Today we’d like to introduce you to Asma Sheikh.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born and raised in Pakistan. As far as I remember, I was a bookworm, reading magazines, newspapers and loved writing poetry/short stories. I was ambitious, energetic, and caring child who enjoyed family/social gatherings. I am being eldest daughter in the family, always dealt with the pressure of good daughter who must step up on the face of all family challenges. My parents’ upbringing instilled confidence in me who stood by me in every situation. My father always empowered me and trusted me to make my own decisions. From my high school days, I was intrigued to learn about psychology and human behaviors thus, I opted psychology as my major in college. I used to read articles, books and watching shows discussing mental health. As time passed by, my liking about the subject increased further so, I decided to pursue master’s degree in psychology to quinch my thirst. Back home in my family, generally education and medical fields are acceptable and prestigious career choices for girls. I have to take a stance to break the stigmas around talking, studying mental health, and pursuing it as a career. My father supported my decision and helped me to enroll in the best university offering counseling master’s degree in my hometown.
I got married soon after master’s degree. During 1st year of marriage, my husband got job opportunity in United States, and we decided to move to USA with hopes of opportunities and success in our careers. It was altogether a new struggle adjusting in new culture and fitting in the social circle. My husband’s job required lot of business travel from coast to coast. We were living like travelers, carrying couple of bags and spending bulk of our time staying in hotels. Life was running at very fast pace and my career aspirations took backstage.
Meanwhile, I kept myself busy taking different courses of baking, cake decorating, photography and working as public-school substitute teacher. While back of my mind, there was always the intention to pursue my career in Psychology and provide some sort of counseling services to immigrant families. Once we settled down in Dallas, I started my master’s in professional counseling, Soon after, I got done with my practicum /internship, covid pandemic hit. I had to take a pause from work but continued my volunteer work for non-profit organizations for advocating mental health in Pakistan and India. I got my licensed in 2021, joined The Impact Counselors, and also working as PRN therapist in hospital/agency.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I wish it would. My journey had its own share of struggles, but I feel grateful to God for sustaining and guiding me thus far. It was not easy striking work life balance as a mom of three kids and wife. I’m so thankful to my family, kids, friends, especially my amazing husband who is being a great support throughout my journey. I don’t see myself thriving without his help and lately, the guidance from my wonderful supervisor Abida Minhas. Although I am always self-motivated person but one of early struggle was the absence of any mentor or guide for me in the field of Psychology. I have to define/create my own path forward. Another, challenging part for me to adjust in new education system after we settled down in the USA, without any pre-existing social circle, family, and no mentor around, was quite tough. I did start everything from scratch like exploring schools, career path/opportunities while raising my three kids. Despite being discriminated against and talk down as Pakistani-Muslim female at different workplaces, I manage to stay afloat and keep pushing myself to pursue my dream career i.e., Counseling.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am Licensed Professional Counselor Associate. I provide mental health counseling services to individual, groups, families, and couples from age 12 to 65+. My favorite clientele is immigrant women from Multicultural/multilingual communities who struggle to adapt culture here, shape their sense of personal identity and navigate through life transitions. I want to provide non-judgmental, empathetic, and safe space so they can thrive in their personal & professional life. My passion is to form a non-profit mental health service organization specifically in Pakistan. Currently, I am working towards that ultimate goal. I am excited to make it happen in near future.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/asmasheikhma?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Other: 9452172209
