Masuma Rasheed, Ph.D.

For the past ten years, Dr. Rasheed has worked as a psychotherapist and has extensive counseling training in a variety of areas. Dr. Rasheed sees individual adult clients and groups at Studio for Change, while also educating the public on emotional health throughout the Chicago area.

As a LifeForce Yoga Practitioner (LFYP), Dr. Rasheed employs yoga for treating depression and anxiety and is certified in Yoga for 12-Step Recovery and Psychology of the Body System. She uses the connection between mind, body, and breath in counseling sessions and workshops to access the body’s healing power, and harnesses the power of mindfulness to elevate mood.

When we experience any type of stress, our physical bodies store those emotional wounds. Therefore, we often cannot address these issues by verbal dialogue alone, and the use of the body is required through movement and breathing practice to allow for effective emotional release. Performing certain types of body movement can help to release obstructions and lead to relief and mood elevation.

Dr. Rasheed provides an informative discussion on emotional health as well as implements practical body psychotherapy elements related to caring for yourself. These elements will include minor movements, stretching, and breath work—all of which are supported by evidence-based research in psycho-neurobiology to assist in clearing away stress and tension.

Dr. Rasheed is available for individual and group talk therapy and/or talk + body psychotherapy and classes.

Outside the studio, Dr. Rasheed loves to practice yoga and tai chi; in addition to playing with her dog, Winnie.

“Don’t fight the darkness; bring the light and the darkness will disappear.”—M. Mahesh