Today we’d like to introduce you to Subaika Sayed.
Hi Subaika, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my story. I was born and raised in the Northern part of India, and due to my father’s State Government job, our family moved every three years. Although it posed challenges, the constant change instilled in me a sense of adaptability and a deep appreciation for cultural diversity. When I moved to Houston in 2008, I seamlessly adapted to this vibrant and diverse city.
After completing my undergraduate degree in Psychology, my passion for understanding the human mind and behavior motivated me to pursue further studies in the field. I enrolled in the Community Counseling graduate program at the University of Houston-Victoria. This educational journey was filled with profound learning experiences and facilitated my professional growth.
Simultaneously, as my professional journey unfolded, my personal life was also expanding. We grew from a household of two to a joyful family of four. Amidst these changes, I undertook practicum and internship opportunities that allowed me to work with adults struggling with anxiety and depression. Additionally, I had the privilege of working at a mental health agency, where I worked with at-risk children and adolescents facing various challenges such as trauma, behavioral difficulties, mood disorders, substance abuse, and more. Through group counseling, I facilitated therapies on substance abuse and provided psycho-education on social and life skills.
Following my graduation from the program, I took a brief break to prepare for the State Board exam and pursue my Professional Counselor License. Around that time, I also embraced the opportunity to volunteer at my children’s Sunday School. This experience proved to be both rewarding and fulfilling, leaving a lasting impact on my personal and professional growth.
Receiving my Associate license after successfully clearing the Texas State Board Exam was a moment of great joy and accomplishment for me. I have been truly fortunate to find an exceptional supervisor and mentor, Jamie Williams, LPC-S, who has been playing a pivotal role in guiding me in my professional journey. Working as a Licensed Professional Counselor – Associate at Prosperity Counseling Services under her supervision has been an incredibly valuable experience for me.
Prosperity Counseling Services is located in Katy, here, our incredible team of therapists are committed to providing high-quality counseling services that promote mental health and well-being. Under the supervision of Jamie, I have been able to refine my counseling techniques, expand my clinical expertise, and deepen my understanding of various therapeutic modalities.
Through my work at Prosperity Counseling Services, I have had the privilege of working with diverse clients facing a wide range of challenges, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and personal growth.
Collaborating with clients, I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where they feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and emotions. Utilizing evidence-based approaches, I work with clients to develop personalized treatment plans that address their unique needs and goals. It is truly rewarding to witness their progress and witness the positive changes they make in their lives.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like any journey, my path has had its fair share of obstacles and challenges. One significant challenge I faced was when our family had to move out of the country for a year due to immigration requirements. This interruption in my academic pursuits made it difficult to maintain the same pace of progress during that period. Another challenge that affected my journey was the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic brought about unprecedented disruptions and uncertainties.
The National Counselor’s Exam itself carried a significant weight, and the pressure to perform well added a level of stress to the journey.
In hindsight, I view these challenges with gratitude. The philosophy of “growing through what you go through,” beautifully depicted by Tyler Kay’s mural in La Centerra in Cinco Ranch, Katy, TX, has deeply resonated with me. These experiences have greatly influenced who I am today, building my character, strengthening my resilience, and fueling my unwavering commitment to pursuing my goals.
I take pride in the fact that no matter how long it takes to reach your goals, perseverance is key. It is worth pushing through the challenges, staying focused on the end goal, and maintaining a positive outlook.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate, my focus is on providing individual counseling to a diverse range of clients, including elementary kids, adolescents, adults, and the elderly. I address a variety of mental health concerns, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem issues, bereavement, and adjustment difficulties. Additionally, I offer couples counseling to individuals seeking to overcome relationship problems and assist them in achieving their relational goals. My approach combines integrative approach, evidence-based techniques, and a client-centered perspective. I meet clients where they are in their journey, fostering a safe, non-judgmental, empathetic, and accepting environment for their healing and growth. By creating a therapeutic space that encourages self-exploration, compassion, and empowerment, I strive to make a positive impact in the lives of those I serve.
Through self-reflection, self-compassion, combined with psycho-education, I assist clients in their journey toward positive transformation. By empowering clients with knowledge and deep understanding, I aim to facilitate meaningful changes in their lives and relationships.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
In addition to my passion for counseling, I have other interests that bring joy and balance to my life. Two of these interests are photography and gardening. Photography, particularly landscape and nature photography, holds a special place in my heart. I find it to be a calming and relaxing activity. Through capturing moments in photographs, I not only create lasting memories but also practice mindfulness. It allows me to immerse myself in the present moment, appreciating the beauty of nature and finding peace in the process.
Gardening is another activity that brings me immense joy and teaches valuable life lessons. It has taught me patience as I witness the gradual growth and development of plants. It has also instilled in me a sense of gratitude as I witness the fruits of my labor. Gardening reminds me of the interconnectedness of life and the beauty of nature’s cycles. Fortunately, our town is blessed with an abundance of amazing nurseries that fuel my passion for gardening and keep my love for it alive and thriving.
These hobbies not only provide personal fulfillment but also contribute to my overall well-being. They serve as outlets for creativity, stress relief, and a means of connecting with the world around me. These hobbies remind me of the importance of being present, embracing beauty, and nurturing oneself. Nature has always been a powerful teacher, and I strive to carry the lessons learned from the natural world into my work as a counselor.
Contact Info:
- Website: Prosperitycounseling.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prosperitycounseling/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prosperitycounselingservices
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamieWi54368027
