Dr. Shamima Akhter

Providing a safe and validating space for others is something I've always loved to do. This passion has lead me to becoming a Psychologist and providing therapy to clients for the last eight years. I enjoy working with adults in various stage of life. I've especially appreciated working with clients on relationships, identity, and self-love. Being a South-Asian, I encourage individuals to explore their own cultural/ethnic/racial identity.

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.