Specializations

Do you find yourself struggling to get through the day? Do you feel sad or empty most nearly everyday? Have there been changes in your eating and sleeping patterns? Maybe you have lost weight or gained weight unintentionally? Do you ever feel stuck or can’t figure out what is wrong with you? Have you lost interest or can’t find enjoyment in things you once did? Have you isolated yourself from others? Do you feel hopeless or worthless? Do you find yourself being overwhelmed easily or feeling anxious? Do you feel tired the majority of the time regardless of how much you rest? Do you have dark moments or thoughts about harming yourself?

If you have answered yes to more than one of these questions above, then you might be suffering from depression.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, (NIMH), there are an estimated 21.0 million adults in the United States who have had at least one major depressive episode. This number represented 8.4% of all U.S. adults. The prevalence of major depressive episodes was higher among adult females (10.5%) compared to males (6.2%). The prevalence of adults with a major depressive episode was highest among individuals aged 18-25 (17.0%). In 2020, an estimated 2.9 million adolescents aged 12 to 17 in the United States had at least one major depressive episode with severe impairment in the past year. This number represented 12.0% of the U.S. population aged 12 to 17. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease your ability to function at work and at home.

Treatment for depression includes medication or talk therapy, and oftentimes the combination of both is necessary for getting better. Depression can impact the way that our brain works, and Treatment can help to balance the chemicals in our brains to restore prior level of functioning. Therapy is a place where you can talk one on one with a skilled therapist about negative thoughts and feelings. Therapy is also a safe space and place to learn healthy ways of coping with symptoms.

Niyyah therapists are a diverse group of therapists who specialize in treating mood disorders and have been able to help clients address the underlying contributors to their depression by providing them with tools to better manage, identify warning signs to their depression and restore their level of functioning. In addition, we provide psychoeducation to clients and work closely with psychiatrists and other providers to have a holistic treatment plan. Niyyah therapists understand that building strong, trusting therapeutic relationships with their clients is an essential part of therapy. It allows for the therapist and client to trust the process of therapy and work together effectively. Through trusting relationships, clients are able to be vulnerable, open and honest about their struggles in hopes of them returning to the level of functioning before the impairment. For this reason, clients have been able to have successful outcomes in therapy which provides them with restoring their level of functioning and getting their lives back.

Common Concerns

I feel sad at times but I don’t think I suffer from depression.

Depression, which affects your moods, can show up in a variety of ways and have a variety of symptoms. Depression becomes relevant when your sadness or low moods are impacting your daily functioning such as sleep disturbance, eating, lack of enjoyment, and loss of interest to name a few. Our team at Niyyah uses an instrument that allows us to assess and diagnose someone with depression through scaling. We understand that not everyone knows that it is depression they are experiencing because it could look like sadness. If you are not sure about where to start, call us today to set up a free consultation.

I don’t want to talk to a stranger who just wants to put me on medication.

Niyyah therapists understand how hard it can be to talk to someone with whom you are not familiar. We always strive to meet you where they are, respect their autonomy, and build trusting therapeutic relationships to ensure your level of comfort. We do not seek to push medication on anyone, but we do provide a referral if there is an indication that you might benefit from it. We always consult you first to welcome their thoughts around medication before we proceed. Your treatment is always tailored to their immediate needs, not the therapist. We work with you to ensure that you are getting everything they need from our relationship. We seek to empower not disempower.

Questions? Contact us and we’ll answer any questions or concerns you have!

Ready to set up an appointment? Click here to get started! Click here to meet our therapists!

Have you continued to engage in behavior despite negative consequences, such as loss of relationships, being fired from your job, isolation from family members and friends, or legal issues? Are you participating in these behaviors more often and in greater magnitude than when you first participated in the behavior? Do you find yourself becoming easily irritated or feeling ill if you’re not able to participate in the behavior? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be struggling with addiction.

Addiction, as defined by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), is a chronic and complex medical disease in which pathology includes brain chemistry, biological factors, social aspects, and unique lived experiences. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) refers to addiction as a brain disease due to the physiological changes in the brain. Though it is a complex illness, it is treatable. Like many other diseases or illnesses, prevention and/or intervention is successful in treating addiction.

Why me? Is something wrong with me? Am I a bad person?

These are common questions asked by those who struggle with addiction. If you struggle with addiction, please know that there is plenty of evidence and lived experiences that support the idea that addiction is not a moral failure. You may be wondering why other people can have a drink socially, why other people can take their medications as prescribed, or why other people can recreationally use substances, without it negatively impacting their lives like yours. You probably already know this, but you’re not ‘other people.’ You’re you. You are unique–each person is. There are many things that influence the likelihood that a person could develop an addiction over someone else–as mentioned earlier when defining addiction–including biological, psychological, and social aspects (biopsychosocial).

Can I be diagnosed with addiction?

Though the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) developed by the APA does not label it as addiction, you could receive a specific diagnosis within the Substance Use Disorder realm, which addresses several substances: alcohol, cocaine, opioid, cannabis, stimulants, sedatives, hypnotics, and anxiolytics. Diagnostic criteria focus on length of time substance(s) has been used, whether tolerance of substance(s) has increased, if use of substance(s) has continued despite negative consequences, and if you have failed at trying to cut back or stop use of the substance(s).

Does addiction only refer to substance use?

While there are greater amounts of research surrounding substance use, there are process addictions such as gambling, shopping, hoarding, sex, gaming, etc. If we refer back to the questions in the beginning, where you are engaging in the behavior despite negative consequences, this can encompass processes as well. Thanks to the ability to map the brain with fMRI, researchers have been able to study brain function and see how behaviors affect the brain. Without getting too clinical or scientific, fMRI has uncovered the mystery of how someone can become addicted to their own brain chemistry (the body’s natural release of chemicals satisfying neurotransmitters).

