Available for In-Person Sessions in Long Beach
& Virtual Session Throughout all of California.
Hello! My name is Samirah Alam and I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. I achieved both a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy at Pepperdine University. My interest in psychology started when I was in high school when I started to become aware of the importance of mental health in both myself and those around me. Mental health was never talked about in my community due to cultural stigmas surrounding it. However, during my teenage years, mental health became more apparent as the people closest to me were struggling with mental health issues. I didn’t want the people around me to struggle silently, which is why I wanted to start a conversation about mental health within my community. On top of starting a conversation, I wanted to provide the support that many people did not receive. Based on my own experiences regarding mental health, I realized how isolating it can feel and I wanted to make sure that other people did not feel isolated as well.
In my practice as a therapist, I utilize a client-centered approach where I believe that the client is the expert in their own life. I like to follow my client’s lead in the therapeutic process to facilitate growth at a level that they are comfortable with. My experience of working with adults with disabilities has shown me the importance of empowerment instead of focusing on one’s own shortcomings, which has led me to incorporate a strength-based approach as well. Every client’s stories and needs are unique, which is why I tailor my approach to fit what’s best for each client. I also practice from a trauma informed perspective which means I am aware and take into account of how traumatic events in your past may be playing a role in whatever issues you are currently having. Trauma can take place in the form of something happening in your life like child abuse or a car accident or something not happening in your life like childhood emotional neglect, C.E.N. In couples counseling, I utilize an E.F.T. (Emotionally Focused Therapy) and Gottman Method approach to foster healthier communication and strengthen the couple’s emotional bond.
My goal as a therapist is to help give your struggles a voice and to support you through your journey, especially in times when we may feel alone. I hope to foster a safe, nonjudgemental space for you to express yourself and to feel seen and heard. I believe the therapeutic relationship is what makes therapy the most effective, so it is my goal is to build that relationship with you throughout our time together. I am committed to taking the time to be present and actively listen as you share your stories and struggles with me. To inquire about setting up an appointment with me please call our office at 562-566-4257.