Samara Al-Omaishi, MA
Samara Al-Omaishi, MA (she/her), is a clinical psychotherapist with a focus on depression, anxiety, disordered eating, identity development, life transition stress, and trauma. Samara has her Masters in clinical psychology and is in her fourth year of pursuing her doctoral degree. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in strength-based practices, integrating culturally-informed, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and psychodynamic methods tailored to each individual's specific needs. As a first-generation Iraqi-Canadian, Samara is committed to helping individuals navigate significant life adjustments, recognizing these transitions as profound stressors.
Central to Samara's practice is fostering a strong therapeutic alliance characterized by kindness, compassion, humor, empathy, and validation. She values her clients as the experts of their own experiences, collaborating with them to explore how her expertise in clinical psychology can support their personal growth and well-being. Samara works with emerging adults, adults, couples, and families, providing guidance through life's challenges, relationship dynamics, and transitions. Samara's clinical interests encompass a range of issues including gender and sexuality concerns, identity development, peer and family relationships, stress management, as well as complex and acute trauma.
Fluent French, Intermediate Arabic
EDUCATION
Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D) August 2021– Present, Adler University Chicago, Illinois
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Clinical Psychology August 2021 – August 2023, Adler University Chicago, Illinois
Student Exchange Program, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Biology, Minor in Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
Psychotherapist Doctoral Extern August 2023 – June 2024, Centered Therapy Chicago, Chicago, IL
• Provide long-term, trauma-informed weekly therapy for 15+ clients using the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM)
• Work as part of an integrative team with clinical psychologists, social workers, pediatric therapists and couples counselors to gain a comprehensive view of patient cases
• Attend weekly didactic trainings focused on countertransference, ethics, and diversity
• Attend monthly professional development and networking events from specialized psychologists and mental health allies in the community
• Participate in outreach projects to extend therapy resources to college students in the Chicagoland area
• Create professional development presentation on working with Arab/Middle Eastern clients as part of Centered Therapy Chicago’s Training Center
Psychometrician Doctoral Extern July 2022 – July 2023, Afg Guidance Center, Kennilworth, IL
• Worked as part of an integrative team with psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, neuropsychologists, and behavioral therapists to gain a comprehensive view of patient cases
• Conducted neuropsychological assessments for patients of all ages, focusing on ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and mood disorders
• Attended weekly didactic trainings focused on assessment administration and scoring, report writing, medication, and therapeutic interventions
Social Justice Practicum Extern October 2021– July 2022, Syrian Community Network, Chicago, IL
• Organized and led Online Homework Room for refugee and immigrant youth to enhance their academic skills and confidence through individualized tutoring
• Led workshops for staff and clients on mental health in compromised communities, impact of intergenerational trauma on refugees from the Middle East
Support Group Facilitator May – December 2019, Mood Disorders Association of British Columbia (MDABC), Vancouver, BC
• Completed support group facilitator certification course
• Led 4-8 membered support groups specific to women’s issues, PTSD, self-compassion, and mood disorders
• Served under the supervision of Dr. Ron Remick, MD, head of psychiatry at the University of British Columbia
rTMS Therapist May – December 2019, Mood Disorders Association of British Columbia (MDABC) Vancouver, BC
• Carried out repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) on patients suffering from Major Depressive Disorder
Behavioral Therapist, Lifespan Behavioral Health, Chicago, IL
• Provide evidence-based treatments (EBTs) in psychotherapy for individuals across the lifespan struggling with behavioral and mood disorders
• Work as part of an integrative team with clients’ teachers, parents, physicians, and psychiatrists to provide the highest level of care
Residential Supervisor August 2020 – August 2021, Ivy Street School, Brookline MA
• Oversaw and participated in detailed implementation of specialized treatment goals for adolescents and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, neurodevelopmental disorders, traumatic brain injury, and mental health diagnoses
• Planned and implemented scheduled programming, and maintained safety
• Completed Medication Administration training and dispensed medications to students per program policy.
• Provided weekly supervision to Residential Counselors as they assisted and instructed students in activities of daily living, recreational planning and meal preparation.
• Participated in crisis intervention, including verbal and physical management of dangerous behaviors in accordance with program policies
CERTIFICATIONS
Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) Training August 2020
Red Cross Adult First Aid/CPR/AED Training August 2020
Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans Course on Research Ethics May 2019
(TCPS 2: CORE)
MDABC Support Group Facilitator Certification May 2019