Meet the Team

Clinicians

  • Taking New Clients

    Karen Cameron-Petroski’s therapeutic approach is integrative, including Cognitive Behavior Therapies as well as Client-Centered and Adlerian Therapy. She believes the relationship is paramount to healing and commits to bringing authenticity, understanding and compassion to meet clients where they are.  Karen is passionate about working with marginalized communities in an effort to normalize mental health care and make it more accessible to all.

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  • **Taking New Clients** **Telehealth Only**

    Hiba Alkhadra completed her master’s degree in counseling from Houston Baptist University and her bachelor‘s degrees in psychology and economics with a minor in religious studies from the University of Texas at Austin. She is a full-time therapist at a behavioral hospital and works with clients struggling with mental health and substance use disorders. She has experience in providing therapy to adolescents and adults, and in case management.

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  • PRACTICE ASSISTANT SUPERVISOR

    Madiha Ashraf is a first-generation Pakistani Muslim American. In addition to her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, she is working towards a Ph.D in Counselor Education specializing in Marriage & Family Counseling. Madiha has 8 years of experience as an educator and school counselor in private Islamic Schools, and in working with survivors of domestic violence. She uses a blend of Adlerian and Person Centered approach in her therapeutic methods.

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  • PRACTICE OWNER: THERAPY, SUPERVISION, CONSULTATION | LICENSE #67123

    Abida Minhas is a licensed professional counselor and supervisor. Abida is passionate about promoting mental health, particularly for minority communities and co-founded Muslim Association Psychological Services (MAPS) over 4 years ago, a service-oriented networking group and database of licensed Muslim therapists. She is EMDR trained and is proud to be an Impact Counselor who is ready to help you align and meet your goals in your therapeutic journey!

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  • Aatifa Shareef holds a Masters in Psychology degree with a Clinical Concentration from the University of Dallas as well as an ʿĀlimiyyah degree from the Qalam Seminary. She currently serves as an instructor at Qalam. She previously graduated from Northwestern University with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Religious Studies. She is working to combine her two fields of study by understanding psychology in an Islamic context and providing counseling for the American Muslim community.

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  • Lubna is a licensed clinical social worker and certified case manager. She has been serving the community for over 15 years in various settings such as community mental health, state health services, nonprofit, psych ER, mosques, and managed care. Lubna is passionate about working with individuals who have experienced grief, trauma, domestic violence, family discord, stress and anxiety. She believes that everyone is gifted with qualities that can guide them towards resolving even the most difficult of problems. As a therapist, she likes to focus on her client’s strengths rather than weaknesses by providing support and encouragement to help empower them. She uses a variety of modalities based on her client’s needs, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused brief therapy, dialectal behavior therapy (DBT), person centered therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), motivational interviewing, and Gottman techniques for couples therapy.

  • **Taking New Clients** **Telehealth Only**

    Sara Bawany is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Case Manager. She works at Facing Abuse in Community Environments (FACE), an organization that aims to hold religious and community leaders accountable for abuse in the Muslim community, and volunteers as the Membership Coordinator and Austin chapter ambassador of MAPS, a networking group and directory of licensed Muslim mental health counselors.

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  • Taking New Clients

    Michael (he, him, his) earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in LGBT Studies from University of North Texas, and earned his Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Texas Woman’s University. Michael has worked in a variety of settings, and has experience working with a wide range of folks with diverse identities, concerns, and goals. As a queer person, Michael brings a wealth of personal and professional experience and passion to his work with the unique experiences of LGBTQ folks, as well as young adults and men. He has worked extensively with concerns such as anxiety, depression, grief, neurodiversity, substance use, identity development, coming out, and sexual health. He is kink-aware and Poly/CNM-affirming. Michael uses an integrative approach to therapy; grounded in an intersectional framework, he works from a person-centred orientation, and draws from other approaches, including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Relational- Cultural Theory (RCT), and Psychodynamic theories, to tailor his work with each person. He is drawn to helping people experiencing dissatisfaction in life or relationships begin to understand the many moving pieces in their life and arrange them in a way that brings peace and satisfaction.

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  • Taking New Clients

    Fariah Zainuddin received her Bachelor's degree from George Mason University in Psychology with a minor in Conflict Analysis and Resolution. She then graduated from Southern Methodist University with a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Fariah is passionate about working with adults and young adults dealing with trauma, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, perfectionism, stress management, grief, and challenges through various phases of life. She considers it an honor to be given the opportunity to work with clients through challenges.

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  • Taking New Clients

    Asma Sheikh is a dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor with a fervent commitment to empowering women, adolescents, ethnic minorities, immigrants, and first-generation individuals. With a career characterized by unwavering devotion, Asma fosters a nurturing, non-judgmental, and empathetic environment where individuals, couples, and families can freely explore their life journeys, cultivate meaningful connections, and commence a transformative voyage towards healing. 

