About Sahar
Licenses and Certifications
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, California #LPCC9818
Licensed Professional Counselor, Pennsylvania #PC010170
Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner
Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach
Certified Classical Yoga Teacher
Certified Yin Yoga Teacher
Education
Master of Science Mental Health Counseling, University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Science (Honors) Psychology, London Metropolitan University, United Kingdom
Publication (2018)
"Understanding the Plight of Pakistan's Education System and its Impact on Youth Development"
published in Adolescent Psychology: Worldwide Perspectives Vol 3
Therapy Approach and Style
My style is holistic and integrative. I take an eastern-western approach to therapy- facilitating a connection between your intuitions- inner wisdom, as well as help you find and strengthen your voice. You can expect to feel empowered. I also cultivate a warm, inviting and compassionate therapeutic relationship with my clients. I want everyone to feel comfortable enough to share openly, feel heard and question without the fear of being judged. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Humanistic Theories.
Clinical Background
In addition to my work as a psychotherapist in private practice for over 8 years, I was a Seminar Leader for the Graduate Level Counseling Programs at University of Pennsylvania, Graduate School of Education. I have also been a Clinical Supervisor to pre-licensed professional counselors. I facilitated groups for a non-profit organization called SpeakUP! where I helped adolescent students and the adults in their lives communicate effectively on controversial topics. I have worked in school settings- both urban and suburban as well as residential treatment centers, outpatient clinics, home and community settings. During my career in the mental health field, I also worked as a Behavior Specialist Consultant and a Mental Health Specialist Consultant. I have worked with various populations with different challenges and mental health disorders which has given me the confidence to approach my treatment with client's from a wide informed lens.
Languages
Urdu, Hindi
Understand Punjabi and Hindko
Therapist Identity
We get asked a lot where we are from and what populations we identify with. Sometimes it is important for clients to know who they are working with so I like to share that I am from Pakistan. I was born in San Francisco, California but moved to Pakistan when I was in 1st Grade. I was raised in Islamabad and then moved abroad in 2005.
Outside of Therapy
I love spending time with my toddler and husband. Time to myself and meditative activities are important to me.
I also enjoy cooking, baking, traveling- walking around and exploring a new city, time in nature, practicing yoga, exercising and reading non-fiction books. I love learning new things and have an interest in foreign cultures.
Session Rate
$200 per 50 minute
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, California #LPCC9818
Licensed Professional Counselor, Pennsylvania #PC010170
Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner
Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach
Certified Classical Yoga Teacher
Certified Yin Yoga Teacher
Education
Master of Science Mental Health Counseling, University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Science (Honors) Psychology, London Metropolitan University, United Kingdom
Publication (2018)
"Understanding the Plight of Pakistan's Education System and its Impact on Youth Development"
published in Adolescent Psychology: Worldwide Perspectives Vol 3
Therapy Approach and Style
My style is holistic and integrative. I take an eastern-western approach to therapy- facilitating a connection between your intuitions- inner wisdom, as well as help you find and strengthen your voice. You can expect to feel empowered. I also cultivate a warm, inviting and compassionate therapeutic relationship with my clients. I want everyone to feel comfortable enough to share openly, feel heard and question without the fear of being judged. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Humanistic Theories.
Clinical Background
In addition to my work as a psychotherapist in private practice for over 8 years, I was a Seminar Leader for the Graduate Level Counseling Programs at University of Pennsylvania, Graduate School of Education. I have also been a Clinical Supervisor to pre-licensed professional counselors. I facilitated groups for a non-profit organization called SpeakUP! where I helped adolescent students and the adults in their lives communicate effectively on controversial topics. I have worked in school settings- both urban and suburban as well as residential treatment centers, outpatient clinics, home and community settings. During my career in the mental health field, I also worked as a Behavior Specialist Consultant and a Mental Health Specialist Consultant. I have worked with various populations with different challenges and mental health disorders which has given me the confidence to approach my treatment with client's from a wide informed lens.
Languages
Urdu, Hindi
Understand Punjabi and Hindko
Therapist Identity
We get asked a lot where we are from and what populations we identify with. Sometimes it is important for clients to know who they are working with so I like to share that I am from Pakistan. I was born in San Francisco, California but moved to Pakistan when I was in 1st Grade. I was raised in Islamabad and then moved abroad in 2005.
