Abdullahi believes that people have varying life experiences, circumstances, and reactions. For some, riding a bicycle represents thrill and learning; for others, it is a painful and frightening rite of passage. When presented with a difficult moment of crisis or sadness, some people are able to seek help while others are unaware of the need to seek help or may be hesitant to ask for help. We need to appreciate that asking for help, especially professional help, is a paramount step towards healing. It can take some time to acknowledge the integral value of seeking counselling in a safe space to express your emotions and be heard without judgement. Having that space allows you to share your challenges and struggles. Knowing your information stays confidential is key to healing and allows you to achieve a greater sense of self-awareness.
The exploratory process of counselling not only aids you to understand subtle and often unnoticed emotions, but it also helps you to learn how to manage uncomfortable feelings more effectively. In fact, therapy strengthens the skills of thinking and self-realization to work through alleviating distress and improve overall well-being. Moreover, the confidential and non-judgemental relationship formed through counselling helps you to make change, heal, and strive to overcome distress.
With a foundation of over ten years’ experience working with refugees, underprivileged and low-income individuals and families, immigrants, international students, and young adults, Abdullahi approaches counselling through the cultural milieu lens that reflects our diversity. He approaches therapeutic process holistically by focusing on the mind, body, and spirit of the whole person. Similarly, Abdullahi is aware of the environmental stressors that affect our comfort, well-being, and energy to function well in daily life.
Abdullahi is a Registered Social Worker with a Bachelor of Social Work, Honours Post-Degree, Bachelor of Arts, Sociology Honours and Master of Social Work from York University. He has completed Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Level I and am currently completing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Trauma Level II.
Abdullahi specializes in issues of diversity and mental health, such as anxiety, depression, culture shock, acculturation, trauma (pre-migration, migration, and post-migration), re-traumatization, violence, and bicultural stress. From an anti-oppressive framework, Abdullahi applies a holistic lens to individuals with whom he works while making use of the following client-centred therapeutic techniques: solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), motivational interviewing (MI), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and trauma-informed care (TIC). Abdullahi is passionate about working with post secondary students, newcomer families and couples, refugees, and marginalized youth. Abdullahi is fluent in Somali and has working knowledge of Arabic and Swahili.
