About Us

A Trusted Therapist in Etobicoke for South Asian and BIPOC Communities

Many South Asians, immigrants, and BIPOC individuals often face emotional struggles that can feel lonely and overwhelming. At Empowering Roots, we understand the unique pressures that come with balancing cultural expectations and personal well-being. We’re here to support you in exploring the core of how you are feeling, how to embrace your true self, and create a life that respects both your heritage and your mental health.

Your South Asian Therapist in Etobicoke

I am Gulrukh Khan

Founder of Empowering Roots Therapy

I'm Gul (she/her), a South Asian, Muslim, immigrant woman and a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) based in Ontario.

I created Empowering Roots Therapy with one intention: to offer the kind of support I once needed myself, therapy that sees the whole person, honours culture and identity, and holds space for the complexity of being “in between worlds.”

My approach is warm, collaborative, and rooted in deep respect for your lived experience. I draw from evidence-based modalities like CBT, somatic approaches, and parts work, integrating them with culturally attuned care that understands the nuances of intergenerational trauma, family obligation, and identity navigation.

Before becoming a therapist, I spent years exploring my own path, untangling family expectations, internalized beliefs, and the ache of not quite belonging. These personal experiences deeply inform how I show up in the therapy room: with empathy, openness, and zero judgment.

Therapy with me isn’t about fixing you, it’s about supporting you as you reconnect with your inner strength, set boundaries that feel right, and move toward the life you want to build.

Outside of sessions, you’ll find me spending time with loved ones, reading, exploring new places, or finding calm in nature.

If you're ready to feel more connected, grounded, and truly seen, I'm here.

"Sometimes the people around you won’t understand your journey. They don’t need to, it’s not for them." – Joubert Both

Healing, Your Way In Person or Online

We offer both in-person and virtual sessions every Thursday, and virtual appointments Monday through Saturday. Our flexible options are designed to meet you where you are, literally and emotionally.

What Makes Our Approach Different

Culturally Sensitive, Personalized Therapy

We tailor therapy to your unique cultural background and values, making sure you feel understood and respected.

We combine traditional therapy with mindfulness techniques, somatic healing, parts, and inner child work to help you heal and grow in a holistic way.

Blending Therapy with Mindfulness

Focused on Root Causes, Not Just Symptoms

Long-Term Growth and Lasting Solutions

We’ll dig deeper into the patterns and beliefs driving your challenges, aiming for lasting change.

Together, we’ll create practical strategies that lead to real, lasting, and sustainable change in your life.

Why I Became a Therapist in Etobicoke

Here, your story is heard, honoured, and held with care.

Have you ever left a therapy session feeling misunderstood...or worse, like you had to explain or defend your choices, culture, or values?

I have...

As a South Asian, immigrant, Muslim woman and person of colour, I know what it’s like to sit across from someone who doesn’t fully get the weight you carry. I remember walking out of sessions feeling unseen, unheard, and deeply alone in my healing journey.

Empowering Roots Therapy was born from that experience.

I wanted to create the kind of therapeutic space I once needed. One that is culturally sensitive, identity-affirming, and rooted in compassion.

Here, you don’t have to choose between your healing and your heritage.
Whether you're navigating family expectations, people-pleasing, burnout, grief, intergenerational trauma, or questions of identity and belonging, you are welcome here, just as you are.

Working together, you’ll find a warm, nonjudgmental space where all parts of you are invited to show up.

Each session is an opportunity to feel seen, supported, and empowered to reclaim your voice and your peace.

I’ve walked this path myself. I know the weight of carrying multiple identities.

You don’t have to do it alone.

Let’s begin your healing, together.

Our Values

Empowerment

Inclusivity

Resilience

Connection

Authenticity

What Therapy Looks Like with Me

When we start working together, it’s really about creating a space where you can talk openly, without feeling rushed. We’ll go at your pace. I’m here to listen and understand what’s going on in your life, and together, we’ll figure out how to get through it.

Our therapeutic experience involves creating a space that celebrates YOU - your strengths, challenges, uniqueness, and heritage while tackling any challenges you may be facing. Together, we'll explore different approaches and techniques that fit your needs. Because let's be real... therapy isn't a one-size-fits-all deal. It's about finding what clicks best for you and making the journey as enriching as possible to help you become an EMPOWERED You!

I believe everyone has the ability to grow and change, no matter what they’ve been through. Therapy is about helping you figure out what’s holding you back and finding ways to move forward. It’s also about making sure you don’t feel like you have to choose between your culture and your personal growth.

I know therapy can be tough. It takes time, patience, and a lot of trust. I’m here to offer a space where you can feel safe to explore whatever’s on your mind. My goal is to help you build a life that reflects who you are, not who you think you need to be. I want to help you get to the point in your life when you are EMPOWERED to take on what comes your way.