Muslim Therapists in Philadelphia, PA
Life throws a lot at us, doesn't it? The weight of professional burnout, the juggling act of parenting, the gnawing grip of anxiety, the quiet whisper of depression, or the echoes of past trauma; it can all feel overwhelming. I get it. It's tough to live in the present when your mind is constantly pulled between past hurts and future worries. The natural joy and happiness we crave can seem buried under layers of stress, uncertainty, and unaddressed needs. But this doesn't have to define you. You're not just aiming to endure; you deserve to thrive, feel secure, cultivate inner peace, and embrace resilience and compassion.
Life throws a lot at us, doesn't it? The weight of professional burnout, the juggling act of parenting, the gnawing grip of anxiety, the quiet whisper of depression, or the echoes of past trauma; it can all feel overwhelming. I get it. It's tough to live in the present when your mind is constantly pulled between past hurts and future worries. The natural joy and happiness we crave can seem buried under layers of stress, uncertainty, and unaddressed needs. But this doesn't have to define you. You're not just aiming to endure; you deserve to thrive, feel secure, cultivate inner peace, and embrace resilience and compassion.
I am open to seeing all clients, particularly women of color. I have expertise in working with people who have had histories of anxiety, depression, addiction, eating disorders, and trauma. I am particularly trained in the treatment of PTSD and sexual trauma. My therapeutic style and orientation are eclectic. I mainly draw from existential-humanistic therapy, Gestalt therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). I have worked extensively with queer/trans communities, people living with HIV, sex workers and injection drug users. My parents immigrated to New York City from Hyderabad (South India) in the 60s and I was raised Muslim.
I am open to seeing all clients, particularly women of color. I have expertise in working with people who have had histories of anxiety, depression, addiction, eating disorders, and trauma. I am particularly trained in the treatment of PTSD and sexual trauma. My therapeutic style and orientation are eclectic. I mainly draw from existential-humanistic therapy, Gestalt therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). I have worked extensively with queer/trans communities, people living with HIV, sex workers and injection drug users. My parents immigrated to New York City from Hyderabad (South India) in the 60s and I was raised Muslim.
Peace and blessings - balancing work and life, experiencing difficult emotions, remembering traumas, and many other challenges are all valid experiences that I guide clients to move through. I believe we cater to our emotions by meeting them gently, connecting with our body, and meeting ourselves where we are. I am committed to holistic healing and am passionate about connecting the mind, body, and soul to increase our understanding of ourselves. I am open to incorporating a faith-based approach for those interested and believe that somatic, systemic, artistic, and trauma-informed modalities can create a path to deep healing.
Peace and blessings - balancing work and life, experiencing difficult emotions, remembering traumas, and many other challenges are all valid experiences that I guide clients to move through. I believe we cater to our emotions by meeting them gently, connecting with our body, and meeting ourselves where we are. I am committed to holistic healing and am passionate about connecting the mind, body, and soul to increase our understanding of ourselves. I am open to incorporating a faith-based approach for those interested and believe that somatic, systemic, artistic, and trauma-informed modalities can create a path to deep healing.
Where Faith Meets Mental Health
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Michelle’s most rewarding aspect of working with the individual served, is ensuring that their physical and emotional state are addressed. Helping the client to understand and process trauma and micro-trauma that impacts every area of functioning. She assist clients with identifying barriers and challenges, providing and exploring positive coping strategies, cognitive restructuring, resources, support, empathy, compassion, and effective quality of care to increase the clients likelihood of meeting their desired personal goals for success. She helps individuals with exploring their past and present to help them understand themselves.
Michelle’s most rewarding aspect of working with the individual served, is ensuring that their physical and emotional state are addressed. Helping the client to understand and process trauma and micro-trauma that impacts every area of functioning. She assist clients with identifying barriers and challenges, providing and exploring positive coping strategies, cognitive restructuring, resources, support, empathy, compassion, and effective quality of care to increase the clients likelihood of meeting their desired personal goals for success. She helps individuals with exploring their past and present to help them understand themselves.
I support clients navigating identity, culture, and belonging—especially immigrants, Arab/MENA, and other marginalized communities carrying the weight of systemic oppression, intergenerational stress, displacement, or housing insecurity. I also welcome those affected by ongoing war and conflict who feel grief, fear, moral distress, survivor’s guilt, burnout, or constant worry for loved ones. If you feel overwhelmed or disconnected and want relief, stability, and stronger relationships in a space where you don’t have to translate your culture, values or pain- I’m here to help !
I support clients navigating identity, culture, and belonging—especially immigrants, Arab/MENA, and other marginalized communities carrying the weight of systemic oppression, intergenerational stress, displacement, or housing insecurity. I also welcome those affected by ongoing war and conflict who feel grief, fear, moral distress, survivor’s guilt, burnout, or constant worry for loved ones. If you feel overwhelmed or disconnected and want relief, stability, and stronger relationships in a space where you don’t have to translate your culture, values or pain- I’m here to help !
