MyLife as one our full-time therapists! Marina works with both individuals and couples and provides counselling in both English and Arabic.

Marina brings a wealth of experience and compassion to her work with clients. As a Special Needs Service Provider at the Canadian Coptic Centre, she volunteered alongside mental health professionals and spiritual leaders for over five years. She supported people struggling with anxiety, depression, relationships, self-esteem, body-image, religion and culture-related issues. As a Behavioural Counsellor at Stonehenge Therapeutic Community, Marina helped adult residents struggling with substance use and addictions work towards developing healthy and sober lives. Marina is grateful and inspired by the personal stories of change and hope that people shared with her over the years. 

Marina’s compassion for her clients also stems from the work she has done in improving her own mental health. As a person who experienced bullying, low self-esteem, self-criticism, and anxiety early in life, Marina understands the negative spiral that can lead to feeling alone and isolated. Marina came to appreciate the help she received and how she was able to develop her own genuine sense of self-compassion and self-acceptance. Thanks to her own experience, Marina is able to help her clients feel safe, supported, and understood as they work towards developing their own self-compassion – a key trait that she believes helps people heal and create happier and more wholesome lives.  

Marina also loves working with couples in helping them rebuild their sense of friendship, connection, and closeness. Her specialized training in Gottman Couples Counselling helps her guide couples in learning effective communication strategies, understanding each other’s deeper needs, and building healthier relationship habits.  

Marina’s training also includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Person-Centred Therapy, Psychodynamic, Mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Marina regularly invites clients to share their experience of progress and satisfaction with their therapy so that she can better meet her clients’ needs.  

Marina is an enthusiastic advocate for health and fitness and appreciates the powerful connection between physical health and mental health. She enjoys exercising and loves spending time outdoors by going on walks, hikes, and bike rides. Marina also cherishes the quality time she spends with her loved ones and believes in the importance of maintaining her relationships no matter how busy her life gets. 

Articles by Marina