Who I Am
I'm Maria Karim Siddiqui, a trauma-informed psychotherapist, art therapist, supervisor, and mental health advocate. My work lives at the intersection of psychology, cultural identity, spirituality, and creative expression. I support individuals, communities, and professionals through a lens that is decolonized, relational, and grounded in compassion.
As a Board-Certified Registered Art Therapist (ATR-BC), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), and Board-Approved Clinical Supervisor in Minnesota, I integrate verbal and nonverbal approaches to support healing. My work bridges the clinical and the creative, the intellectual and the intuitive.
In addition to my clinical practice, I offer reflective, trauma-informed supervision to pre-licensed LPC, LPCC, and art therapists working toward licensure or ATR credentialing. My supervision style weaves together clinical insight, cultural humility, creativity, and relational depth, supporting emerging clinicians as they develop confidence, clarity, and alignment with their authentic voice and values.
Fluent in English, Urdu, Hindi, and Sindhi, I strive to make therapy and professional support spaces where language, identity, and lived experience are honored, not explained. My approach is shaped by my own lived experiences and by supporting clients from diverse cultural, spiritual, and immigrant backgrounds. I center emotional safety, collaboration, and the sacredness of human connection in every relationship.
I believe healing isn't about fixing what is broken, it's about remembering what has always been whole. Healing unfolds in safe relationships, is sustained in community, and becomes sacred when witnessed with compassion. Whether you're seeking therapy, clinical consultation, or supervision, I'm here to walk with you.
How I Show Up
As a Psychotherapist
I'm a trauma-informed psychotherapist at a mental health clinic in Minnesota, USA. I specialize in working with adults navigating trauma, grief, identity, life transitions, and the impacts of oppression, marginalization, and intergenerational harm. My approach is collaborative and deeply relational, honoring each client's lived experience and inner wisdom. I integrate Art Therapy, EMDR, Anchored Relational Therapy, mindfulness, and somatic practices to create a personalized path to healing. For those seeking spiritually integrated care, I offer support grounded in Islamic psychology and aligned with each person's unique values, whether rooted in faith or spiritual exploration. At the heart of my work is a belief in the power of presence, curiosity, and compassion. I see therapy as a shared space for meaning-making a place to gently reconnect with the self.
As a Speaker
As a mental health advocate, I support individuals and communities through the lenses of trauma, identity, and intergenerational healing, drawing from decolonized, culturally responsive, and spiritually grounded framework. Through workshops, talks, and community events, I speak on topics like destigmatizing mental health in Muslim and immigrant communities, trauma and spirituality, and reimagining resilience, parenting, and identity. My work weaves together Islamic psychology, neuroscience, epigenetics, expressive arts, and trauma-informed care. I believe healing is communal, relational, and sacred. My voice serves as both mirror and bridge, reflecting the wounds we carry and connecting us back to what we are ready to reclaim.
As a Supervisor
As a Board-Certified Art Therapist and Board-Approved Clinical Supervisor in Minnesota, I offer clinical supervision grounded in trauma-informed care, cultural humility, and decolonized practice. I supervise pre-licensed therapists and emerging art therapists in developing both clinical competence and authentic therapeutic presence. My supervision style is relational, reflective, and identity-affirming, centering the unique experiences, cultural contexts, and creative strengths each supervisee brings. I provide guidance in key areas, including assessment, documentation, ethics, and case formulation, while also supporting clinicians in integrating EMDR, Anchored Relational Therapy, and creative expression. Supervision with me is a collaborative space to explore theory, technique, and the relational dynamics that shape therapeutic work.
As an Artist
I am an artist drawn to the unseen, what stirs beneath the surface of words and form. My work is rooted in intuition and symbolism, guided by feeling more than structure. I layer texture, color, & meaning to create pieces that feel like emotional landscapes, and quiet conversations between the conscious and the unconscious. Art is my way of navigating liminal spaces, where memory, embodiment, and imagination meet. Each piece is an invitation to pause, and to honor the subtle shifts that shape us. I don't create with answers in mind, only the intention to listen, and to give shape to what's asking to be seen. My creative process carries echoes of something collective, grief, longing, resilience, and hope.
