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Hi, I’m Kamal
For the most part, I believe that the struggles we face as humans boil down to a lack of disconnection from ourselves. Reconnecting with ourselves—whether through facilitating our own healing or receiving support from others—allows us to live more meaningfully and authentically. I am a therapist because I have a great appreciation for the complexity of human relationships and the human mind, both its limitations and its potential.
My Background & History As A Therapist
I have always been curious about why people behave they way they do. As a first generation Eritrean American born and raised in the Bay Area, I struggled with a sense of belonging throughout my adolescence, often straddling the line between multiple identities and insecurities surrounding the idea of not being “American enough and not being “Eritrean enough.” However, the more I participated in sports like basketball and track, the more I was able to establish my unique identity while also feeling part of a cohesive, supportive community.
Early on in college, I took an introductory psychology class that helped me further understand the human condition and its applications in my own life. I learned transformative concepts in terms of moods, relationships, and behaviors, prompting me to further pursue psychology in my graduate studies.
Despite my interest in the field, I had never attended therapy myself. As part of my course requirements, I had to participate in 20 hours of therapy, which led me, at 27, to have my first experience in a therapist’s office. This was a huge turning point in my life—not only allowing me to process some of the identity-related challenges that I had encountered throughout my youth but also confirming that I was on the right career track.
Kamal Ahmed, LMFT
The Populations I Work With
I specialize in working with men, teens, and athletes because I identify with these groups in a way that allows me to meaningfully connect with clients. As a racial minority, I understand the layers of systemic, generational trauma; as an athlete, I relate to issues of performance anxiety; as a person who used to struggle with depression and anxiety, I know what it takes to manage disruptive symptoms; and, finally, as a husband and father, I can identify with the struggles of prioritizing relationships and maintaining a work-life balance.
These unique perspectives make me particularly well suited to work with individuals who often don’t have the privilege of seeing themselves in the counseling space. I know what it is like to feel unseen, unheard, and disconnected, and I aim to fill the space for my clients that was such a big void for me as I grew up and was getting to know myself.
What To Expect When We’re Working Together
It’s my passion to facilitate a sense of reconnection in the lives of my clients, listening with deep care and attention. In fact, many of my clients comment on the fact that I am the first therapist they’ve worked with that doesn’t just sit there, nodding their head. I am engaged in the therapeutic process and invested in creating a meaningful space where my clients can process.
Trained in a range of therapeutic approaches, I am available to help teen and adult clients navigate trauma, anxiety, relational issues, and communication. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), I am a good match for men who struggle in their relationships with their spouses and/or children. And as a therapist certified in the revolutionary technique of Brainspotting, I am adept at treating anxiety and trauma. I also have advanced training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for anxiety, the Emotional Freedom Technique, and Relational Life Therapy. Furthermore, when my schedule allows for it, I offer support groups for men and teen boys who are in search of community and a diverse array of perspectives.
When I’m Not Working
Outside of the counseling space, I have continued playing basketball and exercising regularly, which is great for my mental health. I also enjoy spending quality time with friends and family, including my wife (to whom I’ve been married since graduate school) and our two beloved daughters.
Reconnection With Your Most Joyful, Authentic Self Is Possible
As a therapist, I specialize in working with men, teens, and athletes, with intermittent group opportunities available. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact me.
Sessions are 50 minutes.
Kamal Ahmed is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) serving residents throughout Sacramento and the greater Bay Area. After receiving a Bachelor’s in Psychology from San Jose State University in 2012, Kamal completed a Master’s of Counseling from Sofia University (formerly the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology) in 2016.
In addition to being a certified Brainspotting therapist, Kamal has level-3 training in the Emotional Freedom Technique and Relational Life Therapy (RLT) with Terry Real. He is also trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for anxiety through the Beck Institute and as a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP). Kamal is affiliated with the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) and the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT).