top of page
Najwa Awad

Najwa Awad

Admin

Psychotherapist, Certified Perinatal Mental Health Specialist

More actions

Profile

Join date: Jul 3, 2024

About

I am a psychotherapist, certified perinatal mental health specialist, and organizational mental health consultant with over 15 years of experience serving clients in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area. I provide trauma-informed therapy to women, mothers, and families in Howard County, Maryland, including Columbia, Ellicott City, and nearby communities in Baltimore County and Montgomery County. My specialties include maternal mental health therapy, trauma counseling for women, and family therapy for parents and children. In addition to local therapy, I offer coaching and mental health education to clients worldwide. I am passionate about creating a safe, supportive, and culturally sensitive space, especially for those who may not have felt fully understood in traditional therapy settings.

Since I was a teenager, I have been drawn to learning about different cultures and perspectives, which has shaped how I connect with clients and approach my work. I believe it is important for BIPOC and Muslim Americans to reclaim the narrative of their history, identity, and values, especially when navigating the intersection of faith, culture, and emotional well-being.

My approach is both caring and direct. I believe therapy should feel safe and compassionate, but also honest and purposeful. Together, we explore the patterns, beliefs, and experiences, both past and present, that shape your well-being so you can move forward with more confidence and peace.

In addition to my clinical work, I provide supervision for social workers, lead workshops and trainings on mental health, and serve as a Fellow at the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research. I am also part of the Steering Committee at UMMAH, United for Muslim Mental Advocacy and Health, where I work to reduce stigma and make mental health resources more accessible in diverse communities. Follow me on LinkedIn for updates and insights. Let's connect! Najwa Awad on LinkedIn

Posts (62)

Jul 24, 20263 min
What to Expect During Your First Therapy Session
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, especially if it is your first time. It is completely normal to feel nervous, unsure of what to say, or wonder whether therapy is the right fit for you. One of the most common concerns therapists hear is, "I don't even know where to begin." The good news is that you don't have to. Your first therapy session is not about having all the answers or telling your entire life story. It is an opportunity for your therapist to get to know you, understand...

10
0
Jul 24, 20264 min
How Trauma Can Affect Your Relationship with Allah: The Role of Therapy, Faith, and Cultural Understanding
For many Muslims, faith is a source of comfort during life's most difficult moments. We turn to Allah in times of hardship, seek strength through prayer, and find hope in knowing that He is Al-Hakim (The Most Wise) and Ar-Rahman (The Most Merciful). Yet after experiencing trauma, some people find that their relationship with Allah feels different. Prayer becomes difficult to focus on. Du'a feels harder to make. They may wonder why the trauma happened, struggle to trust that things will get...

16
0
Jul 23, 20264 min
Why Trauma Can Continue Affecting You Long After the Event Has Passed
Many people assume that emotional wounds heal with time. While time often helps people recover from difficult life experiences, traumatic experiences do not always follow the same pattern. It is not uncommon for someone to continue experiencing emotional distress months or even years after a traumatic event has ended. Others may notice only a few symptoms initially, only to find that they emerge later during periods of increased stress or significant life transitions. Understanding why this...

6
0

© AMANAH FAMILY COUNSELING, NAJWA AWAD LCSW-C - All rights reserved

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
bottom of page