Meet Raber, MA, NCC, LPC

Born in 1993 in Iraq, I moved to Sweden in 1999 and then relocated to the US in 2019. Now, as a Therapist St Louis relies on, I provide expert guidance and support to those in need.

My Specialty

In my therapy practice, I focus on helping couples who are going through tough times. This includes dealing with cheating and making decisions about staying together or breaking up. I work with them to improve how they talk to each other, rebuild trust, and get through difficult situations with kindness and understanding. As a Therapist St Louis trusts, I provide guidance to help couples navigate these challenges.

I also have a lot of experience helping people who have been through serious trauma. Trauma can deeply impact how we relate to ourselves and others, often leading to anxiety, flashbacks, or struggles with trust that make navigating daily life feel overwhelming. It can show up in many ways, like trouble sleeping, feeling disconnected or numb, or even unexpected anger that affects relationships. I work with my clients to manage these effects and help them regain a sense of safety and connection in their lives. Read more about Trauma here.

Many of my clients also struggle with low self-esteem and depression. I work alongside them to break down the barriers that hold them back from living the happy, fulfilling lives they deserve. Together, we create a space where healing and growth are possible, allowing them to make positive, lasting changes and reconnect with a sense of joy and confidence in life.

Highlights

Therapeutic Style

My therapy style is flexible, combining both a direct and straightforward approach with a caring and supportive one, depending on what each client needs. I create a balanced environment where clients feel supported but also pushed to grow.

For those who benefit from being challenged, I offer honest feedback and ask deep questions to help them think more about themselves and grow. At the same time, for clients who need a more caring space, I provide understanding and kind guidance to make sure they feel safe and understood during their healing process.

My aim is to build a dynamic relationship in therapy that helps clients reach their full potential.

Therapist-Client Relationship

In my therapy practice, what matters most to me is building a foundation of trust and connection with my clients. I believe that having a strong and genuine relationship is essential for effective therapy. It’s equally important to create a safe and non-judgmental space where clients feel comfortable being themselves. This kind of environment allows for open communication and real healing. Read more about this kind of emotional safety here.

I also focus on providing guidance and direction, making sure clients have the support and tools they need to deal with their challenges. I encourage self-reflection and personal growth, helping clients to find their inner strengths and insights. My goal is to create a collaborative and transformative therapy experience where clients feel valued, heard, and inspired to make lasting changes in their lives.

Becoming a St Louis Therapist

My road to becoming a therapist in St Louis is deeply personal and rooted in my own experiences. Growing up, I faced my share of trauma, particularly witnessing my parents’ relationship fall apart. This was a challenging period, but it also set me on a path toward healing and understanding. Therapy helped me profoundly, and I’ve come to believe wholeheartedly in its power. Psychology became the guide I never had during my upbringing, teaching me a lot about myself and bringing a rare kind of wealth.

Diverse Experiences Shaping My Practice

My diverse experiences have enriched my perspective on mental health and well-being. Working as a school counselor in Sweden, participating in meditation retreats, and doing my own inner work have given me unique insights that I bring into my practice. These experiences have shaped my holistic approach to therapy, emphasizing the importance of mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

Working as a School Counselor in Sweden: This experience allowed me to understand the educational system’s role in mental health and how early intervention can make a significant difference in a child’s life. It also exposed me to different cultural attitudes towards mental health, broadening my perspective and enhancing my ability to connect with clients from diverse backgrounds.

Meditation Retreats: Attending 10-day and 2-day classical vipassana retreats have been transformative for my personal and professional life. This practice taught me the importance of mindfulness, presence, and self-awareness, which are integral to my therapeutic approach. I often incorporate mindfulness techniques into my sessions, helping clients develop tools to manage stress and anxiety.

Professional Training and Certifications

As a therapist in St Louis, I am committed to continuous learning and professional development. I am trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS) Level One and Gottman Level 3, which have equipped me with advanced skills in helping individuals and couples navigate their relationships and inner worlds. These trainings ensure that I can provide my clients with the most effective and evidence-based treatments.

Belief in Inner Light

I believe everyone carries an inner light. When nurtured and embraced, this light guides us toward our fullest potential. This vision shapes my approach to therapy, helping clients uncover their strengths and move toward healing and growth. My goal is to provide a compassionate and supportive space where clients can explore their inner worlds, heal from their pasts, and move forward with a sense of empowerment and hope.

Let’s Get Personal

Personal growth and self-care are fundamental to my life and practice. I believe that to be an effective therapist, I must also prioritize my own mental health and well-being. I practice what I preach by engaging in regular self-care activities. This includes exercising, spending time in nature, and practicing mindfulness.

I have a passion for movement and the outdoors. Whether it’s exercising, shooting a traditional-style bow, playing pickle-ball, or hiking, these activities help me stay grounded and connected to the present moment. They also provide a healthy outlet for managing stress and maintaining physical health.

