Atiq Shomar resting their chin on one hand behind a tall stack of trauma, liberation and decolonizing psychology books.

MEET YOUR THERAPIST

Meet Atiq.

Atiq M. Shomar (they/them), LCSW

CLINICAL SUPERVISOR · PRACTICE FOUNDER

A licensed clinical social worker who has spent the last decade building welcoming, trauma-informed care for LGBTQIA+ and other marginalized communities, and the founder of Liberation Counseling and Consulting.

LICENSED

Arizona & Michigan
LCSW-13586

PRONOUNS

they/them

MODALITIES

EMDR · DBT · IFS
Safe and Sound Protocol provider

WHERE WE MEET

Civano, Tucson
Plus telehealth across Arizona

WHO WE ARE

About 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.

Email ·‍ ‍Call  ·‍ ‍Book Online

Atiq M. Shomar, LCSW, smiling at the camera

HOW I WORK

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:

TYPES OF THERAPY I DO

EMDR

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.

TYPES OF THERAPY I DO

DBT Skills

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.

TYPES OF THERAPY I DO

Internal Family Systems

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.”

Atiq Shomar smiling in their office, in front of shelves of books and a warm lamp.

One Last Story.

You’ll notice I tend to talk in metaphors and stories. True to form, I’m going to give you one last story before you leave my website:

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 and how it works 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.

What That Means for Us

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 also 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.

THE DETAILS

Credentials and Training.

Licensure

Education

  • MA, Depth Psychology (Community, Liberation, Indigenous and Eco-Psychology), Pacifica Graduate Institute, 2024

  • MSW, Arizona State University, 2008

  • BA, Women’s Studies, Michigan State University, 1998

Training and Certifications

  • EMDR Level I and Level II trained

  • Safe and Sound Protocol provider

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy provider

Memberships

OUTSIDE THE SESSION

Beyond the Therapy Room.

Podcast Feature

I joined Maegan Megginson on the Deeply Rested podcast to talk about doing the real work of anti-racism in your business, what that actually looks like, and why surface-level gestures fall short.

Listen to the Episode

Consulting and Training

Through Atiq Shomar Consulting, I create anti-oppression trainings and support therapy practices in building more inclusive, equitable care models. If your organization is ready to move beyond performative inclusion, let’s connect.

Start a Conversation

LET’S TALK

If you think we might be a good fit, get in touch.

Consultations are free, and there's no pressure to book a session afterward. It's a conversation about whether this is the right place for you.

MEET WITH ATIQ AT OUR CIVANO : 10501 E SEVEN GENERATIONS WAY, STE 121