Here at Niyyah Counseling PLLC, our therapists approach addiction through a biopsychosocial lens and can help assess appropriate levels of care at the time you reach out. We understand that your needs may require more attention than we can provide at the outpatient level and can assist you in finding resources for inpatient (IP) and/or intensive outpatient (IOP) care. Although a higher level of care may be needed when entering into our care, this does not mean that we dismiss your case, it means that we sit back and trust the process that will eventually lead you back to us. If you are not sure about how to move forward, our therapists are dedicated to providing you with support, whatever that may look like.

Reach out to us today and allow us to walk with you through your road to recovery! #WeDoRecover

Ready to set an appointment? Click here to get started!

Are you noticing your ADHD affects more than just your productivity? Do you feel exhausted by the end of a typical day or irritated “for no reason”? Does it feel like even with medication you can’t quite perform up to your full potential? Do your mild ADHD symptoms disrupt your life enough to cause problems but not enough to need medication? Does it feel like your child’s ADHD is becoming unmanageable? Do you want to set them up for success now and in the future? It may be time to get the help of a mental health professional in your routine.

Often, ADHD is thought of as a strictly a childhood disorder. While it’s true that most people diagnosed with ADHD are children or adolescents, a little over 4% of adults have ADHD. This number continues to grow as we pay closer attention to how ADHD shows up in adults. The more we learn about how the adult brain is affected by ADHD, the better tools we have to help you come up with strategies to succeed. If you feel overwhelmed in trying to manage yours, you aren’t alone and help is available.

Medication is a very helpful treatment for ADHD, and it is most effective when combined with psychotherapy. In fact, in one study 69% of those using a combination of medications and therapy saw a decrease in their symptoms of anxiety and depression as well as their ADHD symptoms. Through sessions with one of our therapists you will have a safe space to explore your struggles, your feelings, and to celebrate your successes.

In the last decade our therapists have worked with over 100 clients to help them correctly diagnose and treat their ADHD. This has been life changing for many people who have suffered for a long time with an incorrect or incomplete diagnosis. Our treatment plans go beyond talk therapy, we work with individuals and families to develop skills and set up systems that allow them to be successful in their relationships and lives.

Niyyah practitioners also specialize in working with entire families to help treatment evolve over the years as the child or adolescent goes through developmental stages that drastically change their brain structure and maturity. During these times of transition we work to continue to build skills, including parenting skills, to help support families. We have found that families who are dealing with multiple diagnoses especially benefit from having a clinician who knows their child and can help them throughout different life stages. A lack of coping skills to lead to the development of co-occurring ODD, which can lead to more challenging problems if not dealt with early. At Niyyah we strive to be culturally competent and approach every client from a systems perspective - this means we look at all areas of your life and get to know you personally before starting a treatment plan.

I’m already on medication, why do I need therapy?

It’s great that your medication is working for you, but if you weren’t having any other issues you probably wouldn’t be here. Did you know that most people with ADHD have additional mental health problems that sometimes go undiagnosed? Up to 50% of those with an ADHD diagnosis also struggle with anxiety, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder. Therapy is a highly effective way to help manage your ADHD symptoms while also developing coping skills for other challenges you may be facing.

I’ve tried therapy before, it hasn’t worked, why would this be different?

Perhaps your prior therapy experience didn’t work because it wasn’t customized to you. At Niyyah, we use evidence based practices in a unique way with each client because we understand there is no “one size fits all” approach. We understand that not all therapists are a good fit for all people - that’s why we offer a free phone consultation to meet your therapist before you set up your first session. If it’s not a good fit, there are no hard feelings.

Do you feel stuck in a terrifying moment? Do you find yourself thinking that you could’ve done something different, or that it’s all your fault? Do you feel disconnected from others, hypervigilant, more irritable than usual, or easily triggered by everyday life? Or maybe you make it through your day just fine, only to get in bed at night terrified to go to sleep because of the nightmares you’ll experience. You may often think to yourself, “if only I could go back to BEFORE” or “if only that scary experience had never happened, things would be better.” If you find yourself nodding or feeling recognized in these statements, you may have post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.

PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after someone experiences something so frightening that their brain isn’t sure how to process it. The truth is that 20% of people who experience a traumatic event will develop PTSD - it is a typical response to a traumatic event that our brains cannot properly process. You may begin to feel that all hope is lost, and that life will never get back to normal. However, we have encouraging news for you - with the help of one of our therapists who specialize in treatment of PTSD, healing is possible!

We have helped numerous people who suffer from PTSD integrate the experience so that they no longer have symptoms that disrupt their life. Research shows that trauma-focused psychotherapies are most effective for the treatment of PTSD. At Niyyah Counseling, all of our clinicians are trained in EMDR (a phase based, trauma focused modality of psychotherapy) and all of our therapists practice from a trauma-informed lens. Above all, our therapists are compassionate and have the hope that we can walk with you toward healing, no matter what you’ve experienced in life. We will work with you to create a custom treatment plan that includes coping strategies, emotional processing, and eventually relapse prevention strategies.

My problems are just too big, there’s no way this can be helped.

MANY people with PTSD feel similarly - when you have something so traumatic happen that you feel stuck in the moment, it can feel as though you will never lead a “normal” life again. This simply is not true. Healing is possible for you, and we will work hard to make sure that you see progress little by little. At Niyyah, we are willing to have hope for you until you have it for yourself.

What if I don’t have any specific memories?

We hear this question really often - and it’s honestly best answered by scheduling a free consultation to speak with one of our experienced therapists. However, the short answer is that we can work with what you are experiencing. Our bodies and brains are connected in intricate ways, and we don’t need exact memories in order to bring you relief. We can focus on bodily sensations, thoughts, or feelings instead.

I don’t want to have to talk about the traumatic event I’ve experienced.