Outside of Therapy
I love spending time with my toddler and husband. Time to myself and meditative activities are important to me.
I also enjoy cooking, baking, traveling- walking around and exploring a new city, time in nature, practicing yoga, exercising and reading non-fiction books. I love learning new things and have an interest in foreign cultures.
Session Rate
$200 per 50 minute
What Clients Say...
Thank you for working with me from the start of my therapy journey. Thank you for listening and helping me work through the challenges I face in my life. You are a great therapist. I am happy to have found your therapy service.
- Former Client
"Having seen multiple counselors and psychologists over the years, I must say, Sahar’s approach has been the most effective for me. She listens in a way that has acted like my own subconscious – encouraging and letting me delve deeper into my experiences while she guided me and made it less scary to go to some dark places. I believe the will to help is something that comes as second nature for Sahar. She takes ownership of her clients and it is clear that this is beyond just a job for her. I am extremely grateful for all that Sahar has helped me achieve, both the black holes I was able to avoid because of her and the leaps I was able to take with her guiding hand."
- Former Client
"Sahar worked in a very patient manner with our son. Her clinical skills were on point and she brought attention to things we overlooked. I would recommend her in a heartbeat!"
- Parent of Former Client
"The first therapist I have ever seen was Sahar. She helped me understand major things about myself, very quickly.
I was surprised and impressed to find these answers in me, and I would not have done it without her skills.
The possibility to work by video also made it very convenient.
- Former International Client
"My 11-month-old son had been suffering with a severe diaper rash for 4 days. I tried everything! From the best diaper rash creams to the best ointments I could find over the counter. I stopped using wipes and was just using warm water to clean him to avoid further irritating the skin but nothing was working. Sahar gave me my miracle treatment! It worked wonders! The best part was that it was natural! I saw a huge difference after applying it just once. She also made suggestions to what I could apply to avoid further infections which has become my daily regimen. Thank you Sahar for helping my little one fight this nasty diaper rash."
- A First-Time Mommy
- Former Client
"Having seen multiple counselors and psychologists over the years, I must say, Sahar’s approach has been the most effective for me. She listens in a way that has acted like my own subconscious – encouraging and letting me delve deeper into my experiences while she guided me and made it less scary to go to some dark places. I believe the will to help is something that comes as second nature for Sahar. She takes ownership of her clients and it is clear that this is beyond just a job for her. I am extremely grateful for all that Sahar has helped me achieve, both the black holes I was able to avoid because of her and the leaps I was able to take with her guiding hand."
- Former Client
"Sahar worked in a very patient manner with our son. Her clinical skills were on point and she brought attention to things we overlooked. I would recommend her in a heartbeat!"
- Parent of Former Client
"The first therapist I have ever seen was Sahar. She helped me understand major things about myself, very quickly.
I was surprised and impressed to find these answers in me, and I would not have done it without her skills.
The possibility to work by video also made it very convenient.
- Former International Client
"My 11-month-old son had been suffering with a severe diaper rash for 4 days. I tried everything! From the best diaper rash creams to the best ointments I could find over the counter. I stopped using wipes and was just using warm water to clean him to avoid further irritating the skin but nothing was working. Sahar gave me my miracle treatment! It worked wonders! The best part was that it was natural! I saw a huge difference after applying it just once. She also made suggestions to what I could apply to avoid further infections which has become my daily regimen. Thank you Sahar for helping my little one fight this nasty diaper rash."
- A First-Time Mommy
What Supervisees and Students Say...
