We feature Moushumi Sen, a licensed clinical social worker specializing in trauma treatment, EMDR, and issues affecting adult women of color. Moushumi discusses culturally responsive EMDR, emphasizing the importance of cultural humility and addressing culturally based trauma. She also highlights the need for solidarity and support for Black communities as South Asians and AAPI allies, drawing from historical connections and personal experiences.Moushumi Sen’s Contact:

Website - http://moushumisen.com/

Professional communities:

National Association of Social Work - https://www.socialworkers.org/Advocacy/Social-Justice

Work by Dr. Jasmine Smith, LCSW - https://www.blossomingsoulstherapy.com/

Resources:

Cultural Competence and Healing Culturally Based Trauma with EMDR Therapy: Innovative Strategies and Protocols by Mark Nickerson

The Secret History of South Asian and African American Solidary - https://blackdesisecrethistory.org/

Mississippi Masala (1991) film - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ph1o5Bm6Tfs

Support this Podcast:

Donate 1-time any amount - https://checkout.square.site/buy/DFUO7XYMQ27EZ6QVUL6PC6FA

Music Samples:

Intro 1 by Lof Cosmos - Late night streets (lofi)

Intro 2 by Mikhail Smusev - Heroic Quest
Outro by Alex Kizenkov - Inspirational Cinematic Adventure

We are preparing for AAPI Heritage Series 2025! Stay tuned to the wonderful conversations with AAPI therapists and folks who are in the mental health industry share insights on their work as well as offering tips and ideas.

In this episode, we speak with Rossol Gharib, a forensic psychology doctoral candidate, about the intersection of law, psychology, and cultural understanding. More importantly, Rossol shares her perspective on ways in which supervisors and training programs can actively address Islamophobia by recognizing cultural consciousness, the importance of spirituality, and integrating diverse perspectives in psychology. We are reminded that study of the mind, psychology, and mental health are topics which have existed before Western Psychology. As future faculty, mentors, and advisors in psychology, we all must look globally and within ourselves if we want to actively address Islamophobia.

Rossol Gharib’s Contact:

Email - [email protected]

ResearchGate - https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rossol-Gharib/research

Resources:

Arabic and Islamic Psychology and Philosophy of Mind - https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/arabic-islamic-mind/

Avicenna’s Influence on Science and Psychology - https://khalilcenter.com/articles/avicennas-influence-science-psychology

Bobby Wright - Mentacide: The ultimate threat to the Black race

Gharib, R. (2021). White Racial Identity and its Impact on Punitive Attitudes Towards Juvenile Offenders. CUNY Academic Works. https://academicworks.cuny.edu/jj_etds/187

Mitha, K (2020). Conceptualising and addressing mental disorders amongst Muslim communities: Approaches from the Islamic Golden Age. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7689558/

Sleek, S. (2015). The Science and the Injustice of the Central Park Jogger Case. https://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/the-science-and-the-injustice-of-the-central-park-jogger-case

Central Park 5 interview on PBS - https://www.pbs.org/video/central-park-five-confessions/

Central Park jogger case - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Park_jogger_case

Rise of Islamophobia - https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/03/october-7-israel-gaza-islamophobia

Support this Podcast:

Donate 1-time any amount - https://checkout.square.site/buy/DFUO7XYMQ27EZ6QVUL6PC6FA

Music Samples:

Intro 1  NEST-BEATZOfficial - (Royalty Free) Hard Reality I Hard Rap Beat

Intro 2 by Mikhail Smusev - Heroic Quest

Outro by Alex Kizenkov - Inspirational Cinematic Adventure

In this episode, we explore liberation psychology with Laila El-Asmar, a Palestinian-Italian American therapist who brings over 25 years of experience to the conversation. She defines liberation psychology as a focus on oppression and its impact on marginalized communities, emphasizing how therapy can help individuals free themselves from this pain. We also explore the therapist's personal journey, including her upbringing and cultural background, and how these experiences shape her unique approach to therapy. This episode provides valuable insights into the intersection of culture, identity, and mental health within the framework of liberation psychology.

Laila El-Asmar’s Contact:

Website - www.lailaelasmar.com

Resources:

Liberation Psychology - https://libpsy.org/welcome/defining-liberation-psychology/

The Palestine-Global Mental Health Network - https://www.pgmhn.org/about-us

Dr. Fouzi El Asmar - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fouzi_El_Asmar

Frantz Fanon - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frantz_Fanon

Support this Podcast:

Donate 1-time any amount - https://checkout.square.site/buy/DFUO7XYMQ27EZ6QVUL6PC6FA

Music Samples:

Intro 1 Arabic Music

Intro 2 by Mikhail Smusev - Heroic Quest
Outro by Alex Kizenkov - Inspirational Cinematic Adventure

In this episode, we explore with Dr. Reigna El-Yashruti the complexities of therapeutic neutrality, curiosity, fairness, and justice and when working with AMENA clients. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing emotional experiences as valid sources of information and challenges the notion of strict neutrality in clinical practice. The conversation also explores the nuances of cultural humility, the potential for perceived betrayal when exploring identity, and the pressures of achievement-driven activities in certain communities.

