Nui Waris LPC

Hi! My name is Nui (she/her). I am a psychotherapist, and at my core, I am a curious and empathic lover of stories. I believe everyone has their own story and deserves a space where their experiences are truly understood. This belief shapes my practice, which is especially focused on supporting women of color, adult children of immigrant parents, individuals working to manage their anxiety/overthinking, and individuals exploring their spirituality, cultural identity, self-worth, and relationship attachments. I am dedicated to supporting not just individuals but also couples, as I believe that our connections with others are fundamental to our healing processes. I value honesty, directness, and openness in my communication style and I work best with clients who share similar traits.

I am an adult child of immigrants and a Bengali American woman who grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. I am Muslim, spiritual, and have an ever-changing understanding of the world and myself. Growing up, I didn’t know how to navigate my bicultural American and Bengali Muslim identities in predominantly white communities. My brown traditions and visibly Muslim appearance made me feel alone and othered. I felt similar in my religious communities which felt strict and non-compassionate. As a young adult, I ventured off to connect with my authentic self. I joined communities where I learned about people through their art, navigated practicing Islam from a place of love and light, and attended my own therapy where I explored my own healing and recognized the intergenerational trauma and healing that was happening all around me in myself, my family and my communities. I eventually felt I had reached a place where I found my own voice, a balance of my identities, and tools to help me cope. Although I am always a work in progress, I began to re-think the fast-paced life we’re led to lead living in an oppressive, capitalist system. I slowed down, not as concerned with “achieving” healing, but more concerned with being “good enough” to live freely and peacefully. Because of this, I also have a strong passion for anything that inspires us to take a breath, be in the present, be in our bodies/souls, and be accepting of the person we are right now. I believe this is part of the pathway to collective liberation. 

I think my backstory is important for you to know because it shapes how I show up in the therapy space. Therapy with me looks like me stepping out of my world and diving into yours alongside you. I aspire to understand without judgment and to see the world how you do while also exploring insights and new frontiers with honesty and compassion. This approach has also shaped how I use therapy techniques. In the therapy space, I gravitate towards using attachment work, polyvagal theory, somatic/body work, and parts/inner-child work. 

Attachment Work: I believe we are naturally built to need love and connection. Therefore, when there are moments in our lives where we didn’t receive the love and connection we needed — whether it be a caregiver, family member, friend, community, or as we were taught to perceive from a Higher Power — our defenses naturally go up. This protective response shields us from vulnerability and potential hurt, but it also prevents us from forming deep and meaningful relationships with ourselves and others. In therapy, we work to gently lower these defenses. By understanding and healing these past wounds, we can open up to building more profound and empowering connections.

Polyvagal and Somatic/Body Work: A significant part of my therapeutic approach focuses on exploring & understanding how our bodies react under stress. It’s common to blame ourselves and wonder, ‘Why can’t I change? What am I doing wrong? Is something wrong with me?’. For instance, you might notice your heart racing, your breath quickening, or a feeling of stuckness and heaviness in a stressful situation—these are examples of your body’s fight, flight, and freeze responses. Understanding these reactions, allows us to shift from blaming ourselves to appreciating how our bodies are naturally trying to protect us. Moreover, by becoming more connected with our bodily sensations, we can address the physical symptoms of stress and trauma that we can’t always ‘talk’ ourselves out of.

 Although I am always a work in progress, I began to re-think the fast-paced life we’re led to lead living in an oppressive, capitalist system. I slowed down, not as concerned with “achieving” healing, but more concerned with being “good enough” to live freely and peacefully. Because of this, I also have a strong passion for anything that inspires us to take a breath, be in the present, be in our bodies/souls, and be accepting of the person we are right now. I believe this is part of the pathway to collective liberation. 

Parts/Inner-Child Work: I believe there are parts of us that battle each other. It can feel like you know something in your mind but it feels impossible to change. By getting to know these parts of ourselves, we can learn how to help them work together instead of against each other, ultimately serving your journey toward healing and wholeness.

I also practice with an understanding of the oppressive, capitalist structures that shape our lives. Often, the challenges we encounter stem not from personal failings but from societal expectations that emphasize relentless productivity and individualism with little focus on attuting to and caring for ourselves. As a woman of color, I recognize the ways I’ve had to navigate oppression and how it has shaped my life. Additionally, as an able-bodied, cis-gendered, heterosexual, middle-class individual, I am conscious of the privileges I hold and this awareness drives me to practice cultural humility. I am committed to striving continuously to understand and respect the diverse lived experiences of all my clients. In our therapy sessions, I aim to foster a sanctuary where we can collectively process the impacts of these systemic forces, dismantle ingrained harmful doctrines, and explore ways to live authentically within our society while reducing harm. This space is ours to find balance and foster healing together.

As a therapist, I offer a perspective shaped not only by my professional training but also by my personal experiences. I’ve navigated anxious attachment in relationships, neurodivergence, and managing PCOS. I don’t have all the answers because, like many of us, I’m still on that journey myself. Yet, this personal understanding of the challenges we face deepens my empathy and strengthens my commitment to working alongside you.

While all these beliefs guide my therapy style and they have been paths that worked for myself and other clients, I am, first and foremost, a companion who will walk alongside you, listen to you with warmth, and be a holder of your unique story. You are the priority and we will work together to unravel your story and continue to write it with you holding the pen. 

A little bit about me outside of the therapy space—  I am (as I mentioned) a lover of stories so I like to read, watch TV/movies, listen to podcasts and occasionally write. I prefer fantasy, sci-fi, and dystopian genres. I also enjoy playing board games with family and friends (My favorite is Everdell!), coloring, decorating my home, being in nature or around water, and casually playing pickleball.

Nui Waris received her Bachelor’s in information Decision Sciences, Minor in Psychology from University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

To schedule an appointment: info@mindfullifechicago.com