ta-fi-yya (n.) • to walk
Therapy for High-Achieving Black Women Across California
Serving California residents via Telehealth
"Tafiyya" means "to walk" in Hausa, a reflection of your journey, and an invitation to honor your path forward.
You've carried so much for so long with grace.
But underneath, you're exhausted from holding it all together. You don't have to do that here.
Tafiyya offers trauma-informed online therapy for Black women across California who are ready to move from survival to clarity and confidence.
Schedule Your Free 15- Minute Consultation
This may be for you if…
You're the strong one everyone depends on
You feel pressure to always perform
You're navigating leadership, career growth, or visibility
You're tired of being "the only" in professional spaces
You want therapy that understands your lived experience
I see you. You're not too much. You're ready for a life more aligned with your true self.
Meet Your Therapist
Shalonda Ibrahim-Abubakar, LCSW
Serving California residents via secure Telehealth
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Irvine, CA, providing virtual therapy for Black women across California. I am also a mother, a widow, a survivor, and a woman who has carried the weight of expectations with quiet strength. My journey into therapy wasn't just professional, it was deeply personal.
I know what it's like to be the one others lean on, the one who "has it all together," while silently struggling to hold onto yourself. I also know what it means to walk toward healing, one intentional step at a time.
LCSW (CA 134546)
What Working Together Feels Like
My therapeutic style is warm, direct, and deeply affirming. I honor your lived experience as a Black woman, understand the cultural pressure, perfectionism, and generational weight that often come with that identity. Therapy with me is collaborative grounded in clinical wisdom, cultural humility, and respect for your truth.
Culturally Attuned
I understand the unique experiences, pressures, and strengths of Black women navigating multiple worlds.
Collaborative Journey
Your healing is not something I do to you; it's something we create together, at your pace.
Safe Space
No code-switching. No shrinking. Just authentic, grounded support for your whole self.
My Approach
I draw from eclectic blend of evidence-based modalities through a culturally responsive lens. But more than any method, I prioritize connection and safety.
This is your space to breathe, unload, and realign.
Evidence-Based
I integrate trauma informed care, insight-oriented, strengths-based, cognitive and relational models, solutions-focused, mindfulness practices, and somatic awareness.
Culturally Responsive
Every technique is adapted to honor your cultural identity, lived experience, and the specific challenges you face as a Black woman.
Relationship-Centered
The therapeutic relationship itself is healing. I create genuine connection where you can show up authentically.
"This is your space to breathe, unload, and realign. No code-switching required. No need to shrink."
Let's Walk This Journey Together
Therapy doesn't have to be intimidating. I create a warm, affirming space where we can unpack the layers together with honesty, compassion, and laughter when you need it.
I bring cultural awareness, clinical expertise, and lived experience to support your healing and growth. This combination allows me to meet you where you are and walk alongside you toward where you want to be.
This work is not about "fixing" you. You're not broken. It's about returning to yourself, the version of you that exists beyond the expectations, the performance, and the survival strategies.
Connect
We start with a free consultation to see if we're a good fit
Explore
Together, we identify your goals and what matters most to you
Heal
We do the work at your pace, with compassion and intention
Grow
You reclaim your power, your boundaries, and your authentic self
Ready to take the next step?
Let's talk. Schedule a free consultation and see if we're a good fit. This is your time to rest, to reflect, and to rise.
The consultation is a no-pressure, 15-minute conversation where you can ask questions, share what's bringing you to therapy, and get a feel for whether my approach resonates with you. You deserve to find a therapist who truly gets it and gets you.

Your healing matters. Taking this step is an act of courage and self-love. I'm here to support you every step of the way.
Services
Therapy for Black Women in California
I offer individual therapy for Black women statewide who are ready to reclaim their lives, heal from burnout, and step into their power. This is specialized support designed specifically for the experiences, challenges, and strengths of Black women.
Reclaim Your Time & Energy
Set boundaries that protect your peace.
Navigate Life Transitions
Move through career, identity, and life shifts with clarity.
Heal From Burnout
Untangle perfectionism and chronic overextension.
Create Guilt-Free Boundaries
Say no without shrinking.
Feel Truly Seen
Therapy without code-switching.
What You Can Expect
Therapy with me is structured yet flexible, professional yet warm. Here's what our work together looks like:
  • Session format: 50-minute weekly or biweekly sessions via telehealth for your convenience and comfort
  • Your space: A nonjudgmental, culturally affirming environment where you can bring your full self
  • Your goals: We'll set goals that align with your values and authentic desires
  • Your pace: Homework and exercises only if they feel helpful to you
  • Real healing: No performative healing. Just real, grounded, sustainable work
50
Minutes Per Session
Dedicated time just for you
$190
Investment Per Session
Professional, specialized care
Private pay, superbills available upon request
100%
Telehealth
Convenient, private support

Location: I provide telehealth services for Black women who are residents of California. All sessions are conducted via secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if we're a good fit. No pressure, just a conversation. Evening appointments available.
During this call:
We talk about what's bringing you to therapy
Answer any questions you have
Explore whether my approach feels aligned for you
How to prepare (optional):
Jot down what feels most urgent or important
Bring any questions about therapy, logistics, or fit
Next steps, at your pace:
If we're a good fit, we'll schedule your first session
If not, I'm happy to offer referrals
Your healing journey starts with a single step.
I'm honored to walk alongside you as you reclaim your power, set boundaries, and return to your authentic self. You deserve support that sees you, honors you, and empowers you.
Schedule your free 15-minute consultation today.
Tafiyya Counseling • Shalonda Ibrahim-Abubakar, LCSW (CA 134546)• Serving California residents via Telehealth
5325 Alton Parkway Suite C743, Irvine, CA 92604 • (949) 274-4795
Frequently Asked Questions
  • How do I get started?
    Click "Schedule Your Free Consultation" and select a time that works for you.
  • Do you offer in-person or virtual sessions?
    All sessions are conducted via secure Telehealth for California residents.
  • Who do you work with?
    I primarily work with high-achieving Black women navigating stress, burnout, identity shifts, relationship patterns, and life transitions.
  • What is your fee?
    $190 per 50-minute session.
  • Do you accept insurance?
    No. Tafiyya Counseling is a private-pay practice. A superbill can be provided for possible out-of-network reimbursement.
  • What approaches do you use?
    My work integrates trauma-informed care, insight-oriented therapy, strengths-based practice, cognitive and relational models, solutions-focused therapy, mindfulness practices, and somatic awareness.
  • How often will we meet?
    Most clients begin with weekly sessions. Frequency can be adjusted based on your needs and goals.
  • What happens during the consultation?
    We discuss what brings you to therapy, answer your questions, and determine whether we're a good fit.
  • What is your cancellation policy?
    A minimum of 24 hours' notice is required. Late cancellations and no-shows are charged the full session fee.
Still have questions? Schedule a free consultation.
Tafiyya Counseling • Shalonda Ibrahim-Abubakar, LCSW (CA 134546)• Serving California residents via Telehealth
5325 Alton Parkway Suite C743, Irvine, CA 92604 • (949) 274-4795