"Sahar provided a space which was safe, understanding and extremely helpful regarding our growth as counselors. Being in her group was an incredible experience. She is a wonderful listener, and is able to highlight important lessons through her experience. She is extremely passionate about her work and is able to demonstrate what best practice looks like. She pushes and challenges the group members to learn the most possible through direct experience. Sahar made this past seminar experience incredible. As described, the space she allowed for the group was one that was both safe and comforting and furthermore one in which her students were able to learn valuable lessons regarding the field of counseling"
"Sahar was able to offer us insight on her clinical experience. She pushed us to learn from each other and explore our professional identity. She was a great seminar leader and I feel we were definitely lucky to have her"
"Sahar really provided an inclusive environment for all of us to express ourselves and feel unconditionally supported"
"Sahar regularly shared about the industry from her own experience. She made sure the class is interactive and everyone shares about their experiences. She also made sure that the environment of the class was not very stressful. She asked us very appropriate questions as to where we are developmentally. I was very satisfied with how she approached the class. I liked that there was a balance of exchange of information about the field of counseling and what we personally feel about the field. She made the atmosphere very comfortable to speak"
"Sahar is always supportive and engaging. She offers great feedback and makes seminar enjoyable. She does an amazing job. My classmates and I always comment on how much we love having her"
"Sahar continues to provide a space which is extremely supportive while providing equal and fair time for each student to both express our experiences and receive feedback"
"You have made this past year so incredible. Thank you for being there for us all and showing us and giving us the courage to speak and live our truth"
"Your energy and calm temperament provided the most luxurious safe place to feel empowered to grow, question myself and gain knowledge"
"I really enjoyed group with you. You have a very non-judgemental approach. Thank you for everything"
"Sahar was able to offer us insight on her clinical experience. She pushed us to learn from each other and explore our professional identity. She was a great seminar leader and I feel we were definitely lucky to have her"
"Sahar really provided an inclusive environment for all of us to express ourselves and feel unconditionally supported"
"Sahar regularly shared about the industry from her own experience. She made sure the class is interactive and everyone shares about their experiences. She also made sure that the environment of the class was not very stressful. She asked us very appropriate questions as to where we are developmentally. I was very satisfied with how she approached the class. I liked that there was a balance of exchange of information about the field of counseling and what we personally feel about the field. She made the atmosphere very comfortable to speak"
"Sahar is always supportive and engaging. She offers great feedback and makes seminar enjoyable. She does an amazing job. My classmates and I always comment on how much we love having her"
"Sahar continues to provide a space which is extremely supportive while providing equal and fair time for each student to both express our experiences and receive feedback"
"You have made this past year so incredible. Thank you for being there for us all and showing us and giving us the courage to speak and live our truth"
"Your energy and calm temperament provided the most luxurious safe place to feel empowered to grow, question myself and gain knowledge"
"I really enjoyed group with you. You have a very non-judgemental approach. Thank you for everything"
What Professionals Say...
"I first met Sahar in the interview process for our program. She presented as a confidant and motivated young woman, who was focused on her goal to move into the field of school and mental health counseling. She had an excellent academic record along with work and volunteer experiences that demonstrated her commitment to the field with a variety of counseling oriented positions. Her internships and work experience all highlight her people skills and her ability to multi-task with attention to detail. It was clear, from the first time I met Sahar, that she was a strong fit for our program and someone who would be an asset and leader within her new University of Pennsylvania cohort.
I know that Sahar is continuing to prove us right! As I review her updated resume, I am impressed with the number of trainings and certifications she has completed this year. In her full-time job as a Therapeutic Staff Support, in the school, home and community settings, she has excellent experience in emotional support and behavioral interventions. This integration of mental health support in the schools reflects the core focus of our program. Sahar has experience across the age span that includes knowledge of all the developmental milestones and diagnoses that can create barriers to learning and school success. She is complimenting her work with a Practicum placement, at Devereux Foundation, Brandywine Campus that gives her additional direct service experience with individual clients and groups.
I am happy to share my strong recommendation that Sahar Akhtar will be an asset to your team and would be committed to her work. She has demonstrated strong academic ability in her graduate studies this year maintaining a 4.0 GPA."
- Linda Lucker Leibowitz, M.A.
Co-Director, Executive Program in School and Mental Health Counseling
University of Pennsylvania, Graduate School of Education
"I have had the pleasure of supervising Sahar in a previous internship, which was held from December 2013-May 2014. Sahar has worked as an intern at Devereux CBHS BW RTF, and has had experience in working with children, adolescents, and young adults. She has been an asset in completing and scoring multiple assessments, co-facilitating group therapy, conducting individual therapy sessions, and completing timely documentation. She has a wealth of experience and knowledge that she is willing to share, and asks questions when need be. In my experience with Sahar, I have found a well-rounded and experienced individual who is willing to try new things and learn from her experiences. Sahar is committed to helping others, and growing both professionally and personally. It is for these reasons that I offer high recommendation and reference for Sahar Akhtar."