As a first-generation immigrant of Lebanese descent with Muslim heritage, I am attuned to what it feels like to live between cultures and to the pressures, expectations, and questions of belonging that can come with that experience.
My approach is grounded in psychodynamic theory and integrates IFS and EMDR. Together, these modalities help us understand how early experiences shape present-day patterns while also offering experiential ways to explore long-held beliefs, emotional reactions, and triggers. Many clients find this work both clarifying and deeply impactful.
As a first-generation immigrant of Lebanese descent with Muslim heritage, I am attuned to what it feels like to live between cultures and to the pressures, expectations, and questions of belonging that can come with that experience.
My approach is grounded in psychodynamic theory and integrates IFS and EMDR. Together, these modalities help us understand how early experiences shape present-day patterns while also offering experiential ways to explore long-held beliefs, emotional reactions, and triggers. Many clients find this work both clarifying and deeply impactful.
To get started, please click on my website link to go directly to my booking site to get started. My passion is assisting individuals struggling with various life stressors, including spirituality, depression, anxiety, parenting, relationships, and work. Through a distinct perspective, I help you comprehend your situation, shift your viewpoint, and offer tailored coping mechanisms for long-term balance and wellness.
To get started, please click on my website link to go directly to my booking site to get started. My passion is assisting individuals struggling with various life stressors, including spirituality, depression, anxiety, parenting, relationships, and work. Through a distinct perspective, I help you comprehend your situation, shift your viewpoint, and offer tailored coping mechanisms for long-term balance and wellness.
Ayanna Michelle Gellineau
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MSc
2 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19151
You’re the one people lean on.
You get things done, hold it all together, and from the outside it looks like you’re “fine.”
But inside, you’re exhausted from overthinking, old wounds that won’t stay in the past, and feeling like you have to be strong all the time.
As a trauma-informed therapist I specialize in working with adults who are juggling a lot: career, family, faith and values, relationships, and the impact of childhood and relational trauma. Naming and shifting harsh inner narratives, understanding your nervous system and triggers, tending to younger parts of you that feel abandoned or not enough.
You’re the one people lean on.
You get things done, hold it all together, and from the outside it looks like you’re “fine.”
But inside, you’re exhausted from overthinking, old wounds that won’t stay in the past, and feeling like you have to be strong all the time.
As a trauma-informed therapist I specialize in working with adults who are juggling a lot: career, family, faith and values, relationships, and the impact of childhood and relational trauma. Naming and shifting harsh inner narratives, understanding your nervous system and triggers, tending to younger parts of you that feel abandoned or not enough.
I specialize in working with multicultural women who are going through life transitions. Many of my clients are intelligent, driven, and successful in their careers, but despite their external achievements, they often feel that something is missing. You may struggle with setting boundaries or expressing your needs, or you might feel emotionally disconnected from those closest to you—whether it’s family, friends, or a partner.
I specialize in working with multicultural women who are going through life transitions. Many of my clients are intelligent, driven, and successful in their careers, but despite their external achievements, they often feel that something is missing. You may struggle with setting boundaries or expressing your needs, or you might feel emotionally disconnected from those closest to you—whether it’s family, friends, or a partner.
I work extensively with South Asian, Muslim, and first-generation immigrant populations, offering culturally tailored support.
As a first-generation immigrant and clinical psychologist in training with advanced doctoral expertise, I understand how heavy it can feel to carry anxiety, relationship tension, cultural expectations, or the pressure to a always be okay. You may feel pulled between identities, unsure how to set boundaries, or overwhelmed by emotions that never quite settle. In therapy, you do not have to translate your experience. I meet you with curiosity, care, and tools that support lasting change.
I work extensively with South Asian, Muslim, and first-generation immigrant populations, offering culturally tailored support.
As a first-generation immigrant and clinical psychologist in training with advanced doctoral expertise, I understand how heavy it can feel to carry anxiety, relationship tension, cultural expectations, or the pressure to a always be okay. You may feel pulled between identities, unsure how to set boundaries, or overwhelmed by emotions that never quite settle. In therapy, you do not have to translate your experience. I meet you with curiosity, care, and tools that support lasting change.
Everything you need to heal and grow already lives within you. Therapy can help bring your inner strengths, courage, and confidence into clearer focus so meaningful change becomes possible. My role is to offer a safe, compassionate space where we explore how past experiences shape your present and work together to heal at the root.
Everything you need to heal and grow already lives within you. Therapy can help bring your inner strengths, courage, and confidence into clearer focus so meaningful change becomes possible. My role is to offer a safe, compassionate space where we explore how past experiences shape your present and work together to heal at the root.
