“Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light”
-Brené Brown
About My Work
My therapeutic approach is compassionate, empathetic, and collaborative. I value the therapeutic relationship above all and strive to establish trust and a feeling of safety during our sessions. My primary aim is to invite you to come as you are and to unravel your authentic self. During our sessions, I don’t solely focus on the symptoms presented, but on you as whole. That includes understanding relationships, past experiences, and cultural influences that might have impacted present difficulties.
I work from an eclectic approach, incorporating techniques and interventions from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy. Which means I tend to focus on the distorted thoughts and emotions that might have a negative impact on your life, while also exploring the root of those thoughts and how they have affected your current concerns. I also practice from a relational lens, placing emphasis on the relationships in your life: the relationship with yourself, the therapist, and the world. Additionally, the mind-body connection is at the root of our work, identifying how our mental health affects and is stored in our body. My goal is to individualize my approach based on your needs to establish a safe space that is uniquely yours.
I specialize in working with individuals who struggle with relational trauma, mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, body image problems, substance abuse and perfectionism.
I am passionate about working with individuals from various racial, cultural and religious backgrounds as well as the LGBTQ+ community. I recognize the negative impact that is usually caused by larger social systems and value providing an inclusive space for individuals with different identities.
I offer services in both Arabic and English.
About Me
I graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and from the American University of Beirut with a Bachelor’s in Psychology. As part of my training, I worked at two agencies in Baltimore that provided services to individuals who struggled with substance abuse and mental health concerns. I provided individual therapy as well as group therapy at both the outpatient clinics and the crisis stabilization center. I then moved to New York City and worked at a private practice where I provided individual therapy, and at an NGO where I worked with Arab American immigrants as a family therapist.
After living in the United States for 4 years, I moved back to my home country Lebanon, and have been residing there since.
When I’m not working, you’ll find me walking around with my film camera, trying new coffee shops and restaurants, thrift shopping and sitting in a park. I love reading books, watching criminal shows, and spending quality time with friends and family.
As an Arab woman, therapy has always been a taboo topic, but I can confidently say that therapy has changed my life. Coming from a background and culture that does not talk about mental health often, I understand and recognize how challenging starting therapy can be. It would be my pleasure to accompany you and be a companion in this journey.
P.s. the photos used on this website are film photos I have taken :)