Meet the Team
Clinicians
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Abida Minhas, LPC-Supervisor
PRACTICE CO-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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Madiha Ashraf, LPC, NCC, PhD-candidate
PRACTICE CO-OWNER: THERAPY, SUPERVISION, CONSULTATION | LICENSE #84183
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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Aatifa Shareef, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
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.
Associates
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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.
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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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Fariah Zainuddin is a National Board-Certified and Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, supervised by Abida Minhas, LPC-S. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University and later obtained her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern Methodist University.
Fariah is passionate about working with couples for pre-marital counseling and individual adults navigating trauma, depression, anxiety, self-esteem challenges, perfectionism, women’s issues, stress management, grief, and life transitions. She takes a client-centered approach, tailoring therapy to each individual’s needs. For clients who seek it, she also offers Islamically integrated psychotherapy, incorporating faith-based principles in a way that aligns with their personal values and beliefs.
She believes that many challenges stem from being caught in patterns that, with self-awareness and the right support, can be shifted. Rejecting a one-size-fits-all approach, Fariah collaborates with her clients to build on their strengths while honoring their unique experiences. She considers it a privilege to support individuals on their journey toward healing and growth.
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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.
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Are you feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges, grappling with your relationships, carrying the weight of trauma, or struggling with your identity? I am here to help! I am passionate about creating a safe, supportive space where we can work together to establish your goals, build resilience, work through past experiences, and reclaim your sense of self. As a second-generation Pakistani-American Muslim woman, I recognize how complex it can be to juggle different identities amidst unique cultural pressures.
I graduated with my Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Texas. Through my clinical practicum and internships, I have gained experience in working with children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced abuse and neglect, as well as those facing challenges relating to life transitions, personal and cultural identity, anxiety, depression, grief, relationships, parenting, self-esteem, perfectionism, and time management.
Using a trauma-informed and culturally sensitive perspective, I draw from Adlerian and client-centered approaches to foster each client's innate strengths and potential for growth. My goal is to meet you exactly where you are and work together to understand your challenges, explore your emotions, discover solutions that fit your life, and create lasting change. I consider it an honor to be a part of your healing journey and am looking forward to helping you discover new strengths and insights that bring peace and purpose into your life.
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Shireen is a compassionate and highly trained mental health professional who brings her clients a wealth of academic, clinical, and practical experience. She earned her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Texas Woman’s University, where she deepened her understanding of relationship dynamics, emotional well-being, and therapeutic intervention. Before her graduate studies, she completed her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at California State University, East Bay, laying a strong foundation in behavioral science and human development.
Shireen is trained in Solution-Focused Therapy, a future-oriented, goal-directed therapeutic approach that emphasizes clients' strengths and abilities to create meaningful change. She is also certified in Telemental Health Counseling, making her adept at delivering high-quality therapy in virtual environments—a vital skill in today's evolving healthcare landscape.
Her clinical training was completed at Texas Woman’s University’s Counseling and Family Therapy Clinic, where she provided therapy to individuals, couples, and families facing various life challenges. During this time, she gained hands-on experience helping clients manage emotional stress, interpersonal conflict, and family issues, especially those complicated by chronic medical diagnoses or lifestyle transitions.
What sets Shireen apart is her ability to form authentic, supportive relationships with her clients while guiding them toward personal growth, clarity, and connection. She approaches every session with empathy, respect, and an unwavering commitment to helping clients reach their goals. Shireen is fluent in Bengali and Urdu.
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Are you looking for more joy and pleasure in your day-to-day life? Therapy is a great way to cope with life’s struggles. I strive to assist individuals and couples in discussing and processing issues affecting their lives.We will work together through the challenges you face, beginning with your thoughts, feelings, and fears. You deserve to feel fulfilled and to have meaningful life experiences. Our time together will focus on empowering and equipping you with the tools to cope with day-to-day stressors. Give yourself permission to choose yourself!
You are not alone! Call or email me for support today! Let’s walk through life together.
Interns
All interns are supervised by Madiha Ashraf, LPC, NCC, PhD-candidate
Samreen Gazi
FNU Jawad
Cece Corona
Admin Team
Ibrah Malik, Office Manager
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!
Fatima Syed, Receptionist
Fatima is an undergraduate student aspiring to become a licensed counselor. Currently, she serves as the receptionist and intern at The Impact Counselors, where she is gaining valuable hands-on experience in the field. Fatima is always eager to assist with any questions and concerns you may have!
Dawood Tafsir, Media Manager
Everyone has a great startup story of how they got into photography. My story just starts from when I was a little boy running around with my mom's new IPhone. I was snapping a photo of everything I could, and making films every week!
I've always enjoyed the creative factor that photographers bring to projects. I constantly strive to work with clients and utilize their vision in creating an incredible end result. Using the skills I've acquired and the beauty of collaboration, we can create something awesome!
“Taking pictures is like tiptoeing into the kitchen late at night and stealing Oreo cookies.”
- Diane Arbus
Animal Therapy
Ferguson Ashraf, LPC - Licensed Professional Cat and Purrfessional Snuggler
Ferguson is the heart and fur of our counseling practice, bringing warmth, calm, and just the right amount of sass to every session. As a therapy cat in training, he is working on specializing in Animal-Assisted Therapy—offering purrs, head boops, and cozy companionship to help clients feel safe, seen, and supported.
With an uncanny knack for knowing when someone needs a quiet cuddle or a gentle distraction, Ferguson has become a trusted co-therapist for clients navigating anxiety, grief, trauma, and more. He takes his role seriously — though he reserves the right to nap mid-session if the sunbeam is just right.
When he’s not in the therapy room, Ferguson enjoys birdwatching, light walks outside, playing soccer and conducting in-depth research on the raccoons and possums that live behind his house.
Please note: one week prior notice is required for animal therapy session.