Rahila is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois. She believes we all have a story to tell that is rooted in different lived experiences. Each story we carry is deeply personal, with its own distinct needs. Rahila understands that being able to share your story and have it truly heard and understood can bring a sense of relief, validation, and clarity. She strives to provide a space that encourages safety and curiosity as well as guides you at your own pace and your own comfort level, allowing for deeper self-understanding and meaningful growth.
Rahila believes in a holistic approach to therapy, centering each client’s values and cultural background as they work together to break through labels and judgments that may hinder personal growth. Drawing from multicultural and person-centered approaches, Rahila is mindful of the sociopolitical contexts that shape individual experiences. She actively embraces and acknowledges concerns related to gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, culture, spirituality, intergenerational trauma, and more. In sessions, Rahila prioritizes creating a space that is responsive to each client’s unique needs, fostering a sense of understanding and genuine connection.
Rahila integrates a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma-focused therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). By tailoring these methods to each individual’s unique needs, Rahila ensures that clients have access to the right tools to promote healing and personal growth. This holistic and versatile approach empowers clients to achieve meaningful, long-lasting change in their lives.
Rahila is a graduate of The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, where she earned a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2022. Rahila completed her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the University of South Africa. She has experience in different settings including community mental health, behavioral hospital and private practice.
Rahila specializes in working with adolescents, young adults, and adults navigating a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, identity exploration and life transitions. Rahila is experienced in addressing concerns related to intergenerational trauma, acculturation, family dynamics, and the intersection of culture and mental health. She has a particular interest in supporting individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, including South Asian and Muslim communities, and is attuned to the unique struggles faced by people of color. She is also dedicated to providing affirming care for the LGBTQIA+ community and individuals exploring gender and sexual identity. Additionally, Rahila is attuned to the unique challenges that arise in navigating spirituality, faith, and cultural stigma around mental health, offering a nuanced approach that honors each client’s background and lived experience.
Rahila was born and raised in South Africa and moved to Chicago in 2021. She is passionate about learning different languages and can understand several languages such as Portuguese, Spanish, Gujarati, Hindi, and Urdu but does not have practice speaking them. In her spare time, she enjoys taking long walks in the park with her dog Iroh, watching movies or series with her husband, doing makeup and nails, working out, and meditating. She loves baking and cooking and enjoys testing out different vegan recipes and making them her own. She is an avid plant nurturer and enjoys propagating plants.
