Sumaiyah Cummings embraces a client-centered, strength-based approach firmly rooted in the belief that each client is the ultimate expert in their own life and possesses the innate power to effect lasting change. She recognizes that opening up to a new person about your life and struggles can be intimidating, and honors the vulnerability of therapeutic work. Sumaiyah approaches therapy with empathy and understanding, while fostering a positive therapeutic relationship built on trust. As a Caribbean Muslim provider, Sumaiyah can provide a culturally informed and faith-based approach for those who desire more holistic therapy services.

Sumaiyah’s journey to clinical social work was driven by a profound passion for increasing access to mental health care within communities of color. Sumaiyah has training and experience with perinatal concerns such as postpartum anxiety, depression and OCD as well as birth trauma. She worked as an intern case manager in a residential treatment setting, providing therapeutic mental health services to youth within the child welfare system. She received her master's degree from the University of Chicago's Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Administration and earned her undergraduate degree in Criminology, Law, and Justice at the University of Illinois at Chicago. This formative experience ignited her commitment to principles of social justice, non-oppressive care, and equitable access to mental health services. Sumaiyah is a dedicated member of Project Taqwa, a non-profit organization advocating for Muslim mental health. When she's not working or being an advocate, you can find Sumaiyah sketching fashion illustrations and reading fiction novels.

Bio

Specialty/Interest Areas:

- Dating coaching 
- Premarital counseling 
- Perinatal mental health
- Regulating emotions/DBT
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Anxiety/Depression
- Young adult life transition 
- Relationship issues
- Conflict resolution  
 -Bi-cultural identity/bi-national identity/1st gen