Licensed Professional Counselor

MA, LPC, NCC
Therapy for women and children 12+

Farheen Farooq

As a first-generation woman of color, I bring extensive lived experience to support women of all ages, from young adults to seniors. During life transitions, challenges can feel overwhelming, leaving us feeling conflicted, frustrated or disconnected. My focus is to help you heal within, build confidence in your decision-making and navigate challenging relationships with family and friends.

I am here to empower and support you. I embody empathy and unconditional, genuine regard for others, striving to create a safe, non-judgmental space for you to be heard and valued. I also have considerable experience and strengths in spiritually-integrated psychotherapy, with a clinical approach that is both holistic and comprehensive.

Coming from a background in Human Nutrition and Dietetics and community health, I work from a multi-faceted lens that incorporates nutritional interventions, as well as multiple therapeutic approaches such as CBT and DBT. In addition, use trauma-focused techniques such as Brainspotting, EMDR, mindfulness-based, and culturally sensitive therapy.

About Me:
Nature is very healing for me — blue oceans with blue skies, still nights with stars, fall colors and trees. Photography is my hobby, as well. I also enjoy continuing to learn, so I can fulfill my responsibilities in the best manner.

Education:
Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, University of the Cumberlands, Kentucky, 2024
Nutrition and Dietetics, Loyola University, Chicago, 1997
Certified Islamic Scholar, 2019

Find me on Psychology Today

What are your top specialties?

Women’s issues, anxiety, depression, culturally-sensitive care. I enjoy working with females ages 12+.

What would you say to someone considering therapy with you?

As second generation American woman, I am honored to be a part of your journey. It’s important for me to be attuned to your needs, and exercise respect, empathy, and evidence-based support. We can work together to build insight, develop tools, and create meaningful change in your life.

What insurance do you accept?

BCBS PPO, Aetna, Anthem, and Cigna/Evernorth.

What does a typical session with you look like?

A typical session with me is a safe, compassionate space where you can talk about what’s on your mind without judgment. We start by checking in about how you’ve been feeling since our last session, then explore any challenges, patterns, or emotions you’re experiencing. Together, we identify goals, practice strategies, and reflect on insights. This is always at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

Who is your ideal client?

My ideal client is someone who is open to self-exploration, willing to be honest about their struggles, and motivated to make meaningful changes in their life. Just a willingness to show up and engage in the process is all that's needed.

My clients are dear to me. They are in my prayers each night. Therapy is a stigma in my culture and I am trying to change that perspective. I want my clients to feel empowered and healing-centered, helping them find the spark to move forward instead of being stuck.

How do clients describe you?

Caring, genuine, and a person with life experience.

Farheen’s Approach

My therapeutic approach is empathetic and person-centered. I create a safe, non-judgmental space for clients. I am honored to support you with a gentle, validating, and collaborative experience.

Coming from a background in Human Nutrition and Dietetics and community health, I work from a multi-faceted lens that incorporates nutritional interventions, as well as multiple therapeutic approaches such as CBT and DBT. In addition, use trauma-focused techniques such as Brainspotting, EMDR, mindfulness-based, and culturally sensitive therapy.

Click here for more detailed information on therapeutic modalities.

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of psychotherapy that helps you move beyond negative thoughts and feelings in a meaningful way by accepting that your thoughts and emotions are an appropriate response to certain situations and committing to making changes in your life that match your values.

  • Brainspotting is a powerful, focused treatment methodthat works by identifying, processing and releasing core neurophysiological sources of emotional/body pain, trauma, dissociation and a variety of other challenging symptoms.

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, goal-oriented type of talk therapy that can help manage mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, and emotional concerns, such as coping with grief or stress.

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of talk therapy, specially adapted for people who experience emotions very intensely. DBT is especially effective for people who have difficulty managing and regulating their emotions.

  • Info coming soon.

  • Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an evidence-based program designed to reduce stress & enhance wellbeing through mindfulness practices, like meditation, body scans & mindful movement. to encourage present-moment awareness & acceptance.

  • Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) addresses the mental health needs of people suffering from the destructive effects of early trauma.

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Top Specialties:

  • Women's Issues

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

Areas of Expertise:

  • Anger Management

  • Body Image

  • Caregivers

  • Codependency

  • Coping Skills

  • Divorce

  • Eating Disorders

  • Geriatric and Seniors

  • Grief

  • Infertility

  • Infidelity

  • Lactation Support

  • Life Transitions

  • Marital and Premarital

  • Parenting

  • Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum

  • Racial Identity

  • Relationship Issues

  • Self Esteem

  • Spiritual Abuse

  • Spirituality

Book with Farheen.

Interested in working together? Fill out the form below, call (630) 940-6828 or email scheduling@paderatherapy.com. We also offer a 15-minute free phone consultation.

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Questions about insurance?

Give us a call or email scheduling@paderatherapy.com. We can often work with insurance companies if we are out-of-network. If we are an out-of-network provider or you do not have insurance, our rate is currently $135.00 for a 53 minute session. However, we also offer reduced rates in special circumstances. Finances should never be a deterrent for seeking help! We work with families to come up with a number that works for you.

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