My Approach to Helping
Hello Traveler! My ideal client is someone in pursuit of compassionate, nuanced care on a transformative journey of self-discovery and healing. They grapple with diverse mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, bipolar condition, and trauma. They may be neurodivergent or exploring their LGBTQIA+ identity. Cultural competence is vital to them; they seek a therapist who understands their experiences, especially if they're minorities of color or have unique spiritual beliefs. They crave a safe space to explore their spiritual path, whether it's polytheism, occultism, religious deconstruction, or any other belief system.
Offering specialized clinical psychology services for various mental health conditions, with expertise in neurodivergence, LGBTQIA+ research, and compassion-focused therapy. Empowering marginalized voices through liberation psychology. Providing safe, judgment-free and affirming space for clients.
In life's complexity, facing mental health challenges can feel daunting. With 7 years of specialized experience, I offer a safe space for healing and self-discovery. Compassion-focused therapy and liberation psychology empower you. You're not alone; let's step towards a brighter future. Neurodivergent, LGBTQIA, and Spiritual folks have a sanctuary here.
I believe in using integrative care to nurture self-love and empower marginalized voices, utilizing evidence-based strategies while acknowledging historical narratives and systemic structures for holistic and transformative psychology services. Every unique individual will have their treatment tailored to their specific strengths and areas of desired growth as well as their respective cultures.
More Info About My Practice
Presenting Problems:
With seven years of experience, I specialize in conditions such as Panic Issues, Generalized Anxiety Condition, Bipolar Condition (including Bipolar I and II), Persistent Depression Condition, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Issue, Insomnia, Hypersomnia, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Issue, Posttraumatic Stress, Body Dysmorphia, Social Anxiety, Dependent Personality Condition, Borderline Personality, Schizophrenia, Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia, and Rejection-Sensitivity Dysphoria.
I have specialized experience in working with neurodivergence across the spectrums and have a passionate interest in all the unique expressions of the spectrum. Neurodivergent individuals are not only validated in the recognition of their unique personalities but also of the unique barriers faced by this population. Before my doctoral studies, I studied Applied Behavioral Analysis and worked with neurodivergent children ages 4-14.
Education and Research:
I pursued my educational journey at The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, VA, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2016. Following this, I continued to advance my academic pursuits at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Washington, D.C., where I achieved a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology on June 30, 2019. My dedication to the field culminated in the completion of a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology on July 31, 2023.
My expertise lies in conducting a comprehensive and critical literature review that addresses the complex intersection of mental health, identity, and social dynamics within the Muslim LGBTQIA+ population in the United States. Utilizing Martín-Baró's theory of liberation psychology as the guiding framework, I meticulously synthesized diverse sources from areas including history, religion, and sociology.
Compassion-Focused Therapy: Nurturing Self-Love
My passion for Compassion-Focused Therapy is deeply rooted in my understanding of the power of self-love and acceptance. I believe that true healing begins with cultivating self-compassion, especially in the face of adversity. This therapeutic approach encourages us to explore the depths of our inner selves, acknowledging pain and suffering while fostering self-kindness. Oftentimes in the face of healing against a history of suffering, the first barrier is the critical voice in your mind. For example, when was the last time you complimented yourself? How about insulting yourself? If the latter is more often than the former, then why? Why should such a system exist within you to begin with? Together, we will build the resilience needed to navigate life's challenges and uncover who you are when you see yourself with love.
Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) is a sophisticated therapeutic approach that integrates a plethora of evidence-based strategies to address a wide spectrum of psychological issues. These strategies encompass elements such as socratic dialogue, guided discovery, identification of safety behaviors, exposure therapy, inference chaining, cognitive reappraisal, behavioral experiments, mindfulness practices, body and emotional awareness techniques, and controlled breathing exercises, among others. CFT distinguishes itself by incorporating several distinctive features, including comprehensive psychoeducation regarding the intricate workings of our evolved brains, a strong emphasis on models of affect regulation with a particular focus on affiliative emotions and the parasympathetic nervous system, an in-depth exploration of self-criticism and various self-conscious emotions with an emphasis on differentiating between shame and guilt types, and the cultivation of compassionate motives, competencies, and identities as internal organizing systems. Furthermore, CFT utilizes self-identity as a means to develop and structure compassionate motives and competencies, while also addressing and working through fears, barriers, and resistances related to compassion, positive emotions, and, notably, affiliative emotions. This approach offers a comprehensive and nuanced framework for addressing complex emotional and psychological challenges
Liberation Psychology: Empowering Marginalized Voices
My commitment to Liberation Psychology extends beyond academic curiosity – it's a call to action. As someone who identifies as LGBTQIA+ and hails from the Middle East, I recognize the significance of amplifying marginalized voices.
Liberation psychology, rooted in the pioneering work of Ignacio Martín-Baró, presents a profound framework for addressing complex psychological and societal issues, with a particular emphasis on serving marginalized communities. At its core, Liberation psychology revolves around a series of crucial components. First, the recovery of authentic historical narratives is essential, untangled from the dominant ideologies imposed by those in power; this enables individuals to grasp the origins of their experiences. Second, the process of deideologizing is empowering; it allows individuals to analyze their life experiences free from the constraints of prevailing ideologies, facilitating a more genuine understanding of how historical circumstances persistently affect their daily lives. Third, the stage of problematization extends beyond mere awareness; it encompasses proactive problem-solving, empowering individuals to make informed decisions and take active control of their lives. Finally, the concept of conscientization represents a lifelong journey toward cultivating critical consciousness. It equips individuals with both the knowledge to contextualize their experiences and the agency to drive meaningful change. Furthermore, liberation psychology underscores the notion of "praxis," stressing the essential fusion of theory and practice for clinicians dedicated to working with marginalized populations. It encourages active engagement with clients' personal narratives and the intricate interplay of their lived experiences within systemic structures. This makes it an invaluable and transformative approach for those seeking a holistic and socially conscious psychology service.
Spirituality:
I offer a safe and supportive space for individuals from diverse belief systems, including Polytheism, Occultism, Religious Trauma, Religious Deconstruction, Esoterica, Wicca, Spirituality, Animism, and International Religions. Your unique spiritual journey is celebrated, and I'll help you find inner peace and understanding within your belief system.
