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Ban, LLP

Welcome, I Am Really Glad You Are Here

Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and landing on this page means you’re already moving toward something better for yourself. Life gets overwhelming, relationships get complicated, and sometimes we just feel stuck. If you’ve been navigating trauma, depression, anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, grief, or simply the sense that you’ve lost your center, you’re not alone. You don’t have to sort through all of that alone.

My role at Niyama Center is to offer a calm, supportive space where you can talk openly, feel understood, and begin making sense of what’s been weighing on you. Together, we’ll explore what’s happening in your life, what you need, and what will help you feel more grounded and in control again.

What Therapy Looks Like…

When you start therapy, you’ll notice that I don’t pressure you to talk before you’re ready. Conversation unfolds naturally, at your pace. Many clients are surprised by how quickly they begin to feel a sense of relief — the comfort of being heard, understood, and validated in a space that feels safe and steady. There’s room for silence, reflection, and even laughter as we build trust and connection.

When you begin therapy with me, you’ll notice that our sessions feel real and human — not clinical or rushed. You’ll have space to speak freely, pause when you need to, and even laugh as we find moments of lightness together. My role is to offer honest, unbiased feedback — the kind you may not always get from family or friends who want to protect your feelings.

Over time, things start to click. You begin to see patterns more clearly, understand yourself more deeply, and feel a sense of relief knowing you’re finally making sense of what’s been hard to carry. Therapy isn’t always easy. Sometimes it means revisiting painful memories or emotions you’ve kept buried. But you won’t face them alone — I’ll guide you through the process with compassion and steadiness. Each session builds trust and clarity, helping you move toward healing at your own pace.

 

Working Together…

Most of my clients tell me they actually look forward to therapy because they know they’re not carrying the burden alone anymore. When you sit down across from me — whether in person or virtually — you’ll feel a sense of calm and focus. The space is steady, supportive, and real. We talk openly about what’s been weighing on you, and you’ll start to notice that clarity comes from being heard and understood. You’ll get honest feedback, not just comfort, and together we’ll find practical ways to move forward.

I often assign small pieces of homework — reflections, journaling, or mindful practices — to help you stay focused and keep the work alive between sessions. Each time we meet, you’ll leave with something meaningful: a new insight, a sense of relief, or a step toward change. Therapy with me is about progress that feels tangible and personal — the kind that reminds you you’re not just coping, you’re growing.

As we continue working together, you’ll start to notice real changes — not just in how you think, but in how you feel and respond to life. The anxiety and heaviness that once felt constant begin to ease. You’ll find yourself using new coping tools, feeling more confident, and approaching challenges with clarity and calm. Whether you’re navigating family dynamics, marital stress, social pressures, or work-related concerns, you’ll feel more equipped to handle them with balance and self-assurance.

Over time, therapy becomes a space you look forward to — a place to reflect, reset, and keep building on the progress you’ve made. Each session adds another layer of insight and strength. You’ll leave feeling lighter, more grounded, and more connected to yourself, knowing that the work you’re doing is creating lasting change.

Finding Your Way Forward…

In today’s world, it can be hard to feel truly heard or accepted. Many people spend their days trying to fit in, meet expectations, or keep up appearances — often losing touch with who they really are. Through therapy, you’ll begin to gain confidence in being your own person and finding peace within yourself. Sometimes it’s okay to be different; other times, you may feel ready to make changes and explore new parts of your life.

My work helps you recognize what feels authentic and what needs to shift. Together, we focus on building self-acceptance, clarity, and the courage to create the kind of life that feels right for you. Transformation doesn’t mean becoming someone else — it means becoming more fully yourself, with the confidence to move through the world feeling grounded, capable, and genuinely happy.

My work gets to the heart of what’s keeping you stuck. We don’t stay on the surface or spend time talking about things that don’t matter to you. From the very first sessions, I focus on uncovering the underlying issues — the patterns, beliefs, and experiences that have left you feeling lost, unhappy, or disconnected. Together, we identify what’s really driving those feelings so you can begin to understand and change them.

Clients often tell me they appreciate how focused and practical our work feels. You’ll gain clarity about what’s been holding you back and start seeing real progress — emotionally, mentally, and in your relationships. This process helps you rebuild confidence, find direction, and feel a genuine sense of belonging again. Therapy with me isn’t just about talking; it’s about transformation that lasts.