This is TOTALLY understandable - that’s why we specialize in therapies that do not require that you retell the entire story before you begin your healing. Some people who come to us with PTSD never even give details about the traumatic event they’ve experienced, while others feel the need to share the entire story minute by minute to fully process the trauma. Whatever feels best in your system is something we will honor - you are always in charge of the process.

Have you noticed a change in your eating habits? Do you feel like you’re constantly battling with food? Are you struggling with body image issues?

It's estimated that 30 million Americans have struggled with an eating disorder at some point over their lifetime. That breaks down to 20 million women and 10 million men (Claire Mysko, CEO of the National Eating Disorders Association, U.S. News). Societal expectations of beauty, concerns regarding self-esteem, and issues with weight may all be factors contributing to eating disorders. The number of individuals affected by eating disorders in their lifetime is not an insignificant number, and you are not alone. You have come to the right place, though, because Niyyah Counseling offers experienced professionals who are equipped to work with you.

Treatment for eating disorders has several different components; in our practice, we ask for you to also see a medical professional, as well as a dietician/nutritionist specializing in eating disorders, simultaneously. In session, you may be asked to journal your eating patterns, describe how you feel about food, observe yourself in the mirror and mention what you see, or work on issues related to self-esteem. By tackling each of these issues, we will be working together to help you get through this obstacle on your journey of life. Our therapists have over 12 years of experience working with individuals like yourself.

This eating disorder is most likely something that you’ve struggled with for quite some time now. At Niyyah Counseling, we recognize that change doesn’t occur overnight, nor should anyone expect it to. With the help of one of our clinicians, along with the support and guidance of a medical professional and dietitian/nutritionist, you will start to see changes in the battle that you are currently fighting.

Ready to get help? Request an appointment today!

Reach out to to Niyyah Counseling by phone, text, or email at: (817) 435-2031/admin@niyyahcounselingpllc.com for more information. Help is just a few clicks away.

Are you pregnant? Do you have a baby up to one year of age? Are you feeling anxious, panicky, sad, or depressed? More irritable than normal? Do you have uncomfortable thoughts? Are you worried you might hurt your baby or yourself? Are you struggling to bond with your baby? Do you wish you wouldn’t have had your baby or think your baby would be better off with a different parent?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you could have a form of Perinatal Mood or Anxiety Disorders (PMAD). You’ve likely heard of Postpartum Depression (PPD), others PMADs include: Pregnancy and Postpartum Anxiety (PPA), Pregnancy and Postpartum OCD (PPOCD), Postpartum Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PPTSD), Bipolar Mood Disorders, and Postpartum Psychosis (PPP).

Roughly 80% of new mothers experience “the baby blues” up to two weeks after pregnancy. However, 15-20% of moms, or gestational parents, experience more significant symptoms of depression and anxiety. One out of every ten dads, or non-gestational parents, develop a PMAD.

PMADs do not discriminate; anyone can develop one. It is not your fault; you have done nothing wrong! Please know that with informed care you can prevent, treat, and fully recover from Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders. There are several evidence-based practices that are incredibly effective at treating these disorders, such as: Interpersonal Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Attachment-Focused Therapy.

I’m too tired for therapy.

If you're so exhausted you struggle to leave the house, you’ll be happy to know we provide tele-therapy from the comfort of your couch or bed.

But I don’t have childcare!

If you do not have someone to watch your baby, you can hold them during your therapy appointment. Don’t let childcare be a barrier to getting the help you need!

We don’t have money for therapy right now!

If finances are preventing you from seeking help, Niyyah Counseling accepts several insurances, Open Path clients, and offers a sliding scale. Visit this page for more information about therapy costs.

You do not need to suffer any longer! Research shows treatment plans are highly effective, even over a short period of time. However, left untreated, the symptoms are not likely to resolve on their own. Treatment plans are unique to each individual but might include some, or all, of the following: social support, counseling, treatment of symptoms, medication, spiritual practice, increased self-care (rest, gentle exercise, time in nature, nutrition, relaxation).

Talking with a therapist who is trained or certified in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMH-C) is highly recommended. Learn how to cope with perinatal depression and anxiety; reach out to an informed Niyyah provider to get the help and support you need today.

Have you thought about intentionally harming yourself? Have you harmed yourself in times of being overwhelmed? Have you ever thought “how can I escape reality or release the pressure quickly?” Have you secretly harmed yourself without others knowing? Have you harmed yourself in the heat of the moment? Do you or your loved one have bruises or injuries on their bodies that cannot be explained? Does a loved one or friend have frequent bandages on their arms or legs? Have you noticed a friend or family member wearing long sleeves or long pants all the time, even in extreme hot weather? Have you thought about harming yourself to feel something because you feel numb? If you have answered yes to one or more of these questions, you will and can benefit from therapy,

According to a study that was conducted by Recovery Village, 17% of people will self-harm during their lifetime. The average age of the first incident of self-harm is 13 years old, and 45% of people use cutting as their method of self-injury. Also, about 50% of people seek help for their self-harm but only from friends instead of professionals. Not only is self-harm prevalent, but rates are increasing. According to emergency room trends, there’s been a 50% increase in reported self-injury among young females since 2009.” Self-harming does not discriminate but is more common among adults and teenagers, especially the LGBTQ teenagers. Women are more prone to self-harming than men, however, men self-harming goes unreported.

Self-harming or “self-injury” means purposely hurting yourself. Self-harm can present differently in everyone. Some individuals use methods of cutting, which is the more common self-injury, burning, pulling hair, restricting food, scratching, or picking at wounds. However, self-harming can come in extreme form of injuries such as broken bones. Hurting yourself or thinking of hurting yourself is a sign of emotional distress. Emotional distress can be defined as mental suffering as an emotional response to an experience that arises from the effect or memory of a particular event, occurrence, pattern of events or condition. Emotional distress can usually be discerned from its symptoms (ex. anxiety, depression, loss of ability to perform tasks, or physical illness). Self-harm is a reactive behavior in relation to a variety of mental illnesses, but is not a mental mental illness.

