About Me
The Social Worker
Hi! I am Sumaiya Matin. I have a Master in Social Work and am currently a Master of Fine Arts (Creative Writing) candidate. I have extensive experience working with people from a wide range of racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds, and at different levels of intervention--systemic, community, and clinical. I have also worked with different age populations, from school-aged children (age 5 and up) to seniors, individuals and couples. Settings I have worked include community housing, community health centers, shelters, hospitals, schools, government, and private practice.
I have worked on government social service and inclusion related policies, grassroots community organizing/education projects, mental health, social work education and immigration/newcomer related research, and clinical work.
More recently, I completed Level 1 and 2 of Traditionally Islamically Integrated Psychotherapy certification with the Khalil Center, specializing my work with the Muslim population. In the recent two years, I worked extensively with college and university students on navigating issues inside and outside their academic learning environments. I have also worked on supporting clients navigating court cases, including report writing to support trials. When working with adults and young children, I enjoy utilizing expressive arts, particularly journal therapy, narrative exposure therapy, and other writing exercises to access deeper experiences and explore narratives.
Through my varied experiences in different settings, working with different populations, and using a range of approaches, I have been carving out my own unique, ecclectic approach to working with clients. My perspective is holistic and grounded in the philosophy of seeking rootedness in one's rooh (soul), defining and refining the values that help you connect to the you that feels most authentic, genuine, tranquil. It is a privilege to work with others, and I am passionate about supporting others to connect to their own inner empowerment.
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If you would like to learn more and/work together, please book a free consultation.
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The Writer
Although I have been a writer of nonfiction and fiction my whole life, it is only recently that I published a literary coming-of-age memoir (see The Shaytan Bride) and gained the courage to seek publishing opportunities. All this to say, I am new to the literary landscape and on this site, you'll see all my ongoing endeavours to read, express, write, observe. Nerd out on craft. I consider this corner of the internet a space to share and engage, a little contained gallery of sorts where I hope you'll stop by for a conversation.
If like my writing style or interests and would like to collaborate on a project or just want to chat, feel free to email me or send an Instagram message @sumaiya.matin