Today we’d like to introduce you to Madiha Ashraf.
Hi Madiha, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
When I conceptualized Healing Grounds, as a first-generation American Muslim of Pakistani descent, I dreamed of opening a therapy practice, that was more than just a clinic—I wanted to build a gathering space for reflection, connection, and growth.
The name Healing Grounds Counseling grew from that vision. I wanted a place for people to be able to grow, reflect, and connect in a safe space.
In English, the word “grounds” carries many layers of meaning. It can mean a place—a shared space where people come together. It can also refer to coffee grounds, the humble beginnings of something warm, comforting, and shared over conversation.
For me, coffee has always been more than a drink—it’s a symbol of community and conversation. From family gatherings around chai in my parents’ Pakistani home, to late-night coffee talks with friends navigating identity, faith, and belonging in America, I saw how healing often begins over something simple—a cup, a story, a moment of being truly seen.
Healing Grounds is built on that same spirit. It’s a place where people can come as they are, sit with their feelings, and find warmth in connection. Just as coffee grounds release their richness through patience and care, healing unfolds gently—with time, compassion, and presence.
I believe that healing doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens in shared spaces—our healing grounds.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As a first-generation Pakistani Muslim American woman, entering the mental health field meant navigating cultural stigma, systemic barriers, and spaces where my identity was often misunderstood or underrepresented. Growing up, mental health was rarely spoken about—yet deeply needed—requiring me to navigate both external resistance and internal expectations while constantly proving my belonging. Each challenge shaped my resolve to open my own practice, transforming adversity into purpose. This work is rooted in cultural humility, safety, and advocacy, and reflects my commitment to creating the kind of healing space I once searched for—one where culture, faith, and mental wellness are honored, and where communities long overlooked feel truly seen.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Our approach at Healing Grounds is warm, culturally attuned, and deeply human. We create a space that feels more like a grounding conversation than a clinical appointment—honoring each person’s identity, faith, values, and lived experience. Guided by evidence-based practices and a holistic, person-first lens, we focus on connection, safety, and understanding as the foundation for growth. We meet clients where they are, offering practical tools for immediate support while nurturing long-term healing, resilience, and self-connection. Like coffee grounds steeping into something rich and comforting, we believe healing unfolds with time, presence, and compassion—and we walk with clients through that journey at their own pace.
The name Healing Grounds reflects both the mission and the spirit of our practice.
The word “grounds” was chosen with intention, carrying a meaningful double significance:
A Place to Feel Grounded – It represents a calming, stabilizing space where clients can arrive as they are and feel held, safe, and connected.
A Nod to Coffee Grounds – It evokes warmth, comfort, and conversation—the kind of honest, heart-centered exchanges that often spark healing and understanding.
As a first-generation American Muslim of Pakistani descent, healing has always been rooted in community. Growing up, I watched how a simple cup of chai could bring people together to talk, reflect, and support one another through life’s ups and downs. Those shared moments—humble, warm, real—became the blueprint for how I envisioned therapy.
Healing Grounds was born from that same belief: that healing thrives in spaces that feel familiar, welcoming, and deeply human. It’s not just a therapy practice; it’s a place to pause, exhale, and reconnect—with yourself and with others.
The name also serves as a gentle reminder: just as coffee grounds steep slowly into something rich and nourishing, healing unfolds with time, presence, and care. And we heal most deeply when we are grounded—in our stories, our values, and our shared humanity.
What sets Healing Grounds TX apart is our genuine blend of perspectives.
We bring together people from diverse backgrounds and work to bridge the gap between minority experiences and accessible, effective mental health care.
At Healing Grounds, our goal is for every client to leave each session feeling:
Seen and Heard – Welcomed into a space where their thoughts, emotions, and experiences are received with genuine understanding and without judgment.
Grounded and Centered – Equipped with practical tools and therapeutic practices that help them manage stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges with greater balance.
Empowered – Strengthened with a renewed sense of agency and confidence to navigate life’s challenges and make decisions aligned with their values.
Connected – Supported in building meaningful connections—whether with themselves, their community, or their loved ones.
Hopeful and Resilient – Reminded that healing is possible, growth is ongoing, and setbacks are simply part of the journey forward.
Culturally and Personally Honored – Met with care that respects their identity, faith, cultural background, and the unique story they bring into the room.
Ultimately, we want clients to leave Healing Grounds not just with coping strategies, but with a lasting sense of comfort, belonging, and personal growth—something they can carry with them far beyond the therapy room.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
No journey is built alone. This practice exists because of the mentors who shared wisdom and opened doors, the supervisors and colleagues who modeled ethical, compassionate care, and the advocates and community partners who trusted me with their support. At the heart of it all are my parents and siblings, whose sacrifices, patience, and unwavering belief carried me through every uncertain step. Their resilience and encouragement made it possible for this vision to take shape. I’m also deeply grateful to my fiancé, whose steady presence, belief in me, and quiet strength grounded me during moments of doubt. His support behind the scenes—through long days, late nights, and big dreams—has been a constant source of reassurance. And to my clients, thank you for allowing me the honor of walking alongside you in your healing. This work is a collective effort, rooted in love, family, community, and the many people who showed up, cheered loudly, and reminded me why this work matters.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.healinggroundstx.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healinggrounds.tx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/counseling.with.coffee
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madiha-ashraf-66218bb6/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Brownifiedpod
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/madiha-ashraf-allen-tx/794870