Self-harming is a cry for help, not attention, and should be taken seriously. When you find out or notice that your friend or loved one has engaged in self-harming, the best thing you can do is remain calm and listen. How you respond will determine whether they will trust you to tell you about anything else. Once you have the information, you encourage them to seek help. Self-harming can be treated by working with a professional therapist and sometimes staying in an inpatient facility. There are a variety of treatment modalities that can be used to address self-harming, such as psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy or dialectical behavior therapy.

Niyyah practitioners understand how scary it can be when you or a loved one is in need of help. We are a diverse group of therapists who will practice patience, use active listening, and provide a safe, non-judgmental, and warm environment. We pride ourselves on connecting and equipping others with the tools in order to be successful and reach their full potential. Talking and working with someone who is objective will help you to gain insight and reduce symptoms and triggers.

Questions? Reach out to Niyyah Counseling by phone, text, or email at: (817) 435-2031/admin@niyyahcounselingpllc.com for more information. Help is just a few clicks away.

Ready to set an appointment? Click here to get started!

Are you struggling with infertility? Do you feel shame around it? Do you feel betrayed by your body? Are you filled with anxiety that your dream of being a parent may never come true? Do you feel hopeless? Have you thought, “maybe I am not meant to be a parent?” Are fertility medications making you feel crazy? Is your mood low and sleep poor? Is the financial cost causing stress? Are you and your partner struggling to cope? Are you no longer on the same page?

It is estimated that 15% of the population is facing infertility. The CDC reports that 9% of men and 10% of women aged 15 to 44 reported infertility problems in the United States.

Infertility is a painful experience and a difficult journey that negatively impacts mental health. Up to 60% of people struggling with infertility reported symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Forty-one percent of women with infertility have depression and 87% have anxiety. You are not alone in your experience.

Infertility is an emotionally traumatic experience and can put a heavy strain on your relationship. Therapy can help you and your spouse process the experience together, develop healthy communication, and address feelings of shame, hopelessness, catastrophizing, and low self-esteem. Most importantly, a therapist will provide you with tools to cope with anxiety and low mood to help you while you are trying to conceive.

I can’t afford fertility treatment AND therapy!

At Niyyah Counseling we have several ways to work with you: insurance, Open Path, or sliding scale. Reach out to someone on our team and we will see how we can work with you.

I don’t want to talk about it!

Some people don’t want to talk about it and other people can’t stop talking about it. Wherever you fall on the spectrum, it’s okay; we all process our feelings differently. Our therapists will meet you wherever you’re at and help you during this difficult time.

I won’t feel better until I have a baby in my arms.

All or nothing thinking isn’t helping you right now. Rumination can keep us stuck in our low mood and catastrophizing perpetuates anxiety. Let us help you manage your anxiety and depression. You can feel better while you’re on this journey!

Niyyah Counseling is a diverse and inclusive therapy practice. We welcome all families!

If you find yourself facing infertility, please reach out to one of our therapists today.

Ready to set an appointment? Click here to get started!

Do you wish you could experience each day with less of a sense of panic? Would you like to feel more carefree and in control? Do you struggle with anxiety?

What exactly is anxiety? Anxiety can be defined as a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome. But we all feel that at times, don't we? It's very normal to go through times in our life where we feel unsure of things, where we feel nervous. So does that mean that anxiety is normal? The short answer is yes, anxiety is very normal. In fact, studies show that roughly 18% of Americans are affected by anxiety each year. So then why doesn't everyone see a therapist for anxiety? Well, that's not that bad of an idea. We all deal with stress and can feel unsure and scared of the future but the truth of the matter is there are certain things in life that give us more anxiety and other things that help protect us from these feelings of anxiety.

For some, anxiety looks like ruminating thoughts, for others it works like shaking hands in a tight chest, for others it's a lump in the throat that doesn't go away. For many of those with anxiety it is restless nights and what ifs. Let's face it, life can be difficult. There is a lot that we tend to try to balance on our plate. From school to work to relationships, this balancing act can be stressful. This stress and our reaction to it can turn to anxiety. We can even have anxiety about having anxiety! Anxiety can be confusing, it can feel frustrating and it can be quite complex.

The good news is that there are techniques (and people…that’s us!) that can help! While chronic anxiety can often feel like a lifelong sentence, our therapists can help guide you through a variety of techniques to address and reduce your anxiety symptoms! By utilizing an eclectic approach that pulls from scientific and evidence-based practices, our therapists can help guide you from a fear of “what if” to an actualization of what can be! If you or a loved one are struggling with anxiety, reach out and schedule an appointment today!

I’ve tried therapy before, it hasn’t worked, why would this be different?

Well, each therapist is different, just as each therapy experience is different. We believe that as people, we are always growing and changing, which means that you are not necessarily the same person you were when you last tried therapy. The lessons of yesterday may resonate more with where we are in our journey today.

I’m anxious about starting therapy.

We understand, we really do! It can be uncomfortable and scary addressing our worries. Sometimes we may feel as though we are making the worries real by talking about them, but our wonderful therapists can carefully guide you through your journey. If it ever gets too uncomfortable, just let us know, we get it, we’re people too.

Have questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

Ready to set an appointment? Great! Click here to get started.