My work helps you gain insight and awareness into what’s really driving your emotions and behaviors. Together, we identify and challenge the negative thoughts that fuel anxiety, depression, and self-doubt. As you begin to understand yourself more clearly, those thoughts lose their power — and you start to feel lighter, calmer, and more in control.

Through this process, you’ll develop healthier coping skills and a stronger sense of confidence. You’ll learn how to respond to life’s challenges with clarity instead of fear and how to create balance between your inner world and the demands around you. Over time, you’ll notice that you’re not just managing symptoms — you’re transforming the way you think, feel, and live.

As we move forward, you’ll develop practical tools that fit your life — ways to ground yourself when stress hits, to speak up when boundaries are crossed, and to respond to challenges with clarity instead of fear. The transformation isn’t dramatic or forced; it’s steady and real. You’ll begin to feel like yourself again — confident, capable, and ready to live with more peace and purpose.

About Me

My Vision In Life…

My mission in life is simple: to help people rediscover their strength and their right to live fully. I’ve always believed that people are inherently good — that even when life feels messy or painful, there’s a core of resilience waiting to be uncovered. My passion lies in giving others the chance to see that goodness in themselves again.

Through therapy, I help clients find clarity, confidence, and connection — not by fixing them, but by walking beside them as they learn to trust their own voice. Everyone deserves a chance to feel whole, to heal, and to create a life that feels meaningful. That’s the work that drives me every day.

My path to becoming a therapist began through my own experiences of pain and transformation. After migrating from Iraq to the United States in 1975, I had to leave behind everything familiar — my language, my culture, and my sense of belonging. Starting over was difficult, but it taught me strength, empathy, and the value of human connection. Later, surviving an abusive marriage and navigating life’s challenges deepened my understanding of what it means to heal and rebuild.

Those experiences shaped not only who I am, but how I work. They gave me a genuine appreciation for people’s stories and the courage it takes to change. I’m fascinated by human behavior and the ways we adapt, grow, and find meaning even in hardship. I don’t rush to judge — I listen, I learn, and I help others find their own way forward. Every person I meet reminds me that healing is possible and that compassion can turn pain into purpose.

Education and training…

I received my Master of Arts degree from the Michigan School of Professional Psychology in 2003 after receiving my undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan. I have been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR).

My Experience…

I have had the privilege of working with couples and adults through many stages of life and relationships. My experience includes premarital counseling, marriage therapy, trauma recovery, anxiety management, and parenting support. I’ve also conducted psychological evaluations for juveniles and for parents who have lost custody of their children — helping families navigate some of the most difficult transitions with care and clarity.

Therapy Approaches…

In my work, I draw from several evidence-based approaches to help clients heal and grow. Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), we identify and challenge the negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety, depression, and self-doubt — replacing them with healthier, more balanced ways of thinking. Through EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), I help clients process trauma and painful memories so they can move forward without being held back by the past.

I also integrate DAP (Developmental and Attachment-based Psychotherapy) and Couples Therapy to strengthen emotional awareness and relationship dynamics. These methods allow clients to understand themselves and their partners more deeply, rebuild trust, and communicate with clarity and compassion. Each approach is tailored to your unique needs, creating a therapeutic experience that feels personal, effective, and transformative.

 

When I am not giving therapy…

When I’m not in session, I love spending time with my four grandchildren — they keep me laughing and remind me what joy and curiosity look like. I also enjoy cooking Middle Eastern dishes and sharing them with others; feeding people is one of my favorite ways to show care. Hosting friends, traveling, and having game nights bring me a sense of connection and fun that balances the deep emotional work I do every day.

Those moments of laughter, family, and good food are what keep me grounded. They remind me that healing isn’t just about therapy — it’s also about community, love, and the simple pleasures that make life meaningful.

My goal for our work together…

My goal is to make therapy a space where you feel safe, understood, and genuinely supported. I want you to walk away from each session feeling lighter, clearer, and more empowered to face life with confidence. Therapy isn’t just about talking — it’s about discovering your strength, finding peace, and learning how to live with purpose and joy.

If you’ve been searching for a place to heal, grow, and reconnect with yourself, this is it. Together, we’ll uncover what’s been holding you back and help you move toward the life you’ve always wanted — one that feels calm, authentic, and truly yours.

 

Call me today for an intake appointment. (248) 962-3329