We had the good fortune of connecting with Saihba Ali and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Saihba, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Sincere Intention. My quest to pursue a career as a mental health professional was born out of a sheer dearth of bilingual counselors in the communities around me. I saw a need and the change-maker in me spurred me to find avenues to make a difference. We are all unique in the gifts of the specific qualities that we possess – qualities and capabilities that may not show up on the standardized testing protocols. Over the years, I have realized that I have good instincts and insight into individual or systemic problems faced by people. I do not find myself restricted or limited by my own subjective perceptions. On the contrary, I am able to step back to assess, evaluate, and reflect on ways of life, peoples, and communities, from a holistic empathic stance. My perceptions help me appreciate the delicate nuances of the issues faced by others and their subjective solutions. It makes me good at helping connect individuals, groups, and organizations with each other. My sincere non-judgmental intent results in establishing credibility and rewards me with due cooperation and progress in my service to others. I was born and lived in India for 20 years of my life. I have been an American and lived here for decades. Life has been rich with the blessings of varied experiences. Ranging from struggles to avoid being swallowed up by swamps, to soaring and sliding down rainbows. Lessons in resilience and hope are immensely valuable and are learned at a great cost. I believe it is my duty to share what I have learned with others, in a manner that it can be their guide to finding this strength within themselves. With this sincere intention, I have been able to connect deeply with clients, patients, colleagues, and organizations. I have been able to identify gaps and build bridges along the way. Most of all – I have found beautiful relationships to cherish. The most important factor behind my success as an entrepreneur and a therapist lies in my commitment to sincerity.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My private practice is Calme Hearts Of Texas. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Marriage and Family Therapist. I take a holistic approach to mental health issues, and it often results in successful outcomes for my clients/patients. My approach is reflective of my inner strength, and being grounded in my own identity. Regardless of the demographic that I treat, my patients are able to connect with me on a deeper level and that enhances the therapeutic process. I am most proud of the fact that most of my patients refer several members of their families to me. It is not just for mental health crisis situations, but also for minor adjustment issues or to enhance relationships. This means a lot to me, not just because they trust me with their loved ones, but also because I managed to succeed in removing the stigma from mental health for them. I have had considerable success in anxiety treatments, and couple’s counseling. I am an expert on parental alienation and can provide valuable guidance in the prevention of parental alienation and the reunification efforts. I have several years of experience in trauma-informed counseling and am trained in EMDR.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Legacy Park Area Downtown Plano Ice Skating at Galleria Mall Jet Ski @ Grapevine Lake Dinner at Mi Colache Walks on several trails – Bob Woodruff Park, Breckenridge Park

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
To say that my parents are the source of my inspiration does not do justice as to how they have raised me and my siblings. They embodied goodness, beauty, sincerity, and wisdom in every common aspect of their lives. My father was the richest poor man that I have ever known. He was affluent in the morning and broke by evening. He owned a lot and possessed little. He was but a vessel, a source of relief to others. His zeal for charity and helping others had no limits. He would sell the shirt off his back to help others. My mother supplemented and supported this zeal, at times depriving her children of some material need. More than the financial aspect, it was their demeanor, their ability to help everyone, regardless of their religion, tribe, caste, or race, with dignity and respect. They did not sit us down and teach us how to treat others – they showed us. They truly embodied the beauty and values of Islam. They kept us focused on what mattered most in the world. That in the end, we needed nothing more than a few feet of land. That no one truly owns anything, we are all just here to use it for a while. They raised us to feel confident, proud, and to define our worth by how we treat others. They taught us to be a source of peace, blessing, and good to all of humanity. A big shout out to my parents and to all parents and caregivers that raise their children with these values of love and compassion for all humanity that results in inevitable success and peace.

Website: www.saihba.com
Linkedin: Saihba Ali
Facebook: Musim Association Of Psychological Services
Other: saihbacounseling@gmail.com Calme Hearts Of Texas 469 443 6773

Image Credits
Friends and Family