I am a licensed clinical psychologist with many years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families through a number of issues. I earned my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Saint Louis University, where my studies and research focused on the mental health impact of discrimination and stigma on American Muslims and other marginalized communities.
I have experience working with clients with a broad range of presenting issues, including relationship distress, anxiety and depression, OCD, PTSD, mood disorders, addictions, ADHD, acculturation stress, and grief/loss.
My therapeutic work is theoretically integrative, and I am trained in a number of evidence-based treatments. My work is primarily rooted in Internal Family Systems, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, as well as Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies. I am also a Level 1 trained Gottman Couples therapist.
I know that seeking help for mental health and relationship issues can be a difficult step, especially in communities in which mental health is particularly stigmatized. Reaching out takes a lot of courage, which does not go unnoticed for me when working with my clients. I approach each client with a lens of empathy and understanding, creating a supportive space to gain insight about problems and to work together to find meaningful solutions.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with a Psy.D. from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I’ve served adult patients for several years in a variety of settings- including private practice, community mental health, college counseling, and hospital programs in both Chicago and New York.
My approach is rooted in psychodynamic and interpersonal theories, which means I pay close attention to how our relationships—especially the one formed in therapy—can help us understand patterns, beliefs, and emotional struggles that often operate beneath the surface. I believe that the therapeutic space can reflect how we show up in other areas of life, and tapping into what emerges in the moment can lead to meaningful and lasting change.
I also bring in tools from dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and solution-focused work as supplemental tools. My style is grounded in curiosity, collaboration, and cultural sensitivity. I’m especially attuned to the ways language, identity, and values are shaped by our histories and relationships—past and present.
Alongside my clinical work, I continue to study the Islamic tradition both formally and informally. This commitment is deeply personal, but it also supports my work with Muslim clients seeking a space where faith and spirituality can be part of the process of change.
My name is Leena Abushanab, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Illinois, specializing in clinical mental health. I hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Benedictine University in Lisle, IL. I deeply value holistic healing, self-care, and self-discovery. I believe that mental health healing can be one of the most profound methods of self-care, and it’s my passion to support others on this journey.
I believe every person has an inner light, one that may sometimes dim due to life’s challenges. Support and guidance can rekindle this light, allowing one to heal and grow. I have a special place in my heart for women’s issues, domestic violence, and sexual wellness concerns.
I am a bilingual counselor fluent in Arabic, and my approach integrates various therapeutic techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) informed, and Narrative Therapy. I believe in meeting each individual where they are, as there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to mental health care.
It is my role to remind you that you have the power to heal. My goal is to be one of the many avenues of comfort in your journey, offering support for your struggles and challenges.
My favorite quote is: “Be the moon in somebody’s night. Be the ease during someone’s hardship.” – Yasmin Mogahed.
This journey is about you and your growth, so let’s begin.
I am a mental health therapist with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from National Louis University (NLU). Throughout my training, I’ve been fortunate to support clients from diverse backgrounds, including many South Asian, Muslim, and multicultural individuals.
I have experience working with adolescents and adults navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, identity development, multicultural concerns, family and relationship challenges, grief, trauma, self-esteem, spirituality, and stress. Clients often come to me looking for a therapist who understands their cultural background and lived experiences.
As a Pakistani American Muslim woman from an immigrant family, I have always been passionate about working with diverse and underserved communities, understanding the need for mental health support that is sensitive to each individual’s lived experience. I strive to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard and supported in exploring their emotions and making meaningful changes. I value the therapeutic relationship as the foundation of effective therapy. Above all, I hope to create a space where clients feel valued, understood, and supported.
My clinical approach is integrative and holistic, meeting clients where they are while considering the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. I tailor therapy to each client’s unique needs using evidence-based modalities, including CBT, DBT, mindfulness, person-centered, strengths-based, ACT, somatic techniques, and relational psychodynamic therapy.
A little bit about me—I was born and raised in the Chicagoland area. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, exploring new coffee shops, going on nature hikes, reading, cooking, and spending time with my cat, Goku. I also offer therapy in Urdu and Punjabi. I look forward to connecting and supporting you on your journey!
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with many years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families through a number of issues.
I know that seeking help for mental health and relationship issues can be a difficult step, especially in communities in which mental health is particularly stigmatized. Reaching out takes a lot of courage, which does not go unnoticed for me when working with my clients. I approach each client with a lens of empathy and understanding, creating a supportive space to gain insight about problems and to work together to find meaningful solutions.
I know each of my clients has a unique set of social identities, values, and belief systems that impact who they are and how they navigate the world. I work collaboratively with my clients to empower them with the skills and awareness they need to reach their goals, heal from past traumas, and live meaningful lives rooted in their values.
Have you been struggling with your mood and emotions lately? Are you having difficulties in an important relationship? Are you having trouble motivating yourself to meet your goals? Have events of the past been leaving you feeling stuck and disempowered? Therapy may be able to help in your healing journey. Please connect with me to learn more!
Dr. Musa is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. She earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Saint Louis University, where her studies and research focused on the mental health impact of discrimination and stigma on American Muslims and other marginalized communities. Dr. Musa published a chapter on her work in the book Islamophobia and Psychiatry: Recognition, Prevention, and Treatment.
Dr. Musa has experience working with clients with a broad range of presenting issues, including relationship distress, anxiety and depression, OCD, PTSD, mood disorders, addictions, ADHD, acculturation stress, and grief/loss. Throughout her training and career, Dr. Musa has worked with clients in a number of settings, including partial
hospitalization programs, primary care medical centers, college counseling centers, and community mental health clinics.
Dr. Musa’s therapeutic work is theoretically integrative, and she is trained in a number of evidence-based treatments. Her work is rooted in Internal Family Systems, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, as well as Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies. Dr. Musa is also a Level 1 trained Gottman Couples therapist.
