Z as a
Therapist
In my work with clients, I tend to lean more psychodynamically. That is a fancy way of saying I help clients go deep into the past to help make unconscious thoughts, behaviors, and emotions more conscious.
A huge emphasis is placed on the relationships that are present in the room. The relationship between client and therapist, the relationship between client and the world, and most importantly, the relationship between the client and themselves.
I operate from a trauma informed lens at all times when interacting with clients. In our work together, I will help feel you feel more empowered in your narrative. Trauma is often times stored deep in our bodies and souls. In unpacking our trauma and getting more intimate with untouched parts of ourselves, we learn how to soothe the parts of ourselves that are activated when triggered.
Coming from an immigrant, non-White, non-Western background, your cultural identities will be at the forefront of our sessions, and I will navigate them with the sensitivity that they deserve.
My work is anti-racist, anti-oppressive, intersectional, and feminist. I highlight how oppressive systems of sexism and patriarchy manifest in a client’s relationship with themselves and others.
LGBTQIA+ allied and affirming.
⋆Training⋆
I knew early on that I wanted to work in the helping and service space. I went on to study Psychology and Political Science for my undergraduate degree at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles.
I traded California’s palm trees for New York’s skyscrapers when I moved here in 2018 for my masters degree in Mental Health Counseling at Teachers College, Columbia University. I also worked towards an Advanced Certification in Sexuality, Women, and Gender, and wrote my final thesis on Catcalling- the psyche of the perpetrator and the survivor. During my time at Columbia, I did my practicum training at STEPS to End Family Violence, a center serving survivors of intimate partner violence and gender based violence. Though the work was challenging and heavy, it was an extremely rewarding experience and gave me a strong basis for working with survivors of trauma.
Since graduating from Columbia, I practiced at Let’s Talk for Psychological Wellness in New York City for three years, before transitioning to my home country of Kuwait- where I am currently working at Anara Center for Mental Health.
Z as a
Human
I was born and raised in Kuwait, at a time where mental health and seeking therapy were extremely shameful and taboo. I fought hard within my own community to gain higher education in psychology, and I’ve made it my personal mission to destigmatize mental health in the brown community. Being an Arab woman and an immigrant is a loud part of my identity, and my hope is to help you embrace your different identities too!
In my free time, I like walking in the park and people watching. You’ll often find me with my nose in a book, probably reading a historical fiction novel. I love exploring new coffee shop scene, and overindulging in matcha lattes. I travel when I can, and make it my mission to explore new cultures and ways of life. My cat Sashimi keeps me busy and entertained. You can expect her to definitely be lurking in some of our sessions.
Questions? Let’s chat.
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