Shamima Akhter

Providing a safe and validating space for others is a value of mine. This has lead me to pursuing a Doctorate in Psychology and thus far 8 years of experience. Throughout my training and career, I've always gravitated towards the college/graduate school population. I've especially appreciated working with students on relationships, identity, and self-love. Being a South-Asian, I've also enjoyed exploring cultural/ethnic/racial identity with clients.

In a therapy session my approach is inviting, warm, curious, and a grounding presence. I strongly believe clients are experts on themselves; hence my approach to therapy is empowering and encouraging clients to lean into experiences to meet their goals. I like to use the metaphor that my clients are in the driver's seat and I'm there to support them as they explore where they want to go. Along with a multicultural lens, some therapeutic orientations I often pull from are CBT, ACT, and IFS.

Gift-giving is important in many cultures and hence the gift I want to give clients is hope, validation, and safety. I also strive to plant the seeds of empowerment and self-love in clients and continue to nurture that together throughout our sessions. I encourage clients to try out various exercises/skills in between sessions to continue to meet their goals. Overall I hope a client leaves our sessions feeling supported, heard, and respected.