About Me

Hello, I’m Umme Kawser, a culturally attuned therapist with over a decade of experience. As a
doctoral scholar in the Couples and Family Therapy PhD program at the University of Minnesota, I
am dedicated to integrating evidence-based techniques to provide comprehensive and effective
care for my clients. My clinical practice involves diverse clients, couples, and families, using an
integrative method informed by established theoretical principles and sound clinical judgment. I
employ techniques such as EFT, EMDR, NVR, and mindfulness, prioritizing evidence-based
approaches.

I bring a rich cultural perspective and scholarly approach to therapy, working with clients in both
the East and West. My research explores marital relationships, divorce processes, targeted
interventions, and the role of culture in therapy to provide culturally attuned care. I am
committed to advancing my clinical practice ensuring high-quality care and support for my
clients and the broader community. I have pioneered family therapy and the adaptation of the
“Marital First Responders” program in my home country, Bangladesh, In South Asia,
customizing it to address local cultural needs, reduce divorce rates, and support family stability.

Educational Background
I hold a Bachelor's, Master's, and Masters of Philosophy degree in Psychology and Educational Psychology,
providing a deep understanding of human behavior and relationships. Previously, I served as an
assistant professor in the Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology at the
University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
My therapeutic style is characterized by warmth and steadfastness. I approach each session
with humility and a commitment to forging genuine connections. Being fully present with my
clients allows me to truly understand their experiences and support their journey toward healing
and self-discovery. I create a collaborative environment where clients feel empowered to delve
into their narratives, discover their strengths, and address their challenges. I aim to help clients
unlock their potential and achieve a more harmonious and fulfilled life. This process involves
addressing difficulties and celebrating successes, big and small, as integral parts of the
therapeutic journey.
I am particularly suited to work with:
 Couples: Seeking to improve their relationship, navigate conflicts more effectively, or
learn ways to strengthen their relationship.
 Families: Looking to enhance communication, resolve conflicts, and build stronger
connections.
 Individuals: Dealing with trauma and stress or seeking personal growth and
mindfulness practices.
 Children and Adolescents: Needing support through play therapy or mindfulness
techniques to express and manage their emotions.
 Co-parents: Looking to improve their co-parenting relationship and create a harmonious
environment for their children.
 Clients from Diverse Backgrounds: With my experience in both Eastern and Western
cultures and proficiency in multiple languages, I am well-equipped to work with clients
from various cultural backgrounds.

Expertise/Treatment Modalities
 Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): Enhancing and restructuring emotional
responses to strengthen relationships.
 Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Alleviating distress
associated with traumatic memories.
 Play Therapy: Allowing clients, especially children, to express feelings and thoughts
through play.
 Mindfulness: Fostering present-moment awareness and non-judgmental observation of
thoughts and feelings.
 Nonviolent Resistance (NVR): Addressing behaviors from youth aggression to adult
domestic violence, promoting constructive change without confrontation.
 Systemic Family Therapy: Approaches to address complex family dynamics and
improve relational functioning.
 Discernment Counseling: Assists couples unsure about continuing their relationship to
make decisions with greater clarity and confidence.

I am supervised in my Doctoral therapy work by Kurt Wical, PhD, LMFT.