Over 35 years experience in the Human Services field: Marriage/Couples counseling, Separation Mediation, Multi-talent in Behavioral Health, Mental health Disorders, Substance abuse & Addiction disorders, and Co-occurring & Dual diagnosis disorders populations. Dedicated as a professional to ensure that the health and well being of the consumers are met and that each consumer receive the proper individualized treatment course of action with professional and ethical implementation. I also provide Tele-Therapy/Health sessions. I am also a Veteran of the Armed Forces "Army"..... And open to my brother & sister Veterans & active duty
Over 35 years experience in the Human Services field: Marriage/Couples counseling, Separation Mediation, Multi-talent in Behavioral Health, Mental health Disorders, Substance abuse & Addiction disorders, and Co-occurring & Dual diagnosis disorders populations. Dedicated as a professional to ensure that the health and well being of the consumers are met and that each consumer receive the proper individualized treatment course of action with professional and ethical implementation. I also provide Tele-Therapy/Health sessions. I am also a Veteran of the Armed Forces "Army"..... And open to my brother & sister Veterans & active duty
At Whole Hearted Healing, we believe that true healing happens through connection with yourself, others, and with the world around you. WHH is trauma-informed, queer-founded/affirming, culturally sensitive, providing a safe and compassionate space where all identities are welcomed and celebrated. We offer a unique blend of therapeutic modalities and healing offerings.
Michaela now offers EMDR intensives. Intensives can be helpful for those wanting to experience deeper healing in a condensed time frame or who are ready to move beyond traditional weekly sessions. Equine services can be incorporated into intensives upon request.
At Whole Hearted Healing, we believe that true healing happens through connection with yourself, others, and with the world around you. WHH is trauma-informed, queer-founded/affirming, culturally sensitive, providing a safe and compassionate space where all identities are welcomed and celebrated. We offer a unique blend of therapeutic modalities and healing offerings.
Michaela now offers EMDR intensives. Intensives can be helpful for those wanting to experience deeper healing in a condensed time frame or who are ready to move beyond traditional weekly sessions. Equine services can be incorporated into intensives upon request.
Shalin J.
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMHC, LCADC, SEP
6 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in working with trauma for queer and non-queer Black and Brown folks, and I bring additional insights in working with folks who carry Muslim, Desi, Hispanic/Latiné, and SWANA identities.
Welcome to Shifa Therapy LLC, a space for healing. I offer services that center the Global Majority in NJ, NY, and PA, especially BIPOC folks within the LGBTQIA+ community. My goal as your therapist is for you to be seen and understood as you are. No code-switching necessary. Throughout the process, I will invite you with patience and compassion, going at your pace as you build new adaptations toward thriving. At times, we may draw upon the past to increase awareness, overcome unresolved issues, foster authenticity, and restore wholeness.
I specialize in working with trauma for queer and non-queer Black and Brown folks, and I bring additional insights in working with folks who carry Muslim, Desi, Hispanic/Latiné, and SWANA identities.
Welcome to Shifa Therapy LLC, a space for healing. I offer services that center the Global Majority in NJ, NY, and PA, especially BIPOC folks within the LGBTQIA+ community. My goal as your therapist is for you to be seen and understood as you are. No code-switching necessary. Throughout the process, I will invite you with patience and compassion, going at your pace as you build new adaptations toward thriving. At times, we may draw upon the past to increase awareness, overcome unresolved issues, foster authenticity, and restore wholeness.
If you’re tired of being talked over, shamed, or interrupted with a list of “solutions” before you've even been listened to with empathy, you’ve come to the right place. It can be lonely trying to carry the world on our shoulders. We weren’t meant to handle our problems alone; seeking Allah (God) and those in the community whom He has placed here to help us is of the utmost importance.
If you’re tired of being talked over, shamed, or interrupted with a list of “solutions” before you've even been listened to with empathy, you’ve come to the right place. It can be lonely trying to carry the world on our shoulders. We weren’t meant to handle our problems alone; seeking Allah (God) and those in the community whom He has placed here to help us is of the utmost importance.
I believe therapy should feel like a space where you can exhale. My approach is warm, supportive, and grounded in building a genuine connection so you feel safe, understood, and comfortable showing up as yourself. I know reaching out for help can feel vulnerable, and I value creating a trusting environment from the very beginning.
I believe therapy should feel like a space where you can exhale. My approach is warm, supportive, and grounded in building a genuine connection so you feel safe, understood, and comfortable showing up as yourself. I know reaching out for help can feel vulnerable, and I value creating a trusting environment from the very beginning.