Teenagers are some of the most complex creatures of the world. Teen years can be tough to navigate while on a search of who they are and where they are going. Teenagers go through a lot of changes with their bodies, emotionally and mentally but not certain how they are feeling. Teenagers are seen as moody individuals which can be seen as normal due to puberty. They are sometimes snippy in their responses, pulling away from their parents, rebellious, have a poor attitude and can be completely isolate/or shut down. Sometimes mood changes can be a normal part of adolescence but when a child has been subjective or a victim of trauma, it can contribute to these changes as well as exacerbate them. Trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, rape or natural disaster. Shock and denial are normal responses after a traumatic event. There are several different causes of trauma. We tend to categorize them into two categories. They are little “T” trauma and big “T” trauma. Big “T” traumas are the event s most commonly associated with PTSD (post traumatic s distress disorder) including serious injury, sexual violence, or life-threatening experiences. Little “T” traumas are highly distressing events that affect individuals on a personal level but don’t fall into the big “T” category. Examples of little “T” trauma includes non-life threatening injuries, emotional abuse, death of a pet, bullying or harassment, and loss of important relationships.

In a recent study conducted by Boston Children hospital, 61 percent of teens (ages 13 to17) had been exposed to at least one traumatic event in their lifetime, 19 percent had experienced three or more such events. Some symptoms of trauma in teenagers look like,

● Fear

● Worry and anxiety

● Depression or extended grief

● Shame or guilt

● Avoiding the person or area the event happen

● Numbness

● Anger

● Nightmares

● Poor school performance

● Isolation

● Panic attacks

● Sleep disturbances

● Difficulty communicating

● Acting out

● Self medicating with drugs or alcohol

● Self harming, suicidal ideations and homicidal ideations

Unresolved trauma can have a lasting effect on teenagers mentally, physically and emotionally. Trauma that has not been resolved can lead to issues within teenagers having a hard time trusting others, being able to have healthy relationships and feeling that the world is unsafe. Physically, teenagers tend to have a hard time with self regulation and are hypersensitive to sound and light. Teenagers tend to emotionally have a hard time with identifying, expressing and managing their emotions. Behaviorally have a hard time regulating when triggered and cognitively is unable to think clearly, problem solve and process things. Self worth is normally compromised as well. Teenagers who have unresolved trauma tend to encounter more trauma in their lifetime.

Treating trauma in teenagers requires a family approach. In order for the teenager to be successful, parents should be a part of treatment to better understand how to help the teenager. During this time, teenagers might not appear the same because trauma changes them. The best thing for parents to do is create a safe supportive environment for the teen, be patient, encourage and empower the teenager to take a stand, get involved in family therapy as well as individual therapy. Here at Niyyah Counseling PLLC is offering free 15 min consultations with a therapist who is trauma trained. We are here to help so don’t hesitate to call today (817) 436-2031) or click on the link, https://www.niyyahcounselingpllc.com/our-team to schedule a 15 min consultation.

Do you hesitate to share your problems or worries with your friends or family? Do you often find yourself feeling overwhelmed with life and not sure what the next steps are? Wouldn’t it be amazing if you could get out of the cycle of frustration you feel trapped in sometimes? What if you could bring awareness to your unhealthy patterns and learn meaningful ways to transform behavior that benefited your relationships?

Most of us reach a point in their life when they aren’t sure how to best proceed, or when they realize that they’re not sure how to make the changes necessary to see the results they desire. The therapists at Niyyah are here to help you forge a path forward on your healing journey.

Did you know that 1 in 5 adults in the United States has found themselves facing a mental health challenge? In fact, one survey showed that 40% of Americans have sought out mental health treatment in their lifetime. What early numbers tell us so far is that the additional stress people are carrying due to the COVID-19 pandemic has led a higher number than ever before to seek out help. You are not alone in your struggle. Thankfully what we know is that therapy is an effective treatment for common mental health problems like depression or anxiety, and that engaging in ongoing therapy sessions with a competent and compassionate therapist can decrease symptoms as well as medication.

Individual therapy can look different depending on your needs and preferences. That’s why at Niyyah we are proud to be client-led and bring a generalist eclectic approach to our practice. Instead of choosing a one size fits all model, we take each person through an individualized intake process that allows us to design a unique treatment plan based on your needs. Maybe you have specific goals that you’re bringing to the table, or maybe you need a safe space to vent and speak your mind each session; perhaps you want to learn new communication skills, parenting skills, or assertiveness skills. Whatever it is you’re looking for - we are here to support you!

We are proud to be the go-to group practice for individuals who have been incorrectly diagnosed, who have been looking for answers with multiple therapists, and those with complex trauma who were not finding the help they need. At Niyyah, these individuals went from struggling and living in frustration to finding solid ground and healing. Clients often say that we go above and beyond to get them the help they need and help them learn to thrive, not just survive. We treat each client as the individual they are, no two plans are the same.

Therapy is so expensive, I can’t afford it.

We completely understand that finances keep a large number of people from seeking the help they need. For this reason, we have a limited number of sliding scale spots available in our practice. Check out our pricing page for details.

I don’t want to talk to a stranger about my personal problems.

Sometimes the best decision you can make is to choose to invite an objective stranger into a confidential conversation. While friends and family members can be great sources of support in our lives, they do not have the professional training that we do, and we won’t stay a stranger for long. Our hope is to build a trusting and supportive relationship where you have the freedom to open up with no judgement and with the comfort of knowing that what you share in therapy stays in therapy.

I’ve tried therapy before and it didn’t work, why will this be different?

You’re in a different place now, and we are different therapists. If you’re hesitant, set up a phone consultation with one of our therapists today and see if there’s a connection. Oftentimes finding the right therapist is a process and our priority is making sure you feel great about moving forward.

Ready to set an appointment? Click here to get started!

Is your child struggling to process their big feelings? Are they acting out behaviorally? Do they engage in self harm or lash out at others? Do they have phobias, panic, or anxiety? Do they have extreme feelings of sadness or worry? Are they losing sleep or having regular nightmares? Do they say things like “I am stupid” or “nobody loves me”? If you answered yes to any of the above, your child could benefit from talking with a therapist for emotional support and learn tools to help them cope.

One in six children aged 2-8 years have a mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder. Behavior problems are most common among children aged 6-11 years.

