Hey! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 10 years of experience working in mental health in Indiana. I received my Psychology degree from Dominican University and my Social Work degree from Indiana University. I love working with kids from ages 6 and up, but I also really love helping young adults with their transitions into adulthood which is typically 18-24. No matter your age, I want to work with someone who is ready to work on themselves!
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
The first session will be a get to know you session. I want to understand client's goals and also help answer any questions they may have for me. Therapy can be scary! But the first session is to help you realize that this is your life and you're in the driver's seat, I'm just the passenger helping you navigate the complicated road map called life.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Having worked in mental health for 10 years has allowed me to learn when to be gentle and when to push people a bit further than maybe they think they're ready for. I want to meet clients where they are, but I also will call people out if they do not seem like they're putting their best foot forward. Overall, I am very cool, calm, and collected which usually helps put people at ease.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I enjoy working with individuals from all walks of life who have experienced trauma. Trauma can be such an isolating experience, this I know from experience, and I enjoy not just helping others work through their trauma and come out on the other side as healed person, but I also creating a space to make sure that happens. I also love working with young professionals who are in the first few years of their careers. My clients are eager to improve, but don't yet have the tools needed to make this goal a reality. They often feel stuck, overwhelmed and anxious about their careers.
About Dani Abdullah
Identifies as
Serves ages
Licensed in
Accepts
Address
1800 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46202, Ste 410Appointments
Virtual & in-personMy treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
For the past few years in therapy, I have utilized ACT as a way to assist clients in accepting their thoughts and feelings as opposed to fighting them. Fighting often leads to guilt as frustration. Instead, during our sessions clients learn to accept themselves for who they are while also improving behaviors that do not align with their values. Often this is gained through mindfulness. It often helps those with anxiety, depression, and trauma have a more fulfilling life.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
In DBT, I focus on stress tolerance, mindfulness, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. In sessions we focus on skills training in these areas. Similar to ACT this is focusing on accepting yourself but also working on ways to change behaviors. This is most used for individuals living with Borderline Personality Disorder but can used for many different diagnoses that are caused from trauma.
Gender-affirming therapy
I have worked with many individuals who are exploring their gender identity or have accepting their gender identity and are looking for a therapist who will also accept them for their authentic selves. Regardless of what your gender is, you will be respected during your therapy sessions from your name, to your pronouns, to your experiences.