Naseem Saleh

KB & Associates is a multicultural practice with clinicians that look like you. We work with you in exploring your identity, growing your self esteem, and finding healing. We welcome you free of judgement, providing helpful tools for you to use to process your feelings and connect the dots. We are client focused and aim to provide you with what you need to move forward.

Personal Introduction:

The pain that currently exists in your life may feel like a weighted blanket, but it’s vital to remind yourself that the pain will not last forever. My name is Naseem and I’m a clinical mental health therapist based in Chicago, IL with about 2 years of therapy experience. I am a first generation Palestinian-American with parents born and raised in Palestine. Growing up, my parents never spoke about the importance of mental health, only physical health. Looking back on my childhood and the knowledge I gained over time, I learned that one can affect the other; both of them are equally important and are important for improving overall health.

I identify as a queer Palestinian woman. In my culture, discussing mental health-related topics is foreign. One of the main reasons why I chose to pursue therapy as a career path is to be that first step in normalizing conversations on mental health in cultures that don’t discuss it enough like my own. It wasn’t until my adult years that I learned keeping my thoughts to myself 24/7 is doing more harm than good. My parents always told me to “get over it” and I found that wasn’t working for me anymore as I got older. My parents did not have the same opportunities as I do today when they were living in Palestine; they are another main reason why I chose this path.

I received my bachelor’s from University of Illinois at Chicago (or UIC) in Psychology and my master’s from Adler University in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I also hold a certificate in sex therapy from Adler University as well. In my past and most recent clinical experiences, I had the privilege and pleasure of working with individuals from the BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and disability community dealing with difficult life transitions, relationship problems (including infidelity), gender identity exploration/issues, grief/loss, and trauma (including racial and generational trauma).

As your therapist, I will help you tap into your inner resources and power so you are able to create and experience a much more fulfilling relationship with the people around you, your life, and, most importantly, yourself. Within my work, I mainly utilize a narrative and person-centered approach. In our therapy space, your safety and comfortability is a top priority. Our space is highly collaborative as well; I want to know how I can best support you as you learn how to support yourself. Lastly, one of my favorite poets, Yung Pueblo, once said “I cannot make you happy, but I can commit to support you in the creation of your own happiness.” Together, we will do exactly that.

A little about me (because I am human after all): Outside of work, I enjoy playing with my pup, meeting up with friends and family, reading, painting, playing wordle, and watching 90 day fiancé every Sunday (can’t miss it!).