Foundation Connections

Sarah Rahman, MS, MA, LMFT, has always seen counseling as a way to live with authenticity. She explained that she wanted a profession where she could “be my authentic self and be accountable for preaching what I practice.” For her, the path to counseling grew out of a belief that emotional well-being is tied closely to spiritual and religious well-being. Growing up, she was taught that the heart, mind, and soul are interconnected. When she noticed more people in her community struggling with anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges, she felt called to create a faith-sensitive space for healing and growth.

In her early years, Sarah’s work was heavily technique-based. Over time, that focus expanded. “Fundamental transformation happens when theory is balanced with deep empathy, presence, and cultural humility,” she said. Now her practice blends cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, and solution-focused approaches while also making space for the cultural and spiritual identities her clients bring with them.

 

Much of her work centers on premarital counseling, support for young adults, and helping people facing anxiety and depression. Premarital counseling became a focus after she noticed a gap in her community, where short courtships often left couples without the tools to build a solid foundation. With young adults, she sees a real need for guidance during years when identity, faith, and purpose are being tested. As for those dealing with anxiety or depression, Sarah feels “honored to walk alongside clients as they reclaim hope, balance, and resilience.”

 

Working virtually has expanded her reach, but it also brings challenges. Without physical presence, clients can sometimes find it harder to stay fully engaged. To keep sessions interactive, Sarah is deliberate with her communication and often incorporates tools like journaling, screen-sharing, or mindfulness practices.

 

Sarah also adapts her approach to each person she sees. She makes it a point to ask about the values, beliefs, and practices that matter most to them, seeing these as keys to understanding what they are facing. This helps her create a space that feels both respectful and personal.

 

Progress in therapy, she believes, doesn’t always move in a straight line. When things slow down, she revisits goals with clients and reminds them that “healing is not always linear. Effort is as important as outcome.” That perspective, she says, helps both her and her clients continue with patience.

 

Trust is another foundation of her work. Compassion, confidentiality, and non-judgment are central when she meets new clients. “I let clients share at their own pace and meet them where they are emotionally,” she said. For her, it is active listening and empathy that help people feel safe enough to open up.

 

Sarah’s community involvement goes beyond her private practice. She has led workshops across Southern California on family communication, premarital preparation, and coping with anxiety. In her outreach to universities, conferences, and mosques, she often addresses stigma directly. She hears the belief that seeking therapy reflects weakness of faith or character. “Many still assume that prayer alone should resolve emotional struggles,” she said. Though she affirms prayer as essential, she also emphasizes the roles of education and open conversations in breaking down stigma.

 

Part of her work involves correcting common misconceptions. She explains that therapy is not just for people in crisis, nor is it a quick solution. It can strengthen relationships, prevent difficulties, and build resilience. Over the years, she has noticed an important shift. Younger generations, in particular, are more open and willing to see therapy as an investment in their overall health rather than a last resort.

 

Looking to the future, Sarah hopes to build a legacy that connects psychology and faith in meaningful ways. She plans to contribute through research, the creation of faith-sensitive resources, and workshops for underserved communities. Current projects include expanding therapy access through online platforms and community programs. What keeps her grounded is simple: “I feel honored to support people on their journeys toward healing and growth.”

 

By meeting clients where they are and recognizing the many layers of their identities, Sarah shows how counseling can be both deeply personal and far-reaching. Her path offers encouragement to counselors and counselors-in-training, showing how empathy, learning, and authenticity can leave lasting ripples of healing in communities.

Sarah Rahman, MS, MA, LMFT, is a 2017 NBCCF MFP Master’s Fellow. She serves as a Community Chaplain at the Institute of Knowledge and maintains a virtual private practice, where she provides mental health resources to individuals within and beyond the Muslim community. Sarah earned a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from California State University—Fullerton and a master’s degree in Islamic law and tradition from the Institute of Knowledge. Visit Sarah’s Instagram to keep up to date on her upcoming projects.

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