Children at this age are learning whether they can accomplish achievement academically and/or socially. If they feel competent and capable, they often thrive. However, if they become discouraged with themselves and feel inferior and/or incompetent they can start to exhibit anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems. Children want recognition and praise for their good deeds, hard work, and achievements. Children who have experienced Adverse Childhood Experiences, and/or have learning disabilities will need extra support to gain the confidence needed to feel competent at this stage of development. The classroom may induce feelings of inferiority and illicit self-destructive behaviors in school and at home. A child may begin to misalign their behaviors with who they are as a person. They may be learning, “I am a bad person” instead of “I am hurt and so I acted in a way that hurt others”.

As a parent, it is incredibly challenging when we feel that we are unable to help our children. However, nearly all behavioral problems and mental health symptoms in children can be effectively treated by evidence-based therapies. Common evidence-based treatment for children include: Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT,) Trauma Focused-CBT (TF-CBT,) Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Children (DBT-C), Functional Family Therapy (FFT), Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy, and Motivational Interviewing.

How can I trust a therapist with my kid?

All therapists at Niyyah offer free 15-minute consults to make sure you feel comfortable with the therapist your child will be seeing. You can ask as many questions as you need to feel assured that your child will be in the hands of a caring skilled professional. Reach out to Abigail today to set up a consultation!

What if the therapist blames me for everything?

We know that you are bringing your child to therapy to get them the help they need, a true act of a great parent. We are not here to blame you; we are here to support your child’s needs.

I’ve tried everything; therapy isn’t going to work.

Therapy will absolutely have a positive impact on your child. They will learn how to recognize their feelings, understand why they have feelings and that feelings serve a purpose, label their feelings, learn different strategies to express their feelings, develop calming skills and coping tools, and eventually develop emotional regulation. This is an excellent time to develop these skills in life! The sooner they learn these skills the better.

Ready to set an appointment? Click here to get started!

Have questions? Reach out today!

Is your teenager having trouble at home, at school, or in the community? Do you feel they are excessively angry, irritable, worried, anxious, or sad? Are they acting out in self-destructive ways? Are you concerned with their change of friends? Do they seem overly withdrawn or isolated? Has your family recently experienced a major life event? Are they being bullied at school? Are they experiencing grief? Have they mentioned thinking about death or “not wanting to be here anymore?” If you answered yes to these questions, your teen could likely benefit from therapy.

This age can be very difficult for parents and teenagers. Your teen, while no longer a child, is not yet an adult. They need independence and agency while still requiring parental support and guidance. At this stage in development, your teen is coming to understand their sense of self and develop a strong sense of identity. They may be struggling with sexual orientation and/or gender identity. They are starting to develop their own personal values, religious or non-religious beliefs, and political affiliations, which may be separate from your own. If your child struggles to make sense of their own identity and establish who they are, they may begin to experience role confusion and have an identity crisis. The body and brain go through transformative restructuring and hormonal changes during this time. Most adults expect teenagers to be moody and a little rebellious, but some teens are experiencing mental health crises and need extra support. In 2018-2019 the CDC reported that 36% of adolescents had persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, 15% had a major depressive episode, and 18% seriously considered attempting suicide.

Therapy can be incredibly beneficial for teenagers. Talking with a therapist can help your teen strengthen their self-awareness, increase confidence, practice effective communication, enhance emotional regulation, learn boundary setting, and develop healthy coping skills to help get them through life’s ups and downs.

My kid wants privacy, but I want disclosure!

Confidentiality is essential to develop trust between your teen and their therapist. However, there are exceptions to confidentiality, and they will always disclose if your child is suicidal or plans to hurt themselves or others. It may be helpful to have a joint session at the onset of therapy to discuss confidentiality and disclosure together.

I can’t force my kid to go to therapy!

It is common for teens to feel like their parents are dragging them to therapy. It really doesn’t matter how your teen gets to the appointment; just that they show up. We will be able to find something we can help them with. See if your teen would like some agency around the process, ask them if they’d like to pick a therapist from our website and try a 15-minute consult first. The most important factor in reaching therapeutic goals is a strong therapeutic alliance! Contact Abigail to schedule your consultation today!

Ready to set an appointment? Click here to get started!

Are you struggling to find your path? Having trouble at school or in the workforce? Are you still living at home with your parents? Are fears and anxiety getting in your way? Do you feel a persistent low mood and/or hopelessness? Do you feel like you’re not sure who you are? Are you having trouble in your relationships? Are you a new parent struggling with the responsibility and pressures of parenting? Entering adulthood can be challenging for many reasons!

It is important to know that you can get the help you need by working together with a therapist. The National Institute for Mental Health reports that young adults (18-25) have the highest prevalence of any mental illness ranking at 30.6%.

You are not alone in your struggle! Therapy can help you move through your current obstacles by supporting you, providing you resources, helping you gain confidence, and learning to understand your thoughts, moods, and behaviors. Your therapist can help you to address childhood trauma, improve your relationships, help you develop better communication, learn to set boundaries, and provide you with tools to cope with anxiety and low moods.

I can fix my problems on my own!

You’re right! A therapist cannot fix your problems for you, you must do it on your own. We are here to help you recognize your symptoms, validate your experience, and provide you with tools you may not be aware of. We’re here to listen to you and help you achieve your goals.

I’m feeling a little embarrassed.

It can feel hard and awkward to start the help-seeking process. Societal stigma around mental health can keep people from reaching out for help. Don’t let this stop you from getting the support you need. It’s okay to feel embarrassed, we will help you to feel as comfortable as possible.

How will I know which therapist is right for me?

The best way to know is to read the therapists’ bios, pick someone who interests you, and schedule a consultation. You should feel free to ask any questions you may have during the consultation. Have a consultation with a few therapists and pick the one you feel the best connection with.

