Meet Aisha Ishtiaq, LMFT | Psychotherapist, Educator, Speaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aisha Ishtiaq, LMFT and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aisha, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
As a first-generation Muslim American, my journey into therapy has always been deeply personal. Growing up, I witnessed how cultural expectations, family pressures, and the weight of navigating multiple identities could quietly shape mental health, leaving people feeling isolated, misunderstood, or unseen. Those experiences stayed with me, quietly guiding my decision to dedicate my life to helping others navigate the complexities of their own stories.

When I began working in community mental health, I was grateful for the opportunity to help people but I quickly realized the system often makes it hard to truly serve clients in the way they need. Heavy caseloads, rigid protocols, and time constraints meant therapy was often reduced to symptom management rather than holistic care. I found myself yearning to offer more than just evidence-based interventions. I wanted to create space for clients to be seen in their entirety, through their minds, bodies, relationships, cultural context, and the nuanced experiences that make them who they are.

Starting my own practice was both a leap of faith and a deliberate act of service. It was my way of answering the call I had always felt, to build a space that reflects my values and vision for therapy. I wanted clients, especially those from underrepresented communities like my own, to walk into a place where they are truly seen and heard. A place where their resilience is honored, their identity is respected, and their healing journey is approached with compassion, nuance, and depth. Therapy in this space does not just address distress, it nurtures the whole person, integrating mind, body, and lived experience.

Owning my practice allows me to bring my full self to my work: my cultural understanding, my lived experience, and my unwavering belief in the human capacity for growth and healing. It gives me the freedom to meet people where they are, to honor their stories, and to guide them toward change that feels meaningful, sustainable, and empowering.

Every client who comes through my door reminds me why I took this path. My practice is not just a business, it is a reflection of my values, my commitment to my community, and my dedication to creating a space where therapy is truly human. A space where people feel safe, understood, and supported in the fullness of who they are. That vision is what drives me every day, and it is what makes the leap to running my own practice not just a professional decision, but a profoundly personal one.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Early in my own life, I turned to therapy and experienced firsthand the transformative impact it can have when you have a therapist who truly understands you as a whole person with different experiences and most importantly, understands your cultural and religious background. That experience showed me that mental health care is not one-size-fits-all; it is most powerful when it honors the whole person, including their beliefs, values, and identity.

What sets my practice apart is the holistic, integrative approach I bring to therapy. I do not only focus on symptoms or evidence-based protocols; I work with clients to understand their minds, bodies, and relationships in the context of their lives, culture, and values. I incorporate meditation and breathwork to help clients regulate emotions and connect with their bodies, while also focusing on attachment and relational patterns to strengthen the way they connect with themselves and others. Therapy in my practice is a space where people can explore challenges, resilience, and identity in a way that feels safe, authentic, and deeply human.

Starting this journey was not easy. In the Muslim community, therapy often carries stigma. Early on, I faced skepticism and hesitancy as people worried about being judged, misunderstood, or seen as ‘weak’ for seeking support. I realized that to make a difference, I needed to go beyond individual therapy. I began facilitating workshops within my community, collaborating with religious leaders, and speaking with college students, parents, and families helping to normalize mental health care and show that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. These efforts were challenging but deeply rewarding, as I witnessed individuals begin to embrace therapy as a tool for growth and healing.

Building my private practice also came with its own challenges: navigating logistics, finances, and marketing while continuing to grow as a clinician. There were moments of doubt and fear, but I held onto the vision of creating a space that reflects my values: culturally sensitive, holistic, and compassionate. Along the way, I have learned that growth often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone, that asking for help is a strength, and that staying true to your mission creates the most meaningful work.

What I want the world to know about my practice is that it exists to honor the full humanity of every client. It is a space where people from all backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented communities, can explore their experiences, challenges, and identities safely and with empathy. I am proud of the space I have built, the lives I have had the privilege to touch, and the ongoing work of helping break stigma and create access to care. My practice is more than a business, it is a calling, one rooted in understanding, compassion, and the belief that mental health care should honor every aspect of who a person is.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If a friend were visiting Los Angeles for a week, I would craft an itinerary full of flavor, culture, and iconic LA energy. Food is always first: for Pakistani fare, Chargha House in Jefferson Boulevard nails the perfect biryani and whole roasted chicken, while Karachi BBQ Tonight in North Hollywood delivers smoky, tender grilled meats that feel like home. For halal options, Papi Tacos & Churros in Hollywood is a must for slow-cooked beef birria, and Craft by Smoke and Fire in Pasadena serves up smoked meats and sides that are pure indulgence.

For sightseeing, Griffith Observatory is a must for breathtaking city views and the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena which has art from Van Gogh and Monet who are two of my favorite artists. I also love the theater scene in Los Angeles so a show at the Pantages Theatre is an absolute must!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would not be where I am today without the guidance of some incredible mentors who shaped my journey every step of the way. Ken Kuroda, LMFT was my supervisor when I was working as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist in community mental health, He taught me not just the skills of therapy, but how to hold space for people with empathy and curiosity, even in the most complex situations. His mentorship laid the foundation for the therapist I was becoming.

During my time working for the Department of Mental Health in LA County, Tracie Andrews, LCSW stepped in as my supervisor, helping me refine my approach and deepen my confidence as a professional. She challenged me to think critically, trust my instincts, and develop my own voice within the field. Her guidance was invaluable in shaping the way I see and serve my clients.

A few years later, when I was ready to take the leap into private practice, Elena Mojica, LMFT a trusted colleague, helped me navigate the ins and outs of building my practice from the ground up. Her practical advice, encouragement, and generosity made what felt overwhelming at first not only possible but exciting.

Looking back, I see my practice not as something I built alone, but as a reflection of the generosity, mentorship, and support of those who walked alongside me. Each of these incredible people helped me grow into the therapist and business owner I am today, and I am endlessly grateful for the roles they have played in my journey.

Website: https://www.aishaishtiaqlmft.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aishalmft/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aisha-ishtiaq-lmft/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AishaLMFT

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vT0zuCc3X40&t=2s

Image Credits
Tamia Pervez; Yusrah Ishtiaq