Meet Saima
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor dedicated to providing compassionate, client-centered care that fosters healing, growth, and empowerment. I began my work in the mental health field in 2021 after earning my Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Benedictine University. Since then, I have remained in private practice, where I’ve developed a deep commitment to supporting individuals through a wide range of mental health challenges. My path into this field was shaped by the meaningful impact psychology can have across various domains. The versatility of my training allows me to support others in diverse and impactful ways—whether through therapy, advocacy, or education. Grounded in my personal values of compassion, acceptance, and a belief in the capacity for change, I strive to meet each client with respect and empathy. I am particularly passionate about trauma-informed care and am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which I integrate into treatment to help clients work through trauma and achieve lasting healing. I also draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based approaches, including guided meditation, to support emotional regulation and personal growth. My therapeutic work is rooted in cultural humility and building strong, trusting relationships with each client. I work with adults across the lifespan and have a particular specialization in working with adolescents and emerging adults. Areas of focus include anxiety, depression, mood disorders, PTSD, life transitions, stress management, grief and loss, body image, and multicultural concerns. Beyond the therapy room, I am passionate about mental health advocacy and education. I have taught clinical psychology and research methods at the university level and plan to return to teaching as part of my continued professional growth. I also serve as a co-founder of Project Taqwa, a Muslim mental health advocacy organization, where I help lead community workshops and co-authored a sexual violence prevention manual to promote mental health accessibility and education.