Niyyah Counseling is a multicultural inclusive therapy practice. We are here to support you and get you headed in the direction you want to be headed. Please begin your journey by checking out our team on the website and schedule a consultation today!

Do you feel anxiety about your sexual or gender identity? Are you worried about telling your family, friends, or employer? Have you experienced violence and bullying because of your identity? Are you longing to feel acceptance and love? Are your anxieties causing problems in your relationship?

When someone can’t identify who is, or is not, a safe person in their life, they are constantly assessing safety - that is stress inducing. You may find it hard to be open about your sexual orientation or gender identity when you’re not sure how people will react. These feelings will cause stress, limit your social support, and negatively impact your health.

While we have made progress with the acceptance of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) people in our country, societal stigma and discrimination continue to negatively impact the mental health of LGBT people today. Many people in the LGBT community have faced discrimination in the space that is meant to be most sacred - the therapy office.

The chronic stress of stigma and discrimination in a hetero-normative society can negatively affect your health and well-being, lowering your self-esteem and mental health. A meta-analysis of 138 studies found that 55%-88% of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual people had experienced verbal harassment and 28% had experienced physical assault. LGBT youth are even more at risk for adversity with exponentially higher rates of homelessness (rejection from family of origin), higher school drop-out rate (due to bullying at school), and higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide.

How is therapy going to help me?

Research shows that social support from friends, family, and greater community can increase positive self-regard and group identity. Even having just one supportive and affirming person in your life can make a positive impact. Your therapist should be one of those people!

We practice Affirmative therapy to validate your lived experience, support you to embrace your identities (not cure them), use appropriate terminology, and proper pronoun usage. Affirmative therapy should be applied to LGBTQIA+ individuals, families, and couples.

What if my therapist isn’t an LGBTQIA+ Ally?

At Niyyah Counseling, you do not have to worry about which therapist is an LGBTQIA+ ally. All therapists at our practice will affirm who you are and support your mental health goals. If you have any hesitations, you can set up a free 15 minute consultation to ask whatever questions you have!

I’m not sure I can afford therapy?

If the cost of therapy is a barrier for you, please feel free to reach out; we have ways to accommodate you.

Being LGBTQIA+ is only one part of your identity, like everyone else, you’re a complex individual with unique needs. No matter what challenge you’re facing today, our therapists are trained to guide you on your mental health care journey.

Questions? Reach out here.

Ready to set an appointment? Click here to get started!

Have you experienced something traumatic that you cannot seem to move past? Do you feel as if there is constant noise in your mind, voices telling you that you’re not enough, or that you’re deficient or unsafe? Many times these messages are delivered to us at an unconscious level, and have a huge impact on the way we live our lives without us even realizing it. When this is the case, even talk therapy can only take us so far in our healing - it may be time to work with an EMDR trained therapist.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an eight phase therapy process that helps the brain apply adaptive information to prior painful memories, reprocessing them in a healthy way. This reprocessing helps to ease symptoms we experience from PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief, or any other unpleasant life experience. The goal of EMDR is to decrease the distress we experience when remembering painful experiences, allowing us to make lasting changes in our behavior and relationships. Niyyah therapists are EMDR trained and ready to help you integrate this powerful treatment into your life.

I’m already working with a therapist, but they don’t do EMDR - can I come to Niyyah only for EMDR?

Absolutely - we understand that it takes time to build a relationship with a therapist, and adding EMDR to what you’re doing in your current talk therapy work is an amazing way to deepen the work you’re doing. As long as you are engaged in therapy with another therapist and you are okay with us collaborating with them we are happy to work with you. Set up a free consultation with one of our EMDR-trained therapists today to find out our process in these situations.

Will EMDR help me remember repressed memories?

We don’t recommend using EMDR with this intention, but it’s entirely possible that during treatment you may have memories resurface that you’d previously forgotten.

If I don’t have any traumatic experiences, is EMDR still a good fit?

Absolutely! EMDR can help anyone who has had negative messages delivered to them throughout their life (surprise - that’s all of us!) And just a reminder - trauma does not have one definition, it is defined by the person who lived the experience. What is traumatic for one person may not be for the next, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t something that needs to be worked through. If you are curious about EMDR and whether it’s a good fit for what you’ve experienced, that’s something our clinicians can talk through with you - book a free consultation today to speak to one of our EMDR trained therapists and find out if it’s a good option for you!

Ready to book an appointment? Click here to get started!

Have you been to therapy and ended the session feeling defeated, thinking your life as a Muslim is completely misunderstood? Did you ever confide in a fellow Muslim or community member about your struggles, but weren’t taken seriously? Do you worry that if you seek therapy, someone in the community will find out? Are you scared of being judged, because the feelings or issues you are having are not “Islamic?”

If so, you’re in the right place, because Niyyah Counseling offers qualified, Muslim therapists who integrate faith into practice and spiritual counseling. It may be that you are facing a deep depression, and have been told by community members that you should “just pray about it.” At Niyyah Counseling, we don’t ever undermine the value and importance of prayer, rather we help you move forward in your struggles, despite your efforts so far. You may have anxiety about the future, issues with relationships and getting married, or are facing family issues while living with your parents - which many cultures do not realize is completely normal for Muslims in their 20s or even beyond.

Mental health issues do not discriminate, and there is nothing wrong with addressing them in Islam. In case you have felt stuck and have been given the wrong information, be confident in knowing that you have landed in the right place to get help, because you now have access to an experienced and professional Muslim therapist to guide you. In treatment, we use an eclectic approach, as we implement individualized evidence-based treatment planning that you and your therapist will develop together. We incorporate a number of modalities in practice, including: CBT, motivational interviewing, DBT, solution focused therapy, and EMDR. Additionally, our therapists are regularly reviewing literature and learning more about the varying modalities of therapeutic intervention.