My love for plants and animals reflects my deep appreciation for life and growth in all forms. I have recently welcomed two kittens into my home, my first-ever pets, whom I adore. They bring joy and warmth to my daily life, and caring for them has taught me a lot about patience, responsibility, and unconditional love.

In addition to my professional interests, I also enjoy indulging in simple pleasures. One of my favorite treats is New York-style cheesecake. Whether it’s enjoying a slice at home or seeking out the best spots in St Louis, it’s one of those simple pleasures that brings me great joy. This love for simple pleasures reminds me to appreciate the small, everyday moments that make life special.

Favorite Books

I draw inspiration from various sources, including books and quotes that have shaped my outlook on life and therapy. Some of my favorite books include:

“Love’s Executioner” by Irvin Yalom: This book offers profound insights into the human condition and the therapeutic process.
“Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl: Frankl’s exploration of finding meaning in suffering has deeply influenced my understanding of resilience and purpose.
“Atomic Habits” by James Clear: Clear’s practical advice on habit formation is invaluable for personal growth and achieving lasting change.
“No Bad Parts” by Richard Schwartz: This book aligns with my training in IFS, emphasizing the importance of understanding and embracing all aspects of ourselves.
“The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk: Van der Kolk’s work on trauma has profoundly impacted my approach to treating clients with traumatic experiences.

Cultural Background and Inclusivity

As someone who speaks Kurdish Sorani and has lived and worked in different countries, I bring a rich cultural perspective to my practice. I understand the importance of cultural sensitivity and inclusivity in therapy. I strive to create a welcoming and respectful environment for clients from all backgrounds, ensuring that everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

Lessons in Love and Kindness: What My Kittens Taught Me

Life has a funny way of teaching us the most profound lessons through the simplest of experiences. For me, two unexpected little teachers came into my life recently: my first-ever pets, two adorable kittens. These furry bundles of energy and mischief have not only filled my home with joy but also imparted valuable lessons on showing love and kindness. Let me share some of these lessons.

Meet Simba and Tiko

Simba, my nine-week-old orange tabby, is the slower, more cautious kitten of the duo. He’s still learning bite inhibition and often lags behind his brother, Tiko. Simba carries some health issues we’re diligently working through, but his gentle nature and perseverance are truly inspiring. Then there’s Tiko, my fourteen-week-old gray tabby, the strategic ambusher. Tiko is the thinker, the agile one, and the affectionate leader of their little team. Despite being the larger and older of the two, Tiko often shows Simba the way, teaching him the ropes of kitten life.

Lesson One: Patience is a Virtue

One of the first things my kittens taught me is the virtue of patience. Picture this: I’m peacefully sipping my morning coffee when, out of nowhere, Simba decides my foot is the ultimate prey. As I gently extricate my toes from his tiny but surprisingly sharp claws, I remind myself that patience is key. Simba is still learning bite inhibition, and it takes time. Similarly, in our interactions with others, patience allows us to understand and respond to their needs more thoughtfully.

Lesson Two: Embrace Individual Differences

Simba and Tiko couldn’t be more different, yet they’ve found a way to coexist harmoniously (most of the time). Tiko’s agility and strategic ambushes contrast sharply with Simba’s slower, more cautious approach. This dynamic duo has shown me that embracing individual differences is crucial in any relationship. Whether it’s a hyperactive kitten or a reserved one, recognizing and appreciating these differences helps in showing the right kind of love and kindness to each unique being.

Lesson Three: Show Love in Their Language

Simba and Tiko have their own unique ways of showing and receiving love. Simba loves gentle head scratches and quiet cuddle times, finding comfort in the calm moments. Tiko, on the other hand, prefers interactive playtime, chasing feather toys, and engaging in endless games of hide-and-seek. Understanding these preferences has taught me to show love in a way that resonates with each kitten, reinforcing the idea that kindness is best expressed in the recipient’s language.

Lesson Four: Consistency Builds Trust

Both Simba and Tiko thrive on routine. They know that mealtimes, play sessions, and cuddle periods happen at specific times each day. This consistency has built a sense of trust and security for them. In our relationships with others, being consistent in our actions and words helps build trust and fosters a sense of safety and reliability.

Lesson Five: Laughter is the Best Medicine

There’s nothing quite like the antics of kittens to bring laughter and joy into your life. Whether it’s Simba’s clumsy attempts at pouncing or Tiko’s bewildered expressions when he encounters a new toy, these moments of hilarity remind me of the importance of laughter. It’s a powerful way to connect, lighten the mood, and show kindness through shared joy.

Lesson Six: Presence Matters

Simba and Tiko have an uncanny ability to live in the moment. They aren’t worried about the past or anxious about the future; they’re fully engaged in whatever they’re doing. This presence is a gentle reminder of the power of mindfulness. By being fully present with those around us, we show them that they matter and that we value our time with them.