Samrah S. Rafeeqi

About Samrah S. Rafeeqi

I\'m a MSSW student at Columbia University, concentrating in Advanced Clinical Social Work with a specialization in Health, Mental Health, and Disabilities and a Minor in Advocacy within the Criminal Legal System. I currently serve as a Student Clinical Therapist at LifeMoves, where I provide trauma-informed clinical support, conduct therapeutic sessions, and assist clients in navigating acute challenges related to housing instability, mental health, and systemic barriers. I am also completing Domestic Violence Counselor training with Casa de la Familia to further strengthen my competency in trauma-centered practice. My commitment to this field is grounded in both academic training and lived experience. Having navigated trauma, resilience, and complex systems firsthand, I bring a client-centered, empathetic, and justice-oriented approach to my work. I am particularly dedicated to supporting individuals through their mental health journeys, addressing the impacts of trauma, and advocating for equitable access to care and safety. For me, social work is a vocation rooted in ethical practice, compassion, and the belief that every individual deserves to be heard, supported, and treated with dignity.

Experience

1. Clinical Social Work Intern

   LifeMoves

   Aug 2025 — Present · San Francisco, CA, US

   Responsible for providing milieu therapy and individual therapy to clients within a shelter-based setting. Duties include conducting therapeutic sessions, maintaining accurate clinical documentation and case notes, and collaborating with multidisciplinary staff to support client progress. Practice is grounded in trauma-informed, evidence-based, and client-centered approaches to promote stability, resilience, and improved mental health outcomes.• Co-facilitated a 3-part Healthy Relationships psychoeducational group for residents in a transitional housing setting, focused on relationship dynamics, coercive control, communication styles, boundaries, attachment, and personal values.• Developed and facilitated structured group sessions using evidence-informed materials, reflective discussion, and experiential activities on topics including red/green flags, gaslighting, boundary setting, active listening, and healthy communication.• Supported residents in exploring interpersonal safety, self-awareness, support systems, and relational skills through trauma-informed group process and psychoeducation.• Provided follow-up support to participants as an on-site therapist and contributed to a therapeutic milieu through co-facilitation, engagement, and clinical reflection.

Education

• Columbia University

  Master of Science MSSW, Advanced Clinical Social Work

• Penn State University

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Psychology

  2018 — 2022