PLANO, TX, November 11, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Madiha Ashraf, MS, has been recognized for achievement in counseling services.

Ms. Ashraf's professional journey reflects a steadfast commitment to advancing mental health services and supporting individuals in need. As the owner and supervisor of Healing Grounds Counseling in Allen, Texas, since 2026, Ms. Ashraf has established a therapy practice that not only provides mental health counseling but also embodies her vision and dedication to the field.

Under Ms. Ashraf's leadership, the practice employs three therapists and two interns, and she actively supervises interns, manages client caseloads, handles billing and correspondence, and responds to court subpoenas when required. She also occasionally serves as an expert witness, particularly in child custody matters. The founding of Healing Grounds Counseling marks a significant milestone for Ms. Ashraf, reflecting years of hard work and personal investment. She takes immense pride in having created a practice that is a true reflection of her values and expertise, specializing in individual therapy, couples, family and play work.

Before launching her own practice, Ms. Ashraf was a partner and assistant supervisor at The Impact Counselors from 2023 to 2025. In this capacity, she contributed to the organization's growth while simultaneously serving as a licensed professional counselor from 2020 to 2026. Ms. Ashraf's tenure at The Impact Counselors allowed her to hone her skills in therapy practice, mental health counseling, marriage and family counseling, domestic violence intervention, depression management and self-harm prevention.

Before fully pivoting to counseling, Ms. Ashraf worked as a college and career counselor at Collin College, where she supported students in navigating academic pathways and future career opportunities from 2021 to 2022. Her earlier experience included serving as a school counselor at IANT Quranic Academy from 2017 to 2021, where she provided guidance and support to students. During this time, Ms. Ashraf also completed an internship with Texas Muslim Women's Foundation Inc. in 2019, gaining valuable hands-on experience in counseling services for diverse populations.

Ms. Ashraf began her professional career in education as a fifth-grade teacher and academic guidance counselor at the Qalam Collegiate Academy from 2014 to 2021. This foundational role allowed her to develop a deep understanding of student needs. It also reinforced Ms. Ashraf's aspiration to transition entirely into therapy, a long-held goal that has shaped her subsequent achievements.

Ms. Ashraf's academic background has been instrumental in shaping her career trajectory. She completed a Bachelor of Science in psychology and received additional coursework in education at Texas Woman's University in 2013. She also earned a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling from the University of North Texas at Dallas in 2019. The knowledge gained through these programs has equipped Ms. Ashraf with the theoretical foundation and practical skills necessary for success across multiple roles within counseling and education. Additionally, she maintains a national certified counselor designation.

Further recognizing her expertise, Ms. Ashraf holds active memberships in several industry organizations, including the Texas Counseling Association and the Muslim Association of Psychological Services. These affiliations have enabled Ms. Ashraf to remain connected with advancements in the field while contributing to broader professional communities.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Ms. Ashraf has demonstrated a strong commitment to civic engagement by partnering with MARUF, where she volunteers weekly to provide therapeutic services for refugee and homeless populations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Her dedication to social justice was recognized when she received the Social Justice Award from the Texas Counseling Association in 2019.

Throughout her journey, Ms. Ashraf has attributed her accomplishments to the unwavering support of her family, especially her parents, siblings and close friends, who have provided encouragement during challenging times. Their guidance has been central to her ability to persevere through moments of uncertainty and achieve significant milestones at an early stage in her career.

Ms. Ashraf is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in counselor education with a specialization in marriage and family counseling at East Texas A&M University. Looking ahead, she plans to complete her doctoral degree and become eligible for licensure as a licensed professional counseling supervisor so she can mentor clinicians entering the field. With aspirations to teach at the university level and to advocate for systemic change within the mental health professions, Ms. Ashraf remains dedicated to training future therapists while addressing issues such as caregiver fatigue and burnout in the industry.

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