- Kimberly Henchinski, LPC
Primary Therapist, Devereux Foundation
"Sahar did an excellent job working at CCRES with students who have autism. She is dedicated and always willing to go above to make a difference with challenging students. She will be an asset to any team or school district. I highly recommend her."
- Joe Vailancourt, MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
Director of Human Resources, CCRES Educational and Behavioral Health Staffing
"You've been a huge asset to our program."
- Michelle Weinberg, MEd, BSL, BCBA
Case Specialist, Chester County Intermediate, Home and Community Services
Thank you for your 5.5+ years of dedication with CCRES and the clients we serve!"
- Thuy Yancey, SHRM-CP
Coordinator of Recruitment, CCRES Educational and Behavioral Health
"It is an honor to serve as a professional reference for Sahar Akhtar. I have served as Ms. Akhtar’s Associate Childcare Director here at the YMCA for the last four months. During this time she has proven herself to be independent, motivated and attentive to our children’s needs. Ms. Akhtar was a teacher in our Pre-Kindergarten class. She is a warm and caring individual who was dedicated to the education and personal growth of each child in her class. Ms. Akhtar has excellent classroom management skills and maintains a positive rapport with her co-workers. She connected with even the most challenging students and created an environment conducive to fun and learning. She effectively co-planned and executed lessons based on the core curriculum of our program. Ms. Akhtar showed initiative, determination and a strong work ethic. She has been a wonderful asset to our team and I highly recommend her."
- Bridget McDonald
Associate Childcare Director, Early Learning Center Upper Main Line YMCA
"I had the pleasure of supervising Sahar Akhtar from September 2014 when she began working with me as a School Counselor intern at Beaumont Elementary School until May of 2015. Throughout her time at Beaumont, Sahar demonstrated exceptional professionalism, creativity and sensitivity while working with a diverse group of young students. Sahar quickly learned the roles and responsibilities of an elementary school counselor. She was always eager to learn and shows initiative and interest working with the children, their families and the school staff. Sahar took on a number of small counseling groups focusing on social skills and resiliency. Before each group session, Sahar thoughtfully prepared a lesson considering the needs of the individual students. She is enthusiastic and engaging when working with the children during groups. Sahar was also involved in planning and delivering large group developmental guidance lessons. She designed a unit of career development lessons to meet the needs and interests of children from Kindergarten through third grade. I have been particularly impressed with Sahar's ability to provide individual counseling services to the students. She is able to establish rapport quickly and easily and the children enjoy working with her. Further, she consistently demonstrates empathy and insight when working one on one with students."
- Judith Root, M.S.Ed
School Counselor, Beaumont Elementary School
"Sahar Akhtar served as a secondary school counseling intern at Great Valley High School during the 2015-16 school year. Great Valley High School is a comprehensive public high school with an enrollment of approximately 1250 students in grades 9 through 12 and is located in Chester County, PA. For the class of 2014, approximately 91% of Great Valley High School graduates continued in a program of higher education. Approximately 84% enrolled in 4-year colleges and 7% enrolled in 1 and 2-year colleges. Sahar attended her placement at our school for 1-2 school days a week from September through April.
Throughout her time at Great Valley Sahar was able to observe and participate in a variety of situations. Early fall Sahar sat in with each counselor during our "senior meetings. These meetings are designed to assist students in executing the final steps or determining the path for their post-secondary plans. She had exposure to students researching and applying to colleges, ranging from community college to state schools, private schools and highly selective schools, students researching and applying to technical programs and some students who were just unsure. Subjects such as testing, fee waivers, deciding a major, documentation status and NCAA eligibility were discussed. In addition to observing our interactions with students, Sahar met individually with approximately ten seniors to assist them in the application and/or scholarship process.
In addition to "senior meetings" Sahar has observed meetings with each of the other classes. These meetings vary based on grade level but tend to focus on the individual students' well-being, academic progress and post-secondary and career goals. Several of the "junior meetings" that Sahar observed were attended by family members of the student.
