Sahar Mirghasemi LLMSW
Clinical Social Worker
Ann Arbor & Virtual
Message to Pediatric (5 - 18 years of age) Clients:
Hi there, and thank you for considering me as your therapist! If you're finding it tough to deal with your feelings, academic struggles, self-esteem issues, or even thoughts of self-harm or suicide, know that you're not alone. Maybe you're facing peer pressure, going through major life changes, having relationship difficulties with family members, or navigating having a differently wired brain. I'm here to provide a safe, understanding space where you can talk about what's going on and find ways to feel better. I love utilizing play based strategies that are trauma informed and relationally based so that you can find it easy to open up and work through your challenges with me. I also love to utilize mindfulness based strategies, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and yoga poses to help you connect with your feelings and body. I am a huge advocate for helping you build skills through DBT and ACT. Together, we can explore your feelings, build on your strengths, and develop the tools you need to overcome challenges. I love learning about your interests and incorporating them during our sessions to help you feel safe and connected, such as art, music, sports, books, and more! I believe in you and I'm here to help you find a path to a happier, more confident self!
Message to Adult Clients:
Hi there! I’m Sahar, and I’m here to offer you a compassionate and supportive space where you can feel truly heard and understood. I have a deep passion for helping individuals navigate life’s difficulties, and I’m especially dedicated to supporting those dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, and interpersonal struggles. My goal is to create a safe and welcoming environment where you can be vulnerable and explore your feelings without judgment. My wish for you is to feel empowered after our time together. I truly believe that everyone has the capacity to work through their struggles, learn, and grow. Together, we can find the right tools to address the root causes of your stressors and help you move toward a more fulfilling life. I value utilizing trauma informed strategies that are culturally sensitive, such as TF-CBT, IFS, mindfulness based strategies, and ACT.
Let’s embark on this journey together. I’m here to support you every step of the way!
I am currently being supervised by Doug Gardner, LMSW, RPT, and co-facilitating the DBT Group for Teens in Ann Arbor.
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Master of Social Work - University of Michigan
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Children, Coping Skills, School Challenges, Self Esteem, Teen Violence, Trauma & PTSD, Ethnic Minorities & Multicultural Care
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Art Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Mindfulness-Based (MBCT), Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Focused, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Child Centered Play Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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Thinking disorders, Anxiety disorders
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Preteen, Teen, & Adults
Offers special insight to clients of the following ethnicities: Middle Eastern, East Asian, and Arab-American
Allied and experience treating individuals in Immigrant Allied
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Ann Arbor office & Virtual
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Fully fluent in English & Farsi
Get to know Sahar
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After graduating from the engineering field and through the next years starting my new job as an engineer I always felt something was wrong. there was an urgent force inside me that led me to do voluntary jobs in different NGOs and learn about the need for mental health in my community.
Studying social work and working in this field was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I felt liberated and connected with my inner side. Getting connected with people, listening to them, and helping them to find peace with themselves even through difficult times, assure me that I'm in the right place.
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What I adore about therapy is the ability to make authentic connections with people and offer them a safe, comforting space to unwind and express themselves freely. In this environment, they uncover answers within their own thoughts, as clouds of confusion disappear and clarity emerges in their minds. Witnessing individuals reconnect with their inner selves and find inner peace is truly gratifying.
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I believe therapy is akin to a journey through a sometimes dimly lit path, where clients start and lead the way, while I, as the therapist, accompany them with a lantern in hand. In this journey, the client is the navigator, choosing the direction and pace, while I provide the light that helps reveal the hidden twists, turns, and obstacles along the path. This light not only illuminates what’s immediately ahead but also helps in revealing overlooked beauties along the way that may be overshadowed by challenges.
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As an immigrant who faced loss and grief during my early years of immigration, I embarked on a challenging yet continuous journey of healing. This path has involved making peace with my pain, embracing my vulnerabilities, and accepting them as part of who I am. Through this process, I’ve learned that healing isn’t a one-time event. As life unfolds, new challenges will arise, and further healing will be needed. So loving ourselves is helpful through our healing process.
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I know that going to therapy might not be your first choice, and talking about difficult feelings can feel uncomfortable or awkward. It's completely okay if you're not feeling up to it right now! It's normal to have those feelings.
Remember, your emotions are valid, no matter how big or small they may seem. Just like learning to ride a bike involves some bumps along the way, growing up comes with its own set of challenges.
You're not alone in this—I'm here to help you make sense of those feelings and figure out how to handle them. We'll take things at your pace, and I'll be here to support you, listen to you, and help you tap into your inner strength.
Together, we'll navigate through these experiences, finding ways to boost your confidence and resilience.
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I'm passionate about understanding how healing works, especially for immigrants who face many challenges. Immigrants often carry old traumas while dealing with new struggles in a new place, which can create additional stress for everyone, including children and teens. By learning more about their unique experiences and the challenges they face, we can better support and help them heal, recognizing their strength and resilience.
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My favorite quote by Mary Oliver:
"You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves."