Hi, I’m Abia! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the states of Illinois and Texas. I am also registered as an Out-of-State Telehealth Provider in Florida. I provide teletherapy to residents of Illinois, Florida, and Texas. As a first generation South Asian immigrant, I know the term “mental health” is nearly non-existent in most South Asian cultures. The idea that there is “nothing mental going on” or that your emotional/psychological pain is the result of being disobedient to your elders (especially if you are a girl/female), is far too common. I feel very strongly that we don’t have to allow the stigma of mental health and psychological wellness continue to interfere with our individual or collective growth. Despite the difficulties life gives us, it is so important not to lose sight of the need for joy in life. I have found my joy in sports, especially Chicago sports as well as (European) soccer — Go Cubs! Go Arsenal!
About You
Your parent’s cultural expectations tell you to live one way while the culture you are growing up in expects you to live up to another. Who are you supposed to be? You are being pulled in every direction, trying to please everyone, but what about you?
It’s hard living when you are caught between two worlds. The never ending pressure to be better than your best, but it’s getting hard to keep up. The time to make yourself, and your needs, a top priority has finally come! We’ll work through your cultural crossroads and make sense of the experiences that impact your mental health.
My Specialties and How I Work in Therapy
I specialize in helping young adults and adults cope with stressors; getting unstuck as they work through difficult moments and challenges in their lives. When life gets tough, it’s easy to focus on the problems that are happening or the “weaknesses” you see in yourself. By overly focusing on these thoughts you start to believe that you are not good enough and feel like you are a failure. You can break this cycle.
In therapy, we will put our heads together to find new and creative ways to leave struggles behind while also reconnecting you with your unique strengths. I strongly believe that each person has their own unique strengths that these give them the power to change the pattern. Clients and colleagues describe me as easy going, funny, and kind and this translates to my approach being warm and supportive, but I am also not shy to be direct with you, if it helps you to overcome the obstacles in your way. I am here to make sure you get the most out of your efforts.
Starting with a safe, comfortable space to see things more clearly you will be free to take the lead in sessions, break through the guilt, and find confidence in the decisions you make. There’s stigma behind mental health, but let’s get ready to break those barriers! I am here to help you on your journey.