    Asma is proficient in Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi, and Siraiki. She specializes in aiding families and youth through transitions, assimilation/acculturation stress, and intergenerational conflicts. With a nuanced understanding of emotional, rational, spiritual, and identity-related challenges, as an EMDR-trained professional, she employs a collaborative trauma-informed approach that emphasizes culturally responsive therapy. 

    Asma prioritizes celebrating the unique strengths, needs, and obstacles of each individual, addressing a spectrum of issues, including identity exploration, life transitions, relationship dynamics and conflicts, generational trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, grief, and psychospiritual counseling.

    With more than five years of extensive experience as an educator and counselor in hospital and private practice settings, Asma brings a wealth of expertise to her practice. Her professional journey extends to collaborating with international and community-level non-profits, specializing in programs tailored for immigrants, refugees, and survivors of domestic violence. Asma's advocacy extends to various organizations dedicated to promoting culturally sensitive mental healthcare for individuals and communities. If you're seeking support, Asma warmly invites you to connect. Together, let's embark on a journey towards peace, healing, and personal growth.

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  • Taking new clients
    Speaks Pashto

    Shaista graduated with a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Texas A&M University-Commerce and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Texas A&M University-Commerce. She is certified in chemical dependency counseling and is experienced in play therapy. She has worked with children, adolescents, adults, families, and groups for those experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, substance abuse.

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  • Taking New Clients
    Speaks Spanish, Portuguese

    Marilia graduated from Texas A&M University - Commerce with a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Bachelor in Psychology from The University of North Texas. She has worked with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families on issues such as depression, anxiety, self-esteem and grief.

  • Taking New Clients

    Rabiah graduated with her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Texas A&M University-Commerce after working in education as a teacher and guidance counselor and in community building for several years after her Bachelors. She comes from a multiracial background and was born and raised in Texas. Rabiah believes that these experiences help her connect with clients of all ages and backgrounds as they traverse many life transitions.

    Using a client-centered approach along with CBT and Adlerian modalities, Rabiah aims to understand her clients’ experiences and work collaboratively to help them clarify and reach their goals. She has a passion for helping those struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, grief, and navigating the ups and downs of parenthood.

  • Taking New Clients

    Tahira graduated with a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Amberton University and a Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary education from the University of Texas at Dallas. Tahira has worked with victims of domestic violence, children, adolescents, adults, couples and families going through phase transition in life as well as those who are experiencing despair, anxiety, trauma, and bereavement. She believes that counseling is a pathway for growth and healing. It is an opportunity for the client to explore his or her thoughts and feelings in a safe environment.

  • Taking New Clients

    I specialize in supporting individuals facing life transitions, boundary challenges, and relationship concerns. I have a strong emphasis on women's issues, particularly relating to motherhood, relationships, and the unique experiences of adjusting to life in the United States. I offer a nurturing environment to help clients explore and grow, empowering them to navigate life's complexities with resilience.

     

    My journey began within the South Asian culture, where acceptance of mental health issues was often challenging. This personal experience has profoundly shaped my understanding of the significant role one's childhood and cultural background play in shaping their identity and perspectives. I deeply believe that embracing and understanding our past is a pivotal step towards nurturing a healthier, more fulfilling future. My approach in therapy is grounded in this belief, fostering a space where acceptance and growth go hand in hand.

     

    My therapeutic approach blends the psychodynamic method with person-centered and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques. This means we start by exploring your childhood experiences to understand how your past has shaped you. We uncover and work through any lingering issues from earlier life stages. Then, we shift towards a more person-centered and CBT approach. This involves creating a supportive space where you feel heard and accepted while equipping you with practical strategies to change how you think and respond to various situations. This combination aims to foster deep self-awareness and practical skills for managing thoughts and emotions in daily life.

  • Taking New Clients

    Malik earned a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington shortly after beginning his studies at Qalam Seminary. Malik has the clinical and life experience to connect with adults of all ages and address depression, anxiety, guilt, shame, career and issues of faith. Malik is a solutions-focused therapist that primarily utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy & Dialectical Behavioral Therapy techniques in his sessions.

  • Taking New Clients

    Zara has a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling. She has worked extensively with MUHSEN (Muslims Understanding/Helping Special Education Needs) and victims/survivors of domestic violence via Hope’s Door New Beginning Center. Zara specializes in working with prenatal/postpartum caregivers, family conflict resolution, identity exploration, LGBTQ folks, and those experiencing grief. As a Muslim woman, mom, and Pakistan-American, she is able to deeply empathize with those juggling different identities. Using a person-centered therapeutic approach, Zara is looking forward to developing and implementing meaningful and impactful treatment plans for her clients.

Admin

  • Ibrah is the Office Manager at The Impact Counselors. She is a Human Services and Sociology major graduate and has always had a passion to serve. She has a background in various roles that focus on communication, customer service, and administrative work which are all integral skills for an organization like The Impact Counselors, that strives to serve this community.

    She is readily available and accessible for any questions or concerns you may have so please feel free to contact her during our office hours for anything at all. Thank you, in advance, for your trust!

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