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Reflections
ta-fi-yya (n.) • to walk
You're the one everyone relies on. You're exhausted
Therapy for high-achieving Black women across California ready to move from burnout to clarity
With Shalonda Ibrahim-Abubakar, LCSW
Serving California residents via Telehealth
"Tafiyya" means "to walk" in Hausa, a reminder that healing is not about fixing yourself. It's about walking your way back to clarity, balance, and self-trust.
The pressure to always be strong has become exhausting.
You've carried so much for so long. From the outside, it looks like your'e handling everything well.
Maybe you're the one everyone turns to. The high achiever. The caregiver. The fixer. And yet, you often feel alone with your own pain.
At Tafiyya Counseling, I provide trauma-informed online therapy for Black women across California who are ready to set boundaries, shed perfectionism, and reconnect with their true selves.
You're in the right place if you're…
You're used to being the strong one, even when you need support
The one everyone relies on but rarely feels supported yourself
Struggling to set boundaries without guilt
You're holding everything together but barely holding yourself together
Tired of being strong for everyone else
I see you. You're not too much. You're ready for a life more aligned with your true self.
What Therapy Here Can Help You Do
Through our work together you can:
Understand and calm the anxiety beneath perfectionism
Set boundaries without constant guilt
Recognize what you need and follow through without guilt
Stop over functioning and start making decisions that actually support you
This work is not about fixing you. You are not broken.
Meet Your Therapist
Shalonda Ibrahim-Abubakar, LCSW
Founder of Tafiyya Counseling
Serving California residents via secure Telehealth
LCSW (CA 134546)
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Irvine, CA, providing therapy for Black women across California. I understand the weight of expectations many Black women carry, the pressure to hold everything together while rarely being supported in the same way.
I know what it's like to be the one others lean on, the one who "has it all together," while silently struggling to hold onto yourself. The work we do isn't about quick fixes; it's about creating meaningful, sustainable change.
My work centers on high-achieving Black women navigating burnout, anxiety, and the pressure to always be strong. I bring extensive experience across mental health systems, education, and community-based work, which allows me to support women navigating complex emotional challenges while honoring their cultural identity and lived experience.
In addition to private practice, my career has focused on strengthening mental health systems across education, healthcare, and public institutions.
In therapy with me, you won't be asked to shrink yourself. We create a space for clarity, restoration, and honest reflection, so you can move forward with stronger boundaries, deeper self-trust, and emotional steadiness.
What Working Together Feels Like
I'm warm, but I'm also direct. I won't let you stay stuck in patterns that are draining you. I honor your lived experience as a Black woman, understand the cultural pressure, perfectionism, and generational weight that often come with that identity. Therapy with me is collaborative grounded in clinical wisdom, cultural humility, and respect for your truth.
Culturally Attuned
I understand the unique experiences, pressures, and strengths of Black women navigating multiple worlds.
Collaborative Journey
Your healing is not something I do to you; it's something we create together, at your pace.
Safe Space
No code-switching. No shrinking. Just authentic, grounded support for your whole self.
My Approach
I draw from an eclectic blend of evidence-based modalities through a culturally responsive lens. But more than any method, I prioritize connection and safety.
This is your space to breathe, unload, and realign.
Evidence-Based
I integrate trauma informed care, insight-oriented, strengths-based, cognitive and relational models, solutions-focused, mindfulness practices, and somatic awareness.
Culturally Responsive
Every technique is adapted to honor your cultural identity, lived experience, and the specific challenges you face as a Black woman.
Relationship-Centered
The therapeutic relationship itself is healing. I create genuine connection where you can show up authentically.
Let's Walk This Journey Together
Therapy doesn't have to be intimidating. I create a space where we can unpack the layers together with honesty, compassion, and laughter when you need it.
I bring cultural awareness, clinical expertise, and lived experience to support your healing and growth.
Connect
We start with a free consultation to see if we're a good fit
Explore
Together, we identify your goals and what matters most to you
Heal
We do the work at your pace, with compassion and intention
Grow
You reclaim your power, your boundaries, and your authentic self
Ready to Take the First Step?
Let's talk. Schedule a free consultation and see if we're a good fit. This is your space to pause, reflect, and begin moving toward the change you're seeking.
The consultation is a no-pressure, 15-minute conversation where you can ask questions, share what's bringing you to therapy, and get a feel for whether my approach resonates with you. You deserve support that truly understands you.

