Dr. Samira Saleh
Founder | Licensed Professional Counselor | Clinical Supervisor | Certified Career Counselor
I’m Dr. Samira Saleh, a licensed professional counselor, clinical supervisor, educator, and researcher with more than a decade of experience in the mental health field.
I earned my PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Missouri–St. Louis. My professional and research interests include the mental health experiences of Muslim communities and other minoritized populations, with a particular interest in culturally responsive counseling.
Throughout my career, I have provided counseling, crisis intervention, group support, and clinical supervision in school, community, nonprofit, and university settings.
My work is grounded in the belief that effective counseling requires more than addressing symptoms. It also means understanding the person within the context of her relationships, culture, values, faith, and lived experiences.
Professional Credentials
Licensed Professional Counselor (Missouri): #2020010417
Licensed Professional Counselor (Michigan): #6401226668
Telehealth Privileges to practice counseling in Florida.
Certified Career Counselor
Bilingual in Arabic and English
Research:
Saleh, S. (2026). Growing up Muslim in America: Discrimination and religious identity in emerging adulthood [Doctoral dissertation, University of Missouri–St. Louis]. Institutional Repository at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. https://irl.umsl.edu/dissertation/1593
Mizutani, Y., Waalkes, P. L., & Saleh, S. (2026). School counseling interventions for students with international backgrounds and selective mutism. Journal of Asia Pacific Counseling, 16(2), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.18401/2026.16.2.1
Mizutani, Y., Moore, M., Waalkes, P., Khorana, A., Saleh, S., Khanna, A., Martin, C., & Knight, J. (2026). Photovoice-informed group counseling for parents of third culture kids. International Journal for the Advancement of Counselling, 48, Article 47. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10447-026-09665-z
Saleh, S. (Under Review) Measuring the impact of discrimination on anxiety in emerging adult Muslims.
Saleh, S. (Under Review) How mental health concerns influence the identity development of Muslim youth: A qualitative metasynthesis.
Saleh, S. (Under Review). Using person-centered therapy to help Muslim female converts adjust to their new life.
Why I Started Sunnah Counseling
Sunnah Counseling was created in 2019 from a desire to provide Muslim women with access to professional mental health care in a space where their faith, culture, and lived experiences could be understood and respected.
As a counselor, researcher, and member of the Muslim community, I recognized the importance of having a space where Muslim women could discuss their mental health without feeling that they had to separate their faith and cultural experiences from the conversation.
Sunnah Counseling allows me to bring together my clinical training and experience with my understanding of the unique ways faith, culture, family, and identity can intersect with mental health.
My Approach to Counseling
I believe counseling is a collaborative, person-centered process. You are the expert on your own life, and my role is to provide professional guidance, support, and a safe space for you to explore your experiences, concerns, values, and goals.
My approach incorporates person-centered counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), while remaining responsive to each client's individual needs and circumstances.
For Muslim clients who want faith to be part of the counseling process, Islamic values and perspectives can be thoughtfully incorporated into our work. Faith does not have to be the focus of every conversation. Rather, it can be one of the many important parts of your life that we consider as we work toward your mental and emotional well-being.
Together, we can develop greater self-awareness, navigate challenges, strengthen coping skills, and work toward meaningful change in a way that respects who you are and what matters to you.
Who I Serve
Sunnah Counseling provides online counseling for Muslim women, teenage girls, and moms who are navigating challenges related to their mental health, relationships, identity, faith, family, and everyday life.
I understand that being Muslim does not look the same for everyone. Each woman has her own relationship with Islam, as well as her own cultural background, family experiences, values, and personal identity. My goal is not to make assumptions about your experience, but to meet you where you are.
Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, self-worth, relationships, life transitions, family concerns, or questions related to faith and identity, counseling can provide a space to slow down, gain perspective, and work through what you're experiencing.
I currently provide online counseling to clients located in Missouri, Michigan, and Florida. I am continually expanding my state licensure to make counseling more accessible. If you are interested in working with me, please reach out to see if I am currently licensed to provide services in your state.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
You don't have to have everything figured out before reaching out. If you're considering counseling, I invite you to take the first step and explore whether Sunnah Counseling may be a good fit for you.