Work With Samreen Ahmed, LSW

Online Therapy in Illinois for Anxiety, Trauma & Life Transitions

Now accepting new clients

Muslim American Asian therapist wearing a black hijab and smiling, representing culturally responsive and inclusive online therapy in Chicago and Illinois.

Hi, I’m Samreen (she/her)

Many of the people who reach out to me have been carrying a lot quietly.

They’ve learned to stay strong, keep things moving, and hold their pain inside—even when the weight of past experiences or major life changes makes it hard to breathe.

You might be:

  • Feeling constantly on edge, like you're waiting for the "other shoe to drop."

  • Noticing that stress isn't just in your head—it’s a knot in your chest or tension in your shoulders.

  • Navigating a transition (marriage, career, or grief) that has stirred up more than you expected.

  • Holding cultural or family expectations that feel like they’re at odds with your own well-being.

Therapy with me is a warm, grounded space where you don’t have to carry the "strong" persona anymore. Nothing you bring is “too much.”

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Meet Samreen

I may be a good fit for you if…

  • You’re healing from trauma or past experiences that still feel "loud" in your body.

  • You’re a first-generation adult or part of a BIPOC community balancing family loyalty with your own needs.

  • You want therapy that understands the intersection of culture, faith, and identity without you having to explain it.

  • You’re navigating a "big" life change—like a new career, identity shifts, or loss—and feel lost in the middle.

  • You want a therapist who is trauma-informed and body-focused, not clinical or rigid.

You don’t need a breaking point to begin. We can start exactly where you are.

SCHEDULE WITH SAMREEN
A Muslim woman and her therapist sharing a comfortable, smiling conversation on a couch, highlighting culturally affirming mental health support in Illinois

What therapy with me feels like

Clients often describe our sessions as a space where they can finally exhale. It feels like a thoughtful, relational conversation rather than a cold interview.

  • You don’t need a script: We’ll move at your pace, even if you don't know where to start.

  • We listen to your body: We don't just "talk about" problems; we look at how stress and trauma show up physically so you can find real calm.

  • Your full identity is honored: As an Indian Muslim woman, I understand the tug-of-war between faith, family, and self-care. You don't have to "translate" your life here.

Over time, therapy helps you:

  • Feel calmer and more "at home" in your own body.

  • Process past trauma at a pace that feels safe, not overwhelming.

  • Navigate life’s "messy" middle parts with more clarity and self-trust.

My Approach

I believe your responses make sense given what you’ve lived through. My work is trauma-informed and body-focused. Rather than just pushing you to “think differently,” we focus on building genuine safety in your nervous system.

Whether we are discussing family dynamics, cultural expectations, or faith, this is a space where you are seen as a whole person—not a diagnosis.

A diverse group of multicultural women laughing and talking together, representing a supportive community for BIPOC and first-generation women.

Supporting BIPOC and First-Generation Clients

As an Indian Muslim woman, I understand how cultural expectations, identity questions, and intergenerational stress can shape emotional well-being.

Many BIPOC and first-generation clients carry pressure to stay strong, not burden others, or put family needs first—even when they’re struggling. But, I’m here to remind you needing support isn't a sign of weakness—it's an act of courage.

Therapy can be a place where you don’t have to explain, translate, or shrink who you are.

You deserve care that respects your story and honors your full self..

SCHEDULE WITH SAMREEN
Cat and dog cuddling together, representing comfort, warmth, and companionship

A little about me

I’m a licensed social worker at Mindful Healing Counseling. Beyond the therapy room, I’m a wife, sister, and daughter. I’m also a proud pet parent to a Siberian kitten and a German Shepherd (who sometimes make guest appearances!).

I love traveling, video games, and finding joy in gentle movement. I try my best to practice what I teach: that small, intentional moments of rest are where healing actually begins

Common Questions

  • That’s my job to help with. We’ll take it one step at a time. Showing up is the only "work" you need to do at first.

  • Yes. I accept BCBS PPO, Blue Choice PPO, and Aetna. Our team can help verify your benefits and guide you through the process so there are no surprises.

  • Yes. For trauma and anxiety work, many clients actually find it more effective. Being in your own comfortable environment makes it easier for your nervous system to relax and open up.

Ready to get started?

If this feels like a fit, I’d be honored to support you.

SCHEDULE YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT WITH SAMREEN

Reaching this page already means you’re listening to yourself—and that matters.