Your healing matters. Taking this step is an act of courage and self-love. I'm here to support you every step of the way.
Services
Therapy for high-achieving Black women navigating burn-out, boundaries, and over functioning
I offer individual therapy for Black women statewide who are ready to reclaim their lives, heal from burnout, and step into their power.
Reclaim Your Time & Energy
Set boundaries that protect your peace.
Navigate Life Transitions
Move through career, identity, and life shifts with clarity.
Heal From Burnout
Untangle perfectionism and chronic overextension.
Create Guilt-Free Boundaries
Say no without shrinking.
Feel Truly Seen
Therapy without code-switching.
What You Can Expect
Therapy with me is structured yet flexible, professional yet warm. Here's what our work together will be like:
  • Session format: 50-minute weekly or biweekly sessions via telehealth for your convenience and comfort
  • Your space: A nonjudgmental, culturally affirming environment where you can bring your full self
  • Your goals: We'll set goals that align with your values and authentic desires
  • Your pace: Homework and exercises only if they feel helpful to you
  • Real healing: No performative healing. Just real, grounded, sustainable work.
50
Minutes Per Session
Dedicated time just for you
$190
Investment Per Session
For focused, high-quality care in a small intentionally limited practice
Private pay, superbills available upon request
100%
Telehealth
Convenient, private support

Location: I provide telehealth services for Black women who are residents of California. All sessions are conducted via secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform.
Start with a focused 15-minute consultation
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to start feeing clear, grounded, and in control again. This is a focused 15-minute conversation to determine if working together makes sense. We'll briefly discuss what wha't brining you to therapy, what you're looking for, and whether my approach aligns with your needs. Evening appointments available.
During this call:
Clarify what's bringing you to therapy
Identity what feels most urgent or draining
Determine whether this is the right fit.
How to prepare (optional):
Come with a general sense of what you want support with
Bring any questions about therapy, fit, or logistics.
Next steps, at your pace:
If it's a good fit, we'll schedule your first session
If not, I'll provide appropriate referrals.
If you're ready for something to shift, this is where we start.
You deserve support that sees you, honors you, and empowers you.
Schedule your free 15-minute consultation today.
Tafiyya Counseling • Shalonda Ibrahim-Abubakar, LCSW (CA 134546)• Serving California residents via telehealth
5325 Alton Parkway Suite C743, Irvine, CA 92604 • (949) 274-4795
Frequently Asked Questions
  • How do I get started?
    Click "Schedule Your Free Consultation" and select a time that works for you.
  • Do you offer in-person or virtual sessions?
    All sessions are conducted via secure telehealth for California residents.
  • Who do you work with?
    I primarily work with high-achieving Black women navigating stress, burnout, identity shifts, relationship patterns, and life transitions.
  • What is your fee?
    $190 per 50-minute session.
  • Do you accept insurance?
    No. Tafiyya Counseling is a private-pay practice. A superbill can be provided for possible out-of-network reimbursement.
  • How do I know if this is worth the investment? Therapy is an investment in how you show up in your life, your relationships, your boundaries, and your overall well-being. If you're used to carrying everything on your own and feeling exhausted by it, this work is about creating a more sustainable way forward.
  • What approaches do you use?
    My work integrates trauma-informed care, insight-oriented therapy, strengths-based practice, cognitive and relational models, solutions-focused therapy, mindfulness practices, and somatic awareness.
  • How often will we meet?
    Clients begin with weekly sessions. After some time, frequency can be adjusted based on your needs and goals.
  • What happens during the consultation?
    We discuss what brings you to therapy, answer your questions, and determine whether we're a good fit.
  • What is your cancellation policy?
    A minimum of 24 hours' notice is required. Late cancellations and no-shows are charged the full session fee.
Still have questions?
Tafiyya Counseling • Shalonda Ibrahim-Abubakar, LCSW (CA 134546)• Serving California residents via telehealth
5325 Alton Parkway Suite C743, Irvine, CA 92604 • (949) 274-4795
Insights on Burnout, Boundaries, and Healing
Occasionally, I write short reflections drawn from my work with high-achieving women navigating burnout, responsibility, and the pressure to hold everything together. These reflections explore patterns I often see in practice and the quiet shifts that support lasting change.
The first reflection is called "The Hardest Part of Healing Isn’t Insight. It’s Boundaries."
More insights to come.
Warmly,
Shalonda Ibrahim-Abubakar, LCSW
Founder of Tafiyya Counseling