Meet Mia Azar, MSWi, at Gold Counseling in Draper, UT

Mia’s path toward social work began when her older sister adopted two children from foster care. These children have struggled with a multitude of concerns, including attachment issues, anxiety, autism, and being part of the foster care system. Through this family experience, Mia began working towards a Bachelor of Social Work to work with children. Additionally, as part of her undergraduate degree, Mia began researching postpartum depression and shifted some of her focus to expand education and knowledge on this very prevalent issue.

For the past 3 years, Mia has been working in the mental health field in Utah.  She worked at a youth crisis shelter for 2 years where she assisted youth ages 10-17 who were experiencing a variety of issues including suicidal ideation, self-harm, familial struggles, and other mental health concerns. Additionally, she worked at a county jail for a year where she was a case manager. Mia assisted inmates as they transitioned back into the community and helped them find resources, community, and build skills. As part of her undergraduate degree, Mia created and conducted a psychoeducational group on postpartum depression. She worked with multiple groups of women to help them better understand postpartum depression, its side effects, and treatment options. Additionally, she has worked in her personal and professional life with children and those with physical and mental disabilities. Mia enjoys working with children, teens, and women.

Mia has participated in specialized group trainings focused on trauma, children and adolescents, and couples and relationships. Her clinical interests are further informed by her professional experience working with youth in crisis, individuals transitioning back into the community, and women experiencing postpartum depression. She also has personal and professional experience supporting children and individuals with physical and developmental disabilities.  Mia has a particular interest in women’s mental health, including postpartum depression, infertility, and pregnancy loss, as well as supporting children and adolescents experiencing grief, ADHD, foster care-related challenges and other mental health concerns.  She incorporates evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, mindfulness-based therapy, and Mind-Body Bridging, tailoring her approach to the individual needs and experiences of each client.

It took me many years to learn how to maintain my own mental health. One practice I found very helpful is mind-body bridging.  This skill is something I can do in different moments where my emotions are high. It forces me to stop and focus on myself and gain a deeper understanding of where my personal struggles take flight. Additionally, engaging in my own therapy and having someone to talk to about my mental health has provided me a space to maintain my mental health and be present for my clients.

I love to spend time outside and with my family. Additionally, I am a huge music fan and love Taylor Swift and going to different concerts.  One of my favorite things to do in my free time is watch reality TV. It is a point of connection with my family and friends and provides me a space to step out of my own world and into the chaos of another.

“I use evidence-based techniques including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and mind-body bridging. I believe my clients are the experts in their experiences and my role is to listen, support, and provide education on skills. I believe clients have the autonomy to determine the changes they want to make, and my role is to support them throughout that process. I have a strong focus in my clinical work on mindfulness and reconnecting with the body to assist in mental health growth.”