Shumayl F. Hassan is a Resident in Counseling who works with individuals, and families navigating anxiety, depression, bicultural identity development, ADHD, self-esteem challenges, life transitions, and intergenerational trauma. She believes therapy should be a space where clients feel supported, understood, and empowered to make meaningful change in their lives.
Shumayl earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Trinity Washington University, where she completed her clinical internship at Aram Counseling & Wellness Center. She is grateful to continue her work at Aram as a resident, collaborating with a team that shares her commitment to providing compassionate, inclusive, and evidence-based care. Though early in her professional journey, Shumayl has had the privilege of supporting clients from diverse backgrounds and life stages, including adolescents, young adults, and adults, each with their own unique stories and strengths. Her experiences have deepened her appreciation for the courage it takes to seek help and the resilience that surfaces through the healing process.
As a South Asian clinician, Shumayl understands how culture, faith, and family dynamics shape emotional well-being. She is particularly attuned to the effects of intergenerational patterns, identity-related stress, and cultural stigma on mental health. She strives to provide care that honors each person’s individuality while respecting their cultural and spiritual values.
Shumayl’s approach is trauma-informed, integrative, collaborative and culturally responsive. She draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Person-Centered Therapy, Expressive Arts, and Solution-Focused Therapy to meet clients where they are. Sessions with Shumayl emphasize both insight and practical tools for growth — blending structure with empathy and flexibility.
Before graduate school, Shumayl earned an Honors Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Toronto, with minors in Philosophy and Environmental Management. Her previous clinical experience includes Eastern Panhandle Psychiatry, Winchester Community Mental Health Center, and Loudoun Psychiatric Care, where she provided counseling and psychoeducation in both individual and group settings.
Fluent in English and Urdu, Shumayl strives to create an inclusive environment that honors cultural identity, faith, and individuality. Her work is guided by empathy, curiosity, and an unwavering belief in her clients’ capacity to grow and heal.
Outside of counseling, Shumayl enjoys painting, singing, dancing, and quiet moments with a cup of tea and her cat. She finds that creativity and connection, in any form, help her stay grounded and remind her that healing often begins with small, intentional acts of care.
"You don’t have to have everything figured out before starting therapy.
You just need a place to start — and I’ll meet you there."
