Today we’d like to introduce you to Fatima Dahab.
Hi Fatima, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Over fifteen years ago, I began my journey as a therapist at Aventura Hospital, not yet realizing how deeply this work would shape me. In those early years, I was immersed in people’s stories — their pain, their resilience, and their capacity to heal. I witnessed suffering up close, but I also witnessed the beauty of transformation — the quiet moments when someone found their strength again, when hope began to return.
As I grew in my career, so did my vision. I founded Mindful Directions with the intention of creating a space rooted in compassion, professionalism, and genuine human connection. Building a counseling practice was both deeply rewarding and incredibly challenging. The world of mental health requires equal parts heart and structure — and learning to balance both as a business owner, leader, and clinician was one of my greatest lessons.
Over time, I curated an all-female team of clinicians who embody the very essence of what Mindful Directions stands for — leadership, ethics, quality, and integrity. Each member was hand-picked not only for their clinical expertise but for their humanity — their ability to see, hold, and empower others with empathy and wisdom. Together, we’ve built something that transcends therapy; we’ve built a community grounded in trust and healing.
After 15 years within the walls of an office, I felt called to expand — to take the work beyond the traditional setting. That’s how Ember Retreats was born. Ember represents the next evolution of my work — an integration of modern psychology, holistic wellness, and experiential healing in breathtaking natural settings. Designed for women, couples, and corporations, these retreats are an invitation to step away from daily life and reconnect with what truly matters.
Through both Mindful Directions and Ember Retreats, my mission has remained the same: to help people reconnect — with themselves, with others, and with the world around them. Because healing doesn’t only happen in an office. It happens in conversation, in movement, in stillness, and in the spaces where we allow ourselves to simply be.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Oh, there were so many. Honestly, if someone had handed me a manual on “How to Run a Counseling Business While Staying Sane,” I would’ve gladly paid extra for it!
We’re not taught any of this in school. You learn how to diagnose, how to hold space for others, how to write a treatment plan—but no one tells you about insurance billing, taxes, hiring, or how to keep your computer from quitting on you right before session. I had to figure it all out the hard way—through trial, error, and a lot of late nights with chat gpt and coffee, maybe some tears.
There were moments of real doubt—times when the logistics felt heavier than the purpose. But each challenge taught me something essential: that growth doesn’t happen without friction. Without obstacles, we don’t stretch, we don’t learn, and we certainly don’t evolve.
One of the biggest blessings, though, has been the team I’ve built. Every clinician at Mindful Directions was hand-picked, not just for their credentials but for their character. These women are the backbone of everything I’ve created—ethical, compassionate, and genuinely dedicated. Knowing I can trust them wholeheartedly has allowed me to keep going, even when things got messy.
And then, of course, there’s the balancing act—being a mother, CEO, clinician, daughter, friend—and somehow still finding time to take care of myself. I’ll be honest, balance is not something I achieved; it’s something I practice daily. Some days it looks graceful, other days it’s coffee and a deep breath between sessions—but I’ve learned to give myself grace in the process.
At the end of the day, every obstacle, every mistake, and every moment of exhaustion has been part of the journey. I wouldn’t trade it, because without all of that, I wouldn’t have grown into the leader—or the human—that I am today.
As you know, we’re big fans of Mindful Directions Counseling Center. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Absolutely. So, Mindful Directions is my boutique mental health practice, and it’s something I’m incredibly proud of. We’re an all-female team of clinicians who are not only highly skilled but deeply compassionate. I hand-selected each team member to reflect the values that Mindful Directions stands for — integrity, empathy, and excellence in care.
We offer individual therapy, couples therapy, and group therapy, as well as concierge services for clients who need more flexibility and privacy. Our approach is modern, ethical, and personalized — no cookie-cutter therapy here. We truly meet clients where they are and walk with them through every stage of their healing journey.
I’ve also had the honor of being a vetted clinician for the NFL for the past three years, which has allowed me to provide mental health support to athletes navigating high-performance environments and the emotional challenges that come with that lifestyle.
Mindful Directions has always been about offering high-quality therapy in a setting that feels safe, elevated, and deeply human.
After spending over 15 years in an office setting, I began to notice that many clients — and honestly, myself included — were craving something beyond the traditional therapy room. That realization led to the creation of Ember Retreats.
Ember is an extension of Mindful Directions, born from the desire to bring healing, connection, and transformation outside of the office walls. We curate luxury wellness retreats for women, couples, and corporations, blending modern psychology with holistic wellness practices — things like mindfulness, movement, and connection with nature.
Whether it’s helping women reconnect with themselves, guiding couples to rediscover their intimacy, or supporting corporate teams in cultivating balance and better communication — Ember Retreats is about integration. It’s about living the work, not just talking about it.
In many ways, Mindful Directions is the foundation — the science, the structure, the clinical depth — and Ember Retreats is the evolution, where that healing expands into experience, community, and transformation.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Honestly, my favorite childhood memories always come back to the same thing — my friends. I’ve had the same group of best friends since preschool, which feels like such a rare and beautiful gift. Over 40 years of friendship, and we’re still as close as ever.
When I think back, it’s not one specific moment — it’s a collection of them. From just hanging out, laughing until it hurt, or doing the kind of ridiculous things adolescents tend to do. There was such a sense of freedom and belonging in those moments — no pressure, no titles, just pure connection and joy.
Those friendships have been a constant thread throughout my life — through every season, every transition. They’ve grounded me, reminded me where I come from, and given me the kind of support that only people who’ve known you your entire life can offer.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mindfuldirectionscc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ember_retreats?igsh=ejFhZGV6NjZ4b3lh&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/mindfuldirectionscounseling?igsh=aWhsNTBkbWQwcngy&utm_source=qr
