In this episode, host Cynthia Perez interviews Asma Abu Dahab, a psychotherapist and licensed clinical social worker. Asma shares her roles in life, including being a mother, daughter, wife, therapist, and activist. They discuss the challenges of being online and the vitriol that can be experienced. Asma talks about her childhood and the trauma she is currently processing related to her family’s history in Palestine. They also explore the concept of disenfranchised grief and the difficulty of grieving openly. Asma shares how she finds solace in connecting with her ancestral roots and engaging in traditional activities. They discuss the importance of decolonizing the field of mental health and how others can support this work. Asma, a therapist and activist, shares her experiences and insights on the impact of social media activism, breaking down cultural barriers, and the importance of standing up for one’s values. She discusses the challenges she faces as a Muslim woman wearing a hijab and the criticism she receives. Asma emphasizes the need to normalize conversations about Palestine and the importance of connecting with others on a human level. She also reflects on her role as a therapist and the shift in her approach since the recent events in Palestine.
Asma is a psychotherapist and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in the US. Asma has been in the mental health field for over 10 years. Asma has a masters of science in social work from Columbia University in the City of New York and is specialized in health, mental health and disabilities. She speaks English and Arabic fluently. Her passion is for empowering others to live their best life, to help normalize mental health care and decolonize the mental health field.
IG: asma.therapist
