Fatima Malik

Fatima identifies as a (they/Them) Nonbinary Queer BIPOC Art therapist & Counselor serving Washington state for Mental Health services and care. Fatima works through a Social Justice/Anti-Racist lens. They specialize in Intersectionality, BIPOC centered care, Woman of Color, LGBTQIA+, Racial Trauma

They received their Bachelor’s Degree in Studio Arts with a specialization in Painting and Art history in 2014 from South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD. Following graduation, Fatima worked in various medical settings at the Sanford Health Hospital with children and adults seeking treatments for cancer. Fatima received the Sanford Health “Hero” award for Family for their work with patients. During this time, Fatima worked closely under Sanford Arts program director Jessie Park, LPC, Expressive Arts Therapist.

Fatima graduated from Antioch University Seattle in 2020 with their Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Art Therapy. This enabled them to continue their clinical work at the Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC) treating unhoused adult clients with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders as a Substance Abuse Case Manager (SUDP-T) and Masters level counselor. As well as working as a Art Instructor & after school programming; with children Ages 5-13. Later transitioning into one-on-one care as a preschool teacher assistant.

Fatima is passionate about taking a holistic approach, using Creative Arts, Attachment-based theory, trauma-informed care, experiential, and person-centered techniques to treat the whole person and ensure that what is done in therapy is personalized, collaborative, and unique to you as a client.

Fatima fully supports the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, LGBTQIA+ Rights, and MMIW.

Owner of Medicine Heart PLLC counseling services. Fatima has a M.A in Clinical Mental Health counseling with a specialization in Art Therapy, B.A in Studio Art, and a AA in Fine Art. Fatima’s therapy practice focuses on implementing art therapy directives, trauma-informed care, attachment-based theory, experiential, and person-centered theory.

Theories & Practices

Person-Centered Theory; a humanistic approach that focuses on our natural potential to self-actualize. A counselor operating from this approach will focus on building a therapeutic relationship with you through genuineness, unconditional positive regard, and empathy.

Trauma-Informed therapy (care); a specific informed approach that focuses and highlights how trauma has impacted a clients mental, behavioral, physical and spiritual well being.

Art therapy; the use of creative techniques such as drawing, painting, collage, coloring, sculpting, and so on to, help people express themselves artistically.

Attachment-Based therapy; therapy that targets the thoughts, feelings, communications, behaviors, and interpersonal exchanges that clients have learned either to suppress and avoid or to amplify and overemphasize because of early childhood.

Embarking on therapy with a Mental Health Counselor/Art Therapist can feel like stepping into uncharted territory for many individuals. However, the journey is one of profound exploration and growth. Here's what you can expect in art therapy sessions:

In your initial sessions, Fatima will take the time to get to know you, understand your goals for therapy, and discuss any concerns or questions you may have. The client and therapist will talk through the myriad of approaches you can take in the therapy room, including art therapy, holistic care, and talk therapy.

Art Therapy might look like you beginning the art-making process under the guidance of the therapist. Whether you're painting, drawing, or engaging in other creative activities, the focus is on the process rather than the end result. Your therapist will encourage you to let go of perfectionism and embrace the freedom of self-expression. After creating art, you'll have the opportunity to reflect on your artwork and discuss your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with your therapist. Through open-ended questions and gentle guidance, your therapist will help you uncover insights, patterns, and themes present in your art.

As you continue your journey in therapy, you'll begin to notice shifts in your awareness, perspective, and emotional well-being. Through the integration of insights gained from art-making or talk therapy and reflection, you'll develop greater self-understanding, resilience, and empowerment.