Abdul is an amazing therapist. He creates a safe, supportive space that makes me feel truly heard and understood. I really appreciate how he helps me explore my childhood experiences and important relationships that have shaped my thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This approach has allowed me to be more compassionate toward myself. I also appreciate that Abdul guides me through remembering the "why", envisioning what happiness could look like, and building the skills to shift away from my default reactions. Through Abdul's support, I've grown (and am still growing) into a more grounded version of myself. I'm deeply grateful for his guidance and wholeheartedly recommend him!
A Thriveworks Client, verified client of Abdul
See what other clients sayAccepted insurance & self-pay
About Abdul
Abdul is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) who specializes in working with adults who are seeking help with depression, anxiety, bereavement, and substance use disorders. He helps them transform their lives by learning to think about their lives in new and less hurtful ways.
Abdul holds a master’s degree in social work from Howard University’s School of Social Work. Prior to getting his MSW, he was working at an outpatient community mental health center and working on getting certified as an addiction counselor. He employs a variety of techniques including psychoeducation, motivational interviewing, Socratic questioning, and unconditional positive regard. His treatment orientation is heavily influenced by rational emotive and cognitive approaches. Abdul always aims to help clients understand what they want from their lives and to motivate them to achieve those goals.
Abdul's practice is rooted in humanism, the belief that people are self-motivated to pursue their own happiness. He sees his role as a guide who can support you on your journey toward happiness. Abdul accepts that all people are unique, with unique biology, chemistry, life stories, and life goals all their own. He understands that not everyone gets the same start in life and that each of us is uniquely shaped by the challenges and opportunities we encounter in our families of origin, our communities, and our society at large.
Abdul's goal as a professional is to support you as you strive for happiness and help you identify challenges and develop skills to overcome them. Ultimately, he believes that each person he meets is on a quest, searching for a rewarding, meaningful, and fulfilling life. His role is simply to help you get to your destination. "Noted psychiatrist and addiction expert Gabor Maté said that only when compassion is present can healing truly take place. My goal is to be that compassionate presence in your life as you work to understand yourself, identify the source of your unhappiness, and work with you to discover the happiness and life satisfaction that you deserve," says Abdul.

" My aim is to help my clients figure out what is keeping them from realizing their goals and working with them to identify strategies for overcoming those obstacles."
What clients say
These testimonials are from real clients who completed a satisfaction survey after their sessions and agreed to share their feedback. Results may vary.
Abdul is an amazing therapist. He creates a safe, supportive space that makes me feel truly heard and understood. I really appreciate how he helps me explore my childhood experienc....
A Thriveworks Client, verified client of Abdul
Abdul is one of the best therapists I have had in my life. He is knowledgeable, perceptive and open. I truly feel safe with him. He pushes me to do the work and validates and suppo....
A Thriveworks Client, verified client of Abdul
I am encouraged to always be my authentic self without judgement. My provider is an active listener. My thoughts and feelings are validated & sometimes an additional point of view,....
A Thriveworks Client, verified client of Abdul
I appreciate the advice that my therapist gave me.
A Thriveworks Client, verified client of Abdul
Get to know Abdul
Why did you decide to become a counselor?
I believe everyone deserves to be happy and to live a life full of meaning. I see counseling as an opportunity to help others unlock their full potential.
What types of clients do you work with best?
I imagine my ideal clients as those who would like to increase their satisfaction with their lives.
What's one thing you wish all clients knew?
Life is hard but happiness is possible. The universe may not always give us what we want when we want it. This does not mean we don't deserve it. It just means we have to work a little harder to get it.
What inspires you?
Stories of triumph over adversity inspire me.
What can clients expect in their first session with you?
Compassion. Empathy. Patience. Acceptance. Genuine curiosity about who my clients are and what they want.
What do you want to accomplish with an individual in their first session?
I would like my clients to feel comfortable and to trust me, to know that I am on their side and want the best for them.
What type of clients are you most excited to work with?
Every therapist dreams of working with clients who are motivated and undeterred, willing to do the difficult work of making their lives better.
Why did you choose to practice at Thriveworks?
I like the idea of working for a practice that was created by therapists.
What should clients know about you before scheduling a first counseling session?
I believe every person wants to be happy but not everyone knows what they need to do to become happier. My approach is to help clients figure out what is keeping them from being happier and to come up with strategies for increasing happiness.
What's one thing about you that defines you (non-professional)?
Helping people makes me happy.
What do you do for fun/on your time off?
I read. Garden. Watch TV. Sleep.
Other areas of focus
Education and training
- Years in practice
- 11 years
- Graduating institute
- Howard University School of Social Work
- Graduating degree
- Master of Social Work
