Virtual services available throughout Virginia and Massachusetts
Anxiety and Trauma therapy for BIPOC adults in Richmond, VA
Culturally attuned care that welcomes your story
Therapy for the eldest daughters, parentified children, perfectionists, and people pleasers
Your entire life, you've heard things like "what will people say" or "you have to work twice as hard to get half as far". You are someone others lean on, the one they expect to have it all together. You're good at what you do; excelling in your field, putting out fires, and taking care of everyone else's needs.
Things look great on paper, but inside something just doesn't feel right.
You feel anxious, down, irritable, or on edge. It's hard to feel present. Your body is tired of holding it all together. You feel overwhelmed, stuck in the mud, and wonder how you got here.
Water Lily Counseling invites you to slow down in therapy and finally put yourself first. We'll work on easing out of constant anxiety and survival mode into feeling safe in your body again. You'll learn tools to navigate difficult emotions, feel confident in your ability to set boundaries without guilt, learn to say no, and navigate conflict effectively. We are here to help you find your footing during life’s muddiest moments and continue blooming through it all.
Maybe this sounds familiar:
You're the first in your family to go to college, build a career, achieve financial stability, or be granted opportunities that your parents never had a chance to. You understand the sacrifices they made to help you get here, but you are also faced with carrying the weight and pressure that comes with.
You may have been forced into adult roles while still a child. From translating documents, filling out serious forms, managing money, or mediating family conflict long before you were ready. Maybe you learned that praise comes from being of service to others, and that "being good" meant dismissing needs of your own. Rest feels like laziness. Saying no feels like betrayal. Making a mistake feels unsafe.
Now as an adult, you may notice:
- You feel anxious, down, irritable, or on edge, even when nothing is "wrong".
- You can't relax without guilt and it's hard to feel present in your own life.
- You say yes when you mean no, then feel resentful and exhausted.
- Your achievements never feel like enough, and the goalpost keeps moving.
- You feel caught between two worlds, never fully fitting into either.
- Your body is tired of holding it all together.
Meet Your Richmond, VA Anxiety and Trauma Therapist
Sabiha Zaman, LCSW, LICSW. Therapist licensed in Virginia and Massachusetts
Hi, I'm Sabiha and I'm excited to meet you!
I believe in cycle breakers. You don't have to suffer in silence or repeat unhealthy intergenerational patterns. You deserve to be loved and seen for you, and not based on what you achieve or do for others. Your emotions matter. You are allowed to set boundaries. You don't have to keep performing. You can choose yourself.
As a first generation South Asian American, I know what it's like to navigate the challenges many of us face in our day to day. It can be confusing when you care deeply about your culture, values, and loved ones, but also find yourself wondering if some of the patterns and expectations may be hurting you.
I help adults navigate anxiety and trauma through a lens of cultural humility so they feel seen, safe, and empowered to break unhelpful patterns and manage uncomfortable emotions. If that sounds like something you're ready to do, please reach out to schedule a free consultation.
Begin Your Healing Journey
Managing Anxiety
LGBTQIA+ Affirming Care
Managing Anxiety
Let's work together to help you find relief from endless worry and overthinking, perfectionism, people pleasing, and more. Learn to manage your symptoms today.
Heal from Trauma
LGBTQIA+ Affirming Care
Managing Anxiety
Understand how trauma can show up in your emotions, relationships, and body, and learn how to start feeling safe again.
You don't have to do this alone.
LGBTQIA+ Affirming Care
LGBTQIA+ Affirming Care
LGBTQIA+ Affirming Care
Show up as your authentic self in a space that welcomes and embraces you. Water Lily Counseling is an ally to the community and offers unconditional support.
Couples Therapy
LGBTQIA+ Affirming Care
LGBTQIA+ Affirming Care
Let's work together to help you understand the cycles you're in, learn how to de-escalate conflict, and repair and reconnect to feel like you're on the same team again.
Ready to take the next steps?
If you want to make a change, let's work through this together.
- Book a free consultation call
I offer all prospective clients a free 15-30 minute telehealth call so that you can ask any questions about what therapy can look like, to make sure we are a good fit, or anything else that would help you feel comfortable in working together. - Schedule your first session
During our consult, we will discuss logistics such as scheduling a time that works best for you. Sessions are virtual to offer as much comfort and flexibility as possible. Most clients book weekly or biweekly sessions. - Work towards your goals
We will work together in our sessions to learn more about patterns you may feel stuck in and how to unwind them. You will be equipped with tools to help navigate anxiety, trauma, or other unique stressors. We will help you feel more like your ideal self and living life for you.