People often say that this or that person has not yet found himself. But the self is not something one finds, it is something one creates.
Samara Al-Omaishi
Samara Al-Omaishi, M.A. (she/her) is a therapist-in-training pursuing her doctorate in clinical psychology at Adler University. Samara enjoys building a strong therapeutic alliance with her clients through the use of kindness, compassion, humor, empathy, and validation. Samara strives to take a strength-based approach with her clients while integrating culturally-informed, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and psychodynamic approaches into her work. Samara views the client as the expert in inducing change and promoting growth with the therapist present to support this process. As a first generation Iraqi-Canadian, Samara strives to serve those undergoing big transitions as adjustment is often a salient stressor for many. Samara has a special interest in working with adolescents, emerging adults, adults, couples, and families as they navigate life transitions, challenges, and relationships in their lives. Samara is interested in supporting those navigating concerns related to: Immigration/Acculturation, Life Transitions, Anxiety, Depression, Gender, Sexuality, Identity Development, Peer Relationships, Family Dynamics, Parent Support, Stress, and Trauma.
Education and Credentials
University of British Columbia – Vancouver
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
Major in Biology, Minor in Psychology, 2020
Adler University – Chicago (APA Accredited)
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, 2023
Doctorate of Clinical Psychology Program, 3rd year
Trauma is not what happens to you. Trauma is what happens inside of you as a result of what happened to you.
Dr. Gabor Maté
It is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change.
Queen Elizabeth II
Happiness is the only thing that multiplies when you share it.
Albert Schweitzer
What do you like to do when you are not working? What do you do for fun?
When I’m not working, I enjoy baking, reading, watching TV series, and hanging out with friends. I am relatively new to the Chicagoland area and am still eager to explore all that this wonderful city has to offer! Seeking out new restaurants, live music shows, comedy clubs, and nature spots is exciting to me; I am always open to new recommendations!
What are you excited about? What is your passion? What do you want to learn more about?
I’m excited to learn and grow through this process of being a therapist, and through watching my clients learn and grow. I believe that self-actualization requires the support of others, and that it is a contagious journey. That is, witnessing the growth of others propels your own growth.
I’m also looking forward to unlocking my client’s full potential and resiliency through talk therapy. I believe that everyone is resilient, and it is simply a matter of unlocking this capacity through unconditional support, empathy, and encouragement.
