Interview with Sumaiyah Cummings, MSW: A Passion for Human Connection and Mental Health Advocacy

By Tiffany Todd, LSW

Sumaiyah’s interests and specialties include: dating coaching, premarital counseling, perinatal mental health, regulating emotions/DBT, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), depression, anxiety, young adult life transitions, relationship issues, conflict resolution, and Bi-cultural identity/bi-national identity/1st gen concerns

We sat down with Sumaiyah Cummings, MSW, a dedicated and compassionate psychotherapist, to explore her journey into the world of mental health and mental health advocacy. Sumaiyah shares her experiences and insights, from the profound connections she has made with clients to the invaluable lessons she has learned along the way. 

We delve into her favorite therapeutic practices, the importance of mindfulness, and the unique challenges and rewards of working in perinatal mental health. 

Sumaiyah also discusses her passion for supporting diverse populations, particularly within the Muslim community, and her involvement with Project Taqwa, an organization dedicated to breaking down mental health stigmas. 

Join us as we get to know Sumaiyah and gain a deeper understanding of her commitment to fostering human connection and promoting mental well-being.

IVPC: What do you like most about being a therapist? What’s your favorite part so far?

Sumaiyah Cummings: My favorite part has been meeting so many different types of people. During my last internship, I worked with moms who had very different life experiences from mine. I was able to connect with them on a deep level, and it made me appreciate people’s stories and their life experiences more. This work allows me to see people as individuals with full life stories, not just as faces in the crowd. It’s given me a greater appreciation for human life and a lot more humility to respect everyone’s respective journeys.

IVPC: That’s beautiful. I completely relate to that. Each person is so unique based on their life experiences. It’s truly a gift to connect with others and understand how interconnected we are.

Sumaiyah Cummings: Absolutely. If we give each other the chance to talk and share the same space, we’ll see how connected we are. Unfortunately, we often operate so separately, which makes it hard to see that level of humanity in each other.

IVPC: What can clients expect when working with you?

Sumaiyah Cummings: Clients can expect a client-centered approach where they take the lead in our sessions. I tailor each session to the individual’s needs, personality, and learning style. Whether a session involves more talking from them or guidance from me, I ensure that the client’s needs are the focus. If a client doesn’t know what they want to talk about, I’m ready to take the lead and guide the session based on their cues.

IVPC: That’s a great approach. It’s important to meet clients where they are. What are your areas of expertise, and what should people know about them?

Sumaiyah Cummings: Although I’m recently out of grad school, I have extensive training in perinatal mental health. I worked at a perinatal mental health private practice during my last internship, helping clients with postpartum anxiety and OCD. This area of mental health carries a lot of taboos and shame, but it’s important for people to know they are not alone. Seeking support is crucial, and understanding that many women go through similar experiences can help reduce the isolation they feel.

IVPC: Are there any specific areas you’re passionate about or want to explore further?

Sumaiyah Cummings: Besides perinatal mental health, I’m interested in working with first-generation individuals or children of immigrants, focusing on bicultural or binational identity issues. I’m also drawn to early marriage counseling and dating coaching within the Muslim community. I want to explore various areas to broaden my expertise and meet the diverse needs of my clients.

IVPC: That’s wonderful. What would you tell someone considering therapy for the first time?

Sumaiyah Cummings: Start therapy when you’re ready. There’s no rush, and internal motivation is crucial for sustaining therapy. Don’t feel pressured by external factors. Also, remember that choosing the right therapist is in your hands. It’s important to find a good fit, and it’s okay to change therapists if necessary. The therapeutic relationship is key to long-lasting change.

IVPC: What do you wish people knew about seeking mental health treatment?

Sumaiyah Cummings: Seeking help isn’t shameful or embarrassing. It doesn’t make you weak; in fact, it’s quite the opposite. It’s a powerful decision to prioritize yourself and recognize when you need extra support. A therapist isn’t there to tell you what to do but to help you explore and understand yourself better.

IVPC: Do you have a personal mantra or quote that guides you?

Sumaiyah Cummings: Yes, an Islamic quote: “With hardship comes ease.” It’s grounding for me because it reminds me that difficult times are temporary and that there’s always light at the end of the tunnel. Life is a mix of ups and downs, and understanding this helps with self-improvement and growth.

IVPC: How do you stay motivated and inspired in your work as a therapist?

Sumaiyah Cummings: Being a continuous learner keeps me motivated. As a recent grad, I’m still adjusting to not being in school, but being a therapist means I’m always learning and growing. I can always do more trainings, read more, and learn from my clients. This journey never stops, and that’s very motivating for me.

IVPC: Tell us more about Project Taqwa. What is it, and what role do you play in it?

Sumaiyah Cummings: Project Taqwa is a Muslim mental health advocacy organization aiming to improve access to mental health care in the Muslim community and break down stigma. We work in colleges, mosques, and community spaces to bring awareness to various mental health topics. I’m personally involved in our podcast, where we discuss different topics from a faith-based perspective. It’s a fulfilling way to spread awareness and support my community.

IVPC: That’s amazing work. Finally, how do you balance your personal and professional life?

Sumaiyah Cummings: It’s a challenge, but I try to prioritize and split my time between work, personal projects like Project Taqwa, and my personal life. It’s important to give time to yourself and not let your needs get lost in the mix. Self-care is about maintaining that balance and ensuring you don’t lose yourself in the process.

IVPC: What resources or self-help tools do you recommend?

Sumaiyah Cummings: I love recommending mindfulness-based tools. I was first exposed to mindfulness during grad school, and I immediately incorporated it into my everyday life. It’s easily accessible and easy to apply. I also recommend somatic-based grounding exercises, like holding an ice cube or splashing cold water on your face. These can be very helpful and are simple to integrate into daily life.

IVPC: Great recommendations. I agree, somatic work can be so effective.

IVPC: What role does self-care play in mental health, and how do you encourage it in your clients?

Sumaiyah Cummings: Self-care is essential, and it’s about not losing yourself in the process of everything else that’s going on. Prioritizing your needs is crucial. I often remind clients that they are just as important as all the other responsibilities they have. Taking care of yourself is not selfish; it’s necessary to be able to give to others.

IVPC: Thank you so much for sharing your insights, Sumaiyah. It’s been wonderful getting to know you better

Sumaiyah Cummings: Thank you, Tiffany. It’s been a pleasure talking with you.

Interview edited for length and clarity

InnerVoice Psychotherapy and Consultation is located in Chicago, IL and Skokie, IL.

Book with Sumaiyah here.