Meanings are not determined by situations, but we determine ourselves by the meaning we give to situations -Alfred Adler
Fatima is currently in network with Aetna, Anthem, BCBSIL PPO, Blue Choice, United Healthcare and Cigna. She is also offering self-pay and can also provide a SuperBill if requested.
Welcome, and thank you for choosing to begin therapy! Developing a collaborative connection with my client in therapy is my main objective. I believe people start to heal the moment they feel heard. As a clinician, my work centers around compassion, understanding, and respect for my client. I enjoy working with adolescents and young adults. I also hold a School Counselor License (PEL) that also helps me advocate and provide support to students in academics, career and social/emotional. My goal as a therapist is to help each and every client feel comfortable during therapy, develop coping skills, practice healthy self-care and gain insight. Together we can determine your needs and objectives. I’m excited to start this journey with you and help you achieve the best version of yourself!
APPROACH
My approach when working with clients is to offer empathetic active listening while validating their feelings. I enjoy using a holistic approach with my clients that allows me to consider their physical, mental, emotional, and social components when working with them. Other approaches I may use during therapy include:
Person-Centered Therapy (PCT) is a client centered approach in which the therapist will strive to understand the clients experience from their perspective. It also is on the basis that each person has the innate ability to change and grow, which sometimes becomes clouded by certain life experiences or struggles.
Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) aims at finding solutions in the present time. The foundation of SFBT is goal setting. We will set realistic, and identifiable goals and find solutions to get you to those goals.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based approach in which negative thoughts and distortions in thinking are challenged. Once the patterns of thinking are identified, we work to change those patterns which will in turn change your feelings and then your behaviors.
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) is a form of psychotherapy that helps you identify self-defeating thoughts and feelings, challenge the nature of irrational and unproductive feelings, and replace them with healthier, more productive beliefs.
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
2023 – Masters in School Counseling | Lewis University
2020 – Bachelors of Psychology | University of St. Francis
EXPERIENCE
I have experience working with adolescents and young adults who are going through life transitions, anxiety and educational difficulties. I’ve collaborated with teachers and other school personnel to help students reach the best of their ability. I’ve created and led successful self-care and anxiety support groups with adolescents. Group therapy offers many benefits such as gaining a different perspective on an issue, feeling less isolated and finding creative solutions to life’s challenges. I’m also very familiar with working with young adults who are struggling with cultural/generational differences that have been impacting their mental health.
PERSONAL
In my free time, I enjoy taking on challenging recipes from different cultures when cooking and baking. I also enjoy watching criminal documentaries in my free time. I always find time to get out of the house and try new coffee shops with my family and friends. I hope you had the chance to get to know me a bit more and I’m excited to start working together to achieve your goals!