Voices of Those I've Walked Beside
As a Psychotherapist
"As a trauma therapist and art therapy practitioner, Maria brings both heart and depth into her work. Her presence is calm, grounded, and deeply empathetic, creating a space where people feel seen, safe, and accepted in their most vulnerable moments. She has a natural ability to connect with others on a human level, blending professional skill with genuine care and humility. Through art and conversation, she helps clients uncover their inner strength, make sense of their stories, and find healing in their own way. Her work is guided by both clinical understanding and a quiet spirituality that honors the dignity and resilience within each person. Those who work with her often describe feeling not only supported but deeply understood, a reflection of her rare gift to bring humanity, compassion, and authenticity into every aspect of therapy."
Dahabe Yussuf, MA
Psychotherapist
"Maria demonstrates great care for her clients. During consultation, I have been able to witness her integrate multiple modalities of interventions while centering client's needs in areas of support. Maria is passionate about healing and takes pride in her work."
Kifaya Bishop, MS, LPCC
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
"Maria is a thoughtful, kind, warm, and caring provider. She builds comfort and trust with her clients through collaborative exploration and art expression. She is also delightfully quick witted and deeply insightful. Her skill set and presence allows clients to do hard work in treatment without feeling depleted."
Kelsey McCarston, MSW, LICSW
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
As a Speaker
"Maria Karim Siddiqui was invited by the Department of Psychology at the University of Sindh, Jamshoro, to deliver a talk titled "Self-Awareness as a Strength: Navigating Emotions and Identity in Young Adulthood." The event drew a diverse audience, including faculty members, researchers, think tank professionals, and many students, all of whom showed strong interest in the topic. Ms. Siddiqui effectively covered all aspects of the subject, demonstrating her deep expertise throughout the presentation. She delivered her talk with outstanding clarity and charisma, and the audience remained fully engaged. At the end of the session, she responded thoughtfully to questions from the participants. The department chairperson and faculty members expressed their appreciation and interest in organizing additional informative and enriching sessions with Ms. Siddiqui in the future."
Dr. Fozia Amir
Assistant Professor
University of Sindh, Pakistan
"Maria's workshop, Unveiling the Silence, was deeply engaging and culturally attuned. Participants appreciated the integration of Islamic values with trauma-informed, practical tools. Her facilitation style was warm, inclusive, and reflective; our community left with language, insight, and next steps. Maria created a welcoming, non-judgmental, and immersive environment to discuss mental health topics. Attendees appreciated that her workshop was rooted in Islamic knowledge that affirmed mental health challenges and difficulties rather than dismissing them. We look forward to inviting her again."
Ladan Hadafow
Operations Manager
Sukoon Healing of the Minds, Minnesota
"As the organizer of Reviving the Ummah, Strengthening Our Future,' I would like to sincerely thank Maria Siddiqui for her thoughtful and inspiring talk. Her presence and her words added so much depth and heart to the conversation about the future of our community. Through her insights, she reminded us of the importance of healing, hope, and intentional action as we work to build a stronger ummah. Her gentle and powerful message resonated with many, offering encouragement and vision for the road ahead. We are grateful for her contribution to our gathering and for the sincerity she brought to the stage. May Allah continue to bless her efforts and allow her to be a source of light and strength for others."
Nabila Zubair
Organizer
ICNA, Minnesota
Let's Connect!
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Whether you're seeking a space to heal, a voice to inspire, guidance in your professional journey, or connection through creative expression, you're welcome here.
My work is rooted in compassion, presence, and the belief that transformation is possible at every stage of life and work.
I invite you to explore the offerings that resonate with you, and reach out when you're ready.