About the Therapist
My name is Hameda Nyamekye (Nya-meh-che), a first generation Ghanaian- Canadian with a passion for serving and connecting with members of the global majority. I am a therapist, wife, friend, aunty, sister, daughter of the diaspora and student of life.
Born and raised in North York, Toronto, I have also lived in Hamilton, Calgary and Vancouver for a combination of education, proximity to loved ones and enjoyment. Outside of my work, you can find me with a warm drink in my hands, soaking up the sun and/ or getting lost in a good story or meal (preferably both).
I am passionate about empowering clients to reclaim their stories, get back in touch with themselves and live in ways that align with their values. I practice from a relational, somatic-focused approach and intentionally incorporate therapeutic approaches that support my clients as they navigate life’s challenges and work towards achieving their goals.
About the Practice
Rooted in the meaning of Akoma (“heart” in Twi, an Akan dialect from Ghana) our practice honours your unique lived experience, your story, and the depth of your entire identity.
As the daughter of Ghanaian immigrants to Canada, I am all too familiar with the demands of navigating multiple cultures, spaces and identities. The term ‘Akoma’ is an intentional nod to my Ghanaian Heritage as well as the somatic (body based) focus in my therapeutic practice.
At Akoma Therapy and Wellness, we work on soothing the heart and reconnecting with the body, as much as we work on reframing or rewiring thought processes in the mind. Here, therapy encourages you to bring your mind and body together while honouring all of the parts that make you, you.
For many, counselling is often viewed as taboo or a place where people need to ‘fix’ themselves. From this view, therapy can be a scary thing. This is especially true if the messages you heard about counselling included perceptions of weakness or betraying where you come from. The goal of this practice is to provide culturally relevant and affirming care to those who do not always see themselves reflected in the services they need.
About You, the Client
Your story matters. Your healing matters.
Welcome to Akoma Therapy & Wellness
We might be the right fit if..
You are in a season of change or transition, and are seeking support that keeps you rooted in your identity
You belong to two or more cultures and are familiar with the challenges of navigating the in-between spaces
You are the first member of your family to walk the path you’re currently on.
You are tired of being resilient and no longer wish to ‘earn’ your rest
You recognize that something hasn’t been working for you, and you are ready to reclaim your narrative and be the author of your own story
If any of the above resonate, we would love to hear from you.
At Akoma Therapy & Wellness, everybody is welcome.
We support clients who identify with or have lived experience connected to the global majority, including but not limited to:
Black, African, Afro-Caribbean, and Latinx communities
South Asian, East Asian, Southeast Asian, and Middle Eastern communities
Indigenous, Multiracial and diasporic identities
Newcomers, immigrants, and first-generation Canadians
We welcome all genders, sexual orientations, family structures, bodies, and faith backgrounds.