Amira

Amira, a 21-year-old university student majoring in Philosophy and Literature, reached out to AWT’s counseling service in March 2024. Her life was overshadowed by personal turmoil, including intrusive thoughts of self-harm, ongoing abuse by her brother, and severe emotional distress. Despite these overwhelming challenges, Amira made the courageous decision to seek help, marking the beginning of her transformative journey.

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Reaching out via social media, Amira connected with an AWT counselor who immediately prioritized her case. Initial sessions were conducted over Zoom due to her living abroad, providing her a safe and confidential space to share her struggles. Amira spoke of the trauma she had endured since adolescence, the burden of insomnia, physical fatigue, and an overwhelming sense of despair. With empathy and reassurance, the counselor affirmed the value of her life, encouraging her to explore alternative ways to cope with pain and regain control over her decisions.

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Through the sessions, Amira’s love for languages and her dream of traveling to France became focal points of hope. The counselor helped her channel this passion into positive actions, such as drawing and writing affirmations, which fostered creativity and purpose. By grounding herself in these aspirations, Amira began to visualize a future full of potential.

As trust deepened, Amira confronted the roots of her trauma. She shared her fears of divine punishment and feelings of guilt tied to the abuse she endured. The AWT counselor guided her to a renewed understanding of God’s unconditional love and forgiveness, dispelling the fear of judgment and replacing it with hope for healing.

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Practical exercises played a vital role in Amira’s progress. The counselor introduced mindfulness techniques, such as visualizing peaceful spaces like sitting by a river, to help her process emotions and rediscover calmness. Grounding activities, like drawing butterflies on areas she once harmed, reinforced her ability to face triggers without resorting to self-harm. The counselor also helped her identify safe spaces and rebuild her confidence in making decisions—a step toward reclaiming her agency.

Amira’s resilience grew as she adopted healthier routines, reduced her caffeine intake, and sought medical advice to address physical symptoms exacerbated by stress. With the counselor’s guidance, she reconnected with supportive family members, including her mother and sister, who became integral to her journey of healing. Using a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy and narrative therapy, Amira gained tools to manage her emotions, process traumatic memories, and challenge negative thought patterns.

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Prayer became a source of solace, and Amira embraced it as part of her healing journey. She found comfort in knowing that change was possible and that she was not alone. Her progress was evident as she began to confront topics like PTSD, boundaries, and self-image with newfound courage.

Amira’s story is a testament to the transformative power of seeking help and trusting the process of healing. With the unwavering support of the AWT counselor, she continues her journey with hope, faith, and a vision of a brighter tomorrow.

 

Outcomes of Amira’s Story

• No further incidents of self-harm or suicidal ideation, as Amira has successfully learned to manage her emotions and triggers with healthier coping strategies.

• Adoption of sustainable coping mechanisms, including engaging in art, practicing mindfulness, and using positive affirmations to navigate difficult moments.

• Significant improvements in physical health, with Amira following through on medical checkups, addressing heart and sleep issues, and adopting a healthier lifestyle.

• Rebuilding of strong, supportive family connections, as Amira has strengthened her relationships with her mother, sister, and other close family members, creating a robust support network.