Sahar had exposure to our Special Education and 504 programming. In addition to attending a 504 and IEP meeting Sahar conducted several observations of students for our multidisciplinary evaluations. An observation would last 30-45 minutes and Sahar was responsible for recording interactions of the student who was being evaluated in relation to the classroom activities. Several times she was responsible for monitoring the amount of time a student was or was not on task.
Over the course of the school year Sahar had a variety of other experiences. She met individually with close to ten students on topics such as: academic success, attendance, coping skills and social situations. She observed our Child Find and Student Assistance Program team meetings. She witnessed the loss of a current student and monitored a "drop in center" for grieving students alongside other counseling and social work employees.
Sahar has had exposure to multiple facets of a high school counselor. In addition to her other experiences and her research Sahar has gained quite a bit of knowledge throughout the year."
- Carrie A. Kane
School Counselor, Great Valley High School
"I managed Sahar for two years in my capacity as Key Account Manager at PFL. Based on her work, I would rank her as one of the best managers I have ever worked with. I found her to be consistently pleasant, tackling all assignments with dedication, and a smile. Sahar is a take-charge person who is able to present creative ideas and implement them.
She is a very motivated individual, a great team player, and would be a great asset to any organization."
- Faiq Abbasi
Key Accounts Manager, Preparation For Life (PFL), Education Consultancy
I know that Sahar is continuing to prove us right! As I review her updated resume, I am impressed with the number of trainings and certifications she has completed this year. In her full-time job as a Therapeutic Staff Support, in the school, home and community settings, she has excellent experience in emotional support and behavioral interventions. This integration of mental health support in the schools reflects the core focus of our program. Sahar has experience across the age span that includes knowledge of all the developmental milestones and diagnoses that can create barriers to learning and school success. She is complimenting her work with a Practicum placement, at Devereux Foundation, Brandywine Campus that gives her additional direct service experience with individual clients and groups.
I am happy to share my strong recommendation that Sahar Akhtar will be an asset to your team and would be committed to her work. She has demonstrated strong academic ability in her graduate studies this year maintaining a 4.0 GPA."
- Linda Lucker Leibowitz, M.A.
Co-Director, Executive Program in School and Mental Health Counseling
University of Pennsylvania, Graduate School of Education
"I have had the pleasure of supervising Sahar in a previous internship, which was held from December 2013-May 2014. Sahar has worked as an intern at Devereux CBHS BW RTF, and has had experience in working with children, adolescents, and young adults. She has been an asset in completing and scoring multiple assessments, co-facilitating group therapy, conducting individual therapy sessions, and completing timely documentation. She has a wealth of experience and knowledge that she is willing to share, and asks questions when need be. In my experience with Sahar, I have found a well-rounded and experienced individual who is willing to try new things and learn from her experiences. Sahar is committed to helping others, and growing both professionally and personally. It is for these reasons that I offer high recommendation and reference for Sahar Akhtar."
- Kimberly Henchinski, LPC
Primary Therapist, Devereux Foundation
"Sahar did an excellent job working at CCRES with students who have autism. She is dedicated and always willing to go above to make a difference with challenging students. She will be an asset to any team or school district. I highly recommend her."
- Joe Vailancourt, MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
Director of Human Resources, CCRES Educational and Behavioral Health Staffing
"You've been a huge asset to our program."
- Michelle Weinberg, MEd, BSL, BCBA
Case Specialist, Chester County Intermediate, Home and Community Services
Thank you for your 5.5+ years of dedication with CCRES and the clients we serve!"
- Thuy Yancey, SHRM-CP
Coordinator of Recruitment, CCRES Educational and Behavioral Health
"It is an honor to serve as a professional reference for Sahar Akhtar. I have served as Ms. Akhtar’s Associate Childcare Director here at the YMCA for the last four months. During this time she has proven herself to be independent, motivated and attentive to our children’s needs. Ms. Akhtar was a teacher in our Pre-Kindergarten class. She is a warm and caring individual who was dedicated to the education and personal growth of each child in her class. Ms. Akhtar has excellent classroom management skills and maintains a positive rapport with her co-workers. She connected with even the most challenging students and created an environment conducive to fun and learning. She effectively co-planned and executed lessons based on the core curriculum of our program. Ms. Akhtar showed initiative, determination and a strong work ethic. She has been a wonderful asset to our team and I highly recommend her."
