Get to know Aisha Masri, MS

With whom (type of client) do you work well?

I work primarily with children, adolescents, and young adults.  Areas I specialize in are: children on the autism spectrum, defiance/anger, academic problems, enhancing communication/social skills & repairing relationships after family conflict, anxiety, self-esteem, ADHD and depression.

What do you do in your work? Why do you do it that way?

I incorporate a variety of skills into my sessions, such as: play therapy, art therapy, mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Through the utilization of these skills, I have had success in helping my clients reduce the symptoms of trauma, anger, grief, anxiety, addictions and depression.

How do clients change in counseling? What is the mechanism of change? The motivation for change?

I very much believe that each individual and family needs an individualized approach and treatment to facilitate change and healing. In my work, I find it important to build a strong therapeutic relationship in which there is trust, compassion, and respect for one another. I facilitate change by creating safety and stabilization, using behavioral modification, identifying positive coping skills, and increasing self-confidence. I am confident that you will find that I am easy to talk to, non-judgmental, and knowledgeable about how to help you or your child/teen to make consistent, positive changes.

I firmly believe that children/adolescents are best poised to thrive and succeed in life when they have consistently positive encounters with supportive, caring adults and mentors. Because not all children and adolescents have regular access to such individuals, I strive to make my therapeutic encounters with children/adolescents as positive and meaningful as possible.

What is the purpose of your professional work? In other words, why do you do what you do?

Personal growth happens when the individual takes the first step of realizing change needs to happen.  I believe that every child, adolescent and adult has an innate capacity for positive growth and development and that my job as a therapist is to help people cultivate and develop themselves to their fullest potential.

What are your feelings about being a counselor?

It is a passion to support my clients on a journey towards optimal growth, development and fulfillment. I sincerely love my job as a counselor, and couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else!

What are your personal interests?

I enjoy spending time with animals, traveling to new places, and going on long hikes.

What’s your background?

Starting my clinical career in 2015 as a Speech Language Pathology Assistant, I provided services to children of all ages and abilities, helping them with developmental problems such as apraxia, stuttering, autism, and articulation errors. My ability to connect with and help a wide variety of children stems from respect and compassion for each child.

Transitioning to the mental health field, my work and clinical training include residential treatment for children and adolescents, as well as outpatient counseling for children and adults.

What do you want for your clients?

My ultimate goal for my clients is to provide a safe space for healing, growth, change, and empowerment using evidence-based treatments.

Why did you join Family Psychology?

I am very happy to join the professionally rich and supportive team of Family Psychology of South Bend LLC under Sharon Bain, LCSW’s supervision, where I will focus on counseling children, adolescents, and young adults.