Meet Atiq.
Atiq M. Shomar (they/them), LCSW
Clinical Supervisor | Practice Founder
Meet with Atiq at our Civano Location!
Schedule a Free ConsultationAbout Atiq.
I'm a licensed clinical social worker and therapist who's spent the last decade building welcoming, trauma-informed care for LGBTQIA+ and other marginalized communities. I founded Liberation Counseling and Consulting, a thriving private practice, and I also run Atiq Shomar Consulting, where I create anti-oppression trainings and support therapy practices in building more inclusive models of care.
Mentoring clinicians as they grow into independent practice and leadership is work I find genuinely meaningful. I've supervised and launched multiple associates, and I bring that same collaborative spirit into the therapy room with every client.
My background includes leading outpatient services and telehealth mental health programs at the VA, where I focused on quality improvement and community outreach. That work deepened my respect for what genuinely accessible care requires: showing up for people in ways the system often doesn't.
I hold an MA in Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute and an MSW from Arizona State University. I combine clinical expertise with practical practice-management skills to make care accessible, compassionate, and sustainable.
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My Approach to Therapy.
I think of myself as a long-term therapist. That means I'll devote time to getting to know you, building a relationship, and understanding where you're coming from. Therapy is an investment we're both making in your future. And the most important part of the equation is the relationship you and I have with each other.
Types of therapy I do:
Lots of people are hearing about EMDR lately. And it is a very good tool to help you recover from trauma, anxiety, depression, and many other illnesses. As an EMDR trained therapist, it is an option for the work we do together. We will spend time really fleshing out your individual needs before we jump into EMDR. EMDR is part of the therapy that we'll do, but not the only thing.
DBT Skills are extremely helpful to anyone who is struggling with being present (Mindfulness), with relationships, or with tolerating difficult situations. We can integrate these skills into the therapy we do, or we can focus intensely on the skills. We'll decide together what direction might help you most.
Internal Family Systems therapy is about addressing the different "parts" that live in each of us. One part of you may be angry, while another part feels scared. That can be so confusing! We'll work hard to make sense of what's going on and to help you find your "best adult self" who can most effectively "drive the bus."
You'll notice I tend to talk in metaphors and stories. True to form, here is one last story before you leave this page:
When I was working on leaving my full-time job and starting a private practice, I talked with a good friend about how to explain the nature of therapy to someone who might be scared about it or have had a bad experience in the past. She suggested I start with something I love. I am a quilter. It makes my heart happy to create something beautiful for, and with, people I love. When I make a quilt, I take an amazing piece of fabric, cut it up, and sew it back together into something even more meaningful, connected, and stronger. Therapy works like this. Together, we will examine the struggles you face, work to cut them apart, and reassemble the pieces to create the image you want.
I may not walk in your shoes, but I will always do my best to stay focused on the picture you're painting for your life and do my best to help you get there.
If you think we might be a good fit, get in touch for a free consultation!
Email / Call / Book Online
Credentials and Training.
State: Arizona
NPI: 1013202837
State: Michigan
Pacifica Graduate Institute, 2024
MSW Arizona State University, 2008
BA Women's Studies, Michigan State University, 1998
Beyond the Therapy Room.
Liberation Counseling and Consulting does not provide crisis services. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), call 911, or go to your nearest emergency room.