Our therapists have over twelve years of experience working in the mental health sector with a variety of populations, Muslims included. You are not alone in your feelings. Don’t let the stigma of mental health or the guilt of being a Muslim overpower your ability to seek help. Mental health should be normalized across all faiths and religions - you are on the road to making this a reality.

حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَكْرِ بْنُ أَبِي شَيْبَةَ، وَأَبُو كُرَيْبٍ قَالاَ حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو أُسَامَةَ، عَنِ الْوَلِيدِ بْنِ، كَثِيرٍ عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَمْرِو بْنِ عَطَاءٍ، عَنْ عَطَاءِ بْنِ يَسَارٍ، عَنْ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ، وَأَبِي، هُرَيْرَةَ أَنَّهُمَا سَمِعَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ ‏ "‏ مَا يُصِيبُ الْمُؤْمِنَ مِنْ وَصَبٍ وَلاَ نَصَبٍ وَلاَ سَقَمٍ وَلاَ حَزَنٍ حَتَّى الْهَمِّ يُهَمُّهُ إِلاَّ كُفِّرَ بِهِ مِنْ سَيِّئَاتِهِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏

Abu Sa'id (RA) and Abu Huraira (RA) reported that they heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: Never a believer is stricken with discomfort, hardship or illness, grief or even with mental worry that his sins are not expiated for him (Muslim).

Questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us, or call or text (817) 435-2031.

Ready to set an appointment? Click here to get started!

Are you feeling lost and looking for guidance? Are you scared of being judged, because the feelings or issues you are having are not “Christian?” Did you ever confide in a fellow Christian or community/church member about your struggles, but weren’t taken seriously? Do you feel as though you search for help through a Christ-centered lens?

If you have struggled in life, it can be difficult to focus on the words of God. Anxiety, depression, stress and struggle, life challenges us a lot and at times it can feel like it is too much for us to handle and to hold.

Do you feel as though your Christian faith is vital to your healing journey? Having a counselor that can support you in your journey to walk in faith can help lead towards healing. Faith-based and Christian counseling allows for the expertise of a therapist to be utilized in ways according to one’s faith. By combining a variety of approaches with the lens of faith, here at Niyyah Counseling, we can assist and walk with you on your journey.

Christian counseling offers therapeutic approaches within a Christian view with a focus on biblical scripture and lessons. By combining evidence-based practices and therapeutic approaches with a faith-based focus such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, EMDR, Motivational Interviewing, Person-Centered Therapy, your Niyyah therapist can help you begin the walk towards healing. Do you feel as though the Bible serves as a roadmap for you to live in a way according to faith and navigate hardships. Christian counseling shares in the belief that faith will restore and lift us from our struggles. In Christian counseling, we will help you navigate through mental health struggles in accordance with your faith and beliefs.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

Niyyah and our Christian Counseling services are here for you. At Niyyah we can accommodate religious preferences. If you or a loved one would benefit from Christian Counseling, Niyyah is here to help. Let us know you would like to attend Christian Counseling when setting up your initial appointment and we will be more than happy to walk with you on your journey towards Christ.

Questions? You can call or text (817) 435-2031 or send us an email today.

Ready to set an appointment? Click here to get started and request an appointment with Crystal Amador.

Are you feeling stumped in your career? Do you ever notice feeling that you are no longer interested in what you’re doing for a living? Did it ever cross your mind that maybe you aren’t in the right field? Have you been having doubts about the future in your current job?

If so, you may be in need of career counseling. Although we hear about how common it is to change majors in college/university, the realization that you’re in the wrong career can be a scary one, particularly later in life once you’re graduated from college and have been in the field for some time. According to goodtherapy.org, Americans spend an estimated one-third of their lives at work, and only about 52.3% are satisfied with their jobs; workplace stress can be directly tied to several mental health issues, and can result in decreased life satisfaction, depression, and anxiety, along with other symptoms. We spend a significant amount of time per day at our jobs, which will have a profound impact on our mental health if we are dissatisfied for any reason. At Niyyah Counseling, our highly qualified therapists have experience in working with clients on career guidance and counseling services, and can be the bridge to help guide you in the right direction.

Through career counseling, our therapists will help you find your strengths, passions, and potentially even your triggers. You may be asked to complete a strengths assessment, a personality test/quiz, or share some of your hobbies. It may very well have been that you started your career in full force with a love for what you do, but along the way faced some obstacles which have impacted your current mental state. Your career counselor may help you allocate resources for personality tests, our therapists use an eclectic approach, which means we do not believe in a one-size-fits-all outlook on therapy. Each client comes to us with a unique background, skillset, and life experience - we believe in utilizing a variety of modalities rather than using one for every client who comes our way.

All in all, it is normal for individuals to experience some work-related stress from time to time, but when the feelings become all-consuming or start affecting your day-to-day functioning, know that it is time to seek help. Feeling that it is too hard to get out of bed, demotivated to complete any work tasks, or experiencing continued decreased productivity at your desk can all be warning signs that you are experiencing career dissatisfaction and may benefit from career counseling. The pandemic has definitely exacerbated some of the issues related to career dissatisfaction, and has caused some individuals to re-evaluate their life choices; you are not alone in feeling this way and are only moments away from seeking help.

If you feel career counseling may be helpful for you, click here to learn more about Crystal Amador, one of our therapists who has a passion for career guidance.

Reach us by calling or texting our HIPAA compliant number at (817) 435-2031 or reach out on this site by clicking here.

Ready to set an appointment? Click here to get started!

Do you ever feel like one part of you wants to move forward while another keeps pulling you back? Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a gentle, evidence-based approach that helps the different “parts” we all carry — the protector, the inner critic, the part that holds old pain — work together with compassion instead of at war. None of your parts are bad; each one took on its role to protect you through a hard season. Linda Hamza, LCSW-S, is IFS-Level 1 trained and integrates IFS with culturally responsive, faith-aware care. Read more about IFS here.