About Zahra
How I work
I tend to approach therapy with curiosity. I’m interested in what sits underneath a symptom or reaction—what may have shaped it, what purpose it might have served, and what keeps it going.
Many coping strategies developed for a reason, even when they no longer help us in the same way. Part of therapy can involve understanding those patterns and creating more room for choice.
EMDR Therapy, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Ego State Therapy, and attachment-focused psychotherapy inform my work. I do not assume that every difficulty comes from trauma, or that we need to begin by talking about the past. We can start with what is happening now.
From Nairobi to New Jersey
Before moving to the United States, I ran a private psychotherapy practice in Nairobi, Kenya, where I worked primarily with adults.
My practice included people from a range of cultural and professional backgrounds, including members of Nairobi’s international and expatriate community.
Moving to the United States has meant beginning a new professional chapter, while bringing several years of clinical experience with me.
My former practice in Nairobi, Kenya
Background
My clinical experience has included private practice, community mental health, hospitals, and correctional settings in Kenya and the United States.
My work has also included designing and delivering psychosocial trainings for professionals working in high-risk environments, alongside clinical work with people in diplomatic, humanitarian, and professional communities.
“Wholeness is not achieved by cutting off a portion of one’s being, but by integration of the contraries.”
~ Carl Jung
Education & Training
Education:
- M.A Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Rowan University | NJ, USA
- B.A Psychology (Counseling) | University of Nairobi
Advanced Training:
- EMDR Europe | EMDR Europe Consultant-in-Training
- Sensorimotor Psychotherapy | Level 1 & 2 | Learn more
- Critical Incident Stress Management | ICISF
- E.M.D.R | Level 1 & 2 | EMDR Consulting
S.P.A.C.E Provider | Learn more
Awards:
Professional Leadership Award, CMHC Rowan University