Thank you for your courage to take this step. Seeking guidance and help through therapy is a courageous thing! I am committed to creating honest spaces to honor each individual's unique truth and lived experiences. Culturally responsive social work practice is the foundation of my work; I am passionate about working with racial, ethnic, and religious minority populations to address mental health needs.
Thank you for your courage to take this step. Seeking guidance and help through therapy is a courageous thing! I am committed to creating honest spaces to honor each individual's unique truth and lived experiences. Culturally responsive social work practice is the foundation of my work; I am passionate about working with racial, ethnic, and religious minority populations to address mental health needs.
My guess is you’re here because something needs to change. You’ve thought about this before. Maybe even started looking into it. But then a few days passed, things felt manageable, life got busy ,and you hoped it would work itself out. But now you’re back, still carrying what hasn’t healed. That tells me something: you haven’t given up. This moment matters much more they you may think it goes. Make a commitment to yourself right now not to keep doing the same thing the same way, expecting a different result.
My guess is you’re here because something needs to change. You’ve thought about this before. Maybe even started looking into it. But then a few days passed, things felt manageable, life got busy ,and you hoped it would work itself out. But now you’re back, still carrying what hasn’t healed. That tells me something: you haven’t given up. This moment matters much more they you may think it goes. Make a commitment to yourself right now not to keep doing the same thing the same way, expecting a different result.
Pursuing therapy is a courageous step in your healing journey, and you deserve to be understood and empowered throughout the process. I am here to provide you a comfortable space in which you can be your true self without the fear of being judged. My style of therapy includes being warm, authentic, and nonjudgmental with my clients, allowing them the time and space to express, reflect, and problem solve.
Pursuing therapy is a courageous step in your healing journey, and you deserve to be understood and empowered throughout the process. I am here to provide you a comfortable space in which you can be your true self without the fear of being judged. My style of therapy includes being warm, authentic, and nonjudgmental with my clients, allowing them the time and space to express, reflect, and problem solve.
It’s hard to heal in spaces where you don’t feel fully seen. You deserve a space where your identities and experiences are actually understood. Therapy can be a space where all of you is honored, a place where you are truly heard, respected, and welcomed just as you are. Reaching out for support can be vulnerable, and I strive to create an environment where you feel safe to show up fully, without fear of judgment. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor with nearly a decade of experience working in the mental health field across outpatient, school, and hospital settings.
It’s hard to heal in spaces where you don’t feel fully seen. You deserve a space where your identities and experiences are actually understood. Therapy can be a space where all of you is honored, a place where you are truly heard, respected, and welcomed just as you are. Reaching out for support can be vulnerable, and I strive to create an environment where you feel safe to show up fully, without fear of judgment. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor with nearly a decade of experience working in the mental health field across outpatient, school, and hospital settings.
See more therapy options for Philadelphia
Muslim Therapists
Why is it important for a therapist to be culturally sensitive?
A culturally sensitive therapist will be respectful of faith, race, sexual orientation, gender, age, disabilities, or anything that is relevant to an individual’s reasons for seeking therapy. This mental health practitioner will therefore be able to recognize the role of faith in a client’s life, and they can appreciate the cultural values and beliefs of others. Cultural sensitivity on the part of the therapist may enhance the possibility of a strong therapeutic bond, even if the clinician does not have an extensive understanding of a client’s background before therapy begins.
How might I inquire about a therapist's experience with Muslim clients?
It is best to ask directly whether a therapist has worked with Muslim clients, and if so, the extent to which cultural or religious principles factored into their work together. You can also ask whether a therapist who is familiar with Islamic practices, values, and beliefs incorporates them into their professional work, and if so, how. If the therapist does not have a sufficient knowledge base, they may well know and can refer you to someone who has such experience.
What if the therapist does not have my exact background?
It is not necessary for a therapist to share one’s exact religious background for therapy to be successful. A qualified and culturally sensitive therapist will appreciate diversity within the Muslim community as well as diversity overall, and will have a sense of how religious and cultural issues can contribute to mental health. In addition, a good therapist would be willing to learn from their clients.
How do I recognize an effective Muslim therapist?
Like all therapists, a Muslim therapist who is effective will have the requisite training and expertise in evidence-based techniques, as well as the ability to connect with you on a personal level. An effective Muslim therapist may also demonstrate a clear understanding of your cultural background and faith. A therapist with such cultural sensitivity will set the stage for a strong therapeutic alliance.
Who is included in Psychology Today's directory of the Muslim faith?
The directory of Muslim therapists includes mental health providers who have shared their cultural background in their profiles. Psychology Today uses this information to assist clients in finding a therapist with a similar background. However, not all therapists choose to disclose this information, and they may not appear in search results for this reason. When the number of therapists identified as Muslim is limited, the directory will also show therapists with extensive experience working with clients from relevant backgrounds.