- Bridget McDonald
Associate Childcare Director, Early Learning Center Upper Main Line YMCA
"I had the pleasure of supervising Sahar Akhtar from September 2014 when she began working with me as a School Counselor intern at Beaumont Elementary School until May of 2015. Throughout her time at Beaumont, Sahar demonstrated exceptional professionalism, creativity and sensitivity while working with a diverse group of young students. Sahar quickly learned the roles and responsibilities of an elementary school counselor. She was always eager to learn and shows initiative and interest working with the children, their families and the school staff. Sahar took on a number of small counseling groups focusing on social skills and resiliency. Before each group session, Sahar thoughtfully prepared a lesson considering the needs of the individual students. She is enthusiastic and engaging when working with the children during groups. Sahar was also involved in planning and delivering large group developmental guidance lessons. She designed a unit of career development lessons to meet the needs and interests of children from Kindergarten through third grade. I have been particularly impressed with Sahar's ability to provide individual counseling services to the students. She is able to establish rapport quickly and easily and the children enjoy working with her. Further, she consistently demonstrates empathy and insight when working one on one with students."
- Judith Root, M.S.Ed
School Counselor, Beaumont Elementary School
"Sahar Akhtar served as a secondary school counseling intern at Great Valley High School during the 2015-16 school year. Great Valley High School is a comprehensive public high school with an enrollment of approximately 1250 students in grades 9 through 12 and is located in Chester County, PA. For the class of 2014, approximately 91% of Great Valley High School graduates continued in a program of higher education. Approximately 84% enrolled in 4-year colleges and 7% enrolled in 1 and 2-year colleges. Sahar attended her placement at our school for 1-2 school days a week from September through April.
Throughout her time at Great Valley Sahar was able to observe and participate in a variety of situations. Early fall Sahar sat in with each counselor during our "senior meetings. These meetings are designed to assist students in executing the final steps or determining the path for their post-secondary plans. She had exposure to students researching and applying to colleges, ranging from community college to state schools, private schools and highly selective schools, students researching and applying to technical programs and some students who were just unsure. Subjects such as testing, fee waivers, deciding a major, documentation status and NCAA eligibility were discussed. In addition to observing our interactions with students, Sahar met individually with approximately ten seniors to assist them in the application and/or scholarship process.
In addition to "senior meetings" Sahar has observed meetings with each of the other classes. These meetings vary based on grade level but tend to focus on the individual students' well-being, academic progress and post-secondary and career goals. Several of the "junior meetings" that Sahar observed were attended by family members of the student.
Sahar had exposure to our Special Education and 504 programming. In addition to attending a 504 and IEP meeting Sahar conducted several observations of students for our multidisciplinary evaluations. An observation would last 30-45 minutes and Sahar was responsible for recording interactions of the student who was being evaluated in relation to the classroom activities. Several times she was responsible for monitoring the amount of time a student was or was not on task.
Over the course of the school year Sahar had a variety of other experiences. She met individually with close to ten students on topics such as: academic success, attendance, coping skills and social situations. She observed our Child Find and Student Assistance Program team meetings. She witnessed the loss of a current student and monitored a "drop in center" for grieving students alongside other counseling and social work employees.
Sahar has had exposure to multiple facets of a high school counselor. In addition to her other experiences and her research Sahar has gained quite a bit of knowledge throughout the year."
- Carrie A. Kane
School Counselor, Great Valley High School
"I managed Sahar for two years in my capacity as Key Account Manager at PFL. Based on her work, I would rank her as one of the best managers I have ever worked with. I found her to be consistently pleasant, tackling all assignments with dedication, and a smile. Sahar is a take-charge person who is able to present creative ideas and implement them.
She is a very motivated individual, a great team player, and would be a great asset to any organization."
- Faiq Abbasi
Key Accounts Manager, Preparation For Life (PFL), Education Consultancy