Reigna El-Yashruti’s Contact:

Email - [email protected]

Resources:

Cartoon representation of Equality, Equity, and Social Justice - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uvoios7frIs

Support this Podcast:

Donate 1-time any amount - https://checkout.square.site/buy/DFUO7XYMQ27EZ6QVUL6PC6FA

Music Samples:

Intro 1 by Mikhail Smusev - Emotional Piano Music

Intro 2 by Mikhail Smusev - Heroic Quest

Outro by Alex Kizenkov - Inspirational Cinematic Adventure

We speak with Dalal Musa, a licensed social worker with 22 years of private practice experience, as part of our Arab American Heritage series. Dalal shares her insights on the challenges of cultural disconnect in therapy, and the importance of creating a safe and supportive space for clients to explore and heal. She discusses her evolutionary journey of becoming a therapist and the role of personal experiences in shaping her approach. Dalal also highlights the significance of recognizing and nurturing the spiritual and soul level in therapy, emphasizing the co-created nature of the therapeutic relationship.

Dalal Musa’s Contact:

Email - [email protected]

PsychologyToday - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/dalal-musa-falls-church-va/35659

Resources:

AMENA-Psy - https://www.amenapsy.org/Frantz Fanon - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frantz_Fanon

Support this Podcast:

Donate 1-time any amount - https://checkout.square.site/buy/DFUO7XYMQ27EZ6QVUL6PC6FA

Music Samples:

Intro 1 by Clavier-Music - Moon Rain

Intro 2 by Mikhail Smusev - Heroic Quest

Outro by Alex Kizenkov - Inspirational Cinematic Adventure

We explore with Dr. Thorayya Said Giovanelli considerations of AMENA identity as part of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work and within a clinical context. Dr. Giovanelli also shares her personal experiences, including her grandfather's story, which shaped her path, hence the impact of family narratives as part of culturally responsive treatment approaches. Additionally, we also consider the privileges inherent or perceived from identities as well as loss of privileges when marginalized identities are disclosed.

Resources:

American Arab, Middle Eastern, and North African Psychological Association (AMENA-Psy) - https://www.amenapsy.org/

Handbook of Arab American Psychology - https://www.amazon.com/Handbook-Arab-American-Psychology-Mona/dp/0415841933

US Census to add Middle Eastern. North African category - https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/28/transformative-us-census-to-add-middle-eastern-north-african-category

Support this Podcast:

Donate 1-time any amount - https://checkout.square.site/buy/DFUO7XYMQ27EZ6QVUL6PC6FA

Music Samples:

Intro 1 by Khem Raj - Deep House with Female Vocals

Intro 2 by Mikhail Smusev - Heroic Quest

Outro by Alex Kizenkov - Inspirational Cinematic Adventure

In this Arab American Heritage Series, we discuss with Sandra Khalil, a Palestinian-American licensed marriage and family therapist, untangling the impact of colonialism on Arab American identity and that takes place in the therapy space. We explore ideas such as relational trauma within the context of the Arab American community and potential therapeutic approaches that address both the psychological and somatic wounds of historical oppression.

Sandra Khalil’s Contact:

Substack - https://returningtoourroots.substack.com/

Instagram - @sandrakhalil.lmft

Support this Podcast:

Donate 1-time any amount - https://checkout.square.site/buy/DFUO7XYMQ27EZ6QVUL6PC6FA

Music Samples:

Intro 1 by Praz Khanal - Do it again Arabic Pop Music

Intro 2 by Mikhail Smusev - Heroic Quest

Outro by Alex Kizenkov - Inspirational Cinematic Adventure

April is Arab American Heritage Month, a time for reflection, celebration, appreciation, and for allies, a time to learn and support our MENA colleagues and friends.

Here at People of Color in Psychology, throughout this month, we are proud to present a series of insightful conversations with remarkable Arab American therapists. Join us as we delve into their personal and professional journeys, explore their unique perspectives, and celebrate their significant contributions to the mental health field.

The current sociopolitical climate demands urgent action. We must speak up, support, and advocate for our MENA colleagues and friends, and actively challenge and dismantle racist ideologies, including our own internalized biases, that perpetuate harmful stereotypes and misrepresent the MENA identity.

So during Arab American History Month, let's honor the rich culture and history of Arab American communities and the significant contributions of MENA mental health professionals. Let's use this inspiration to create a truly inclusive and healing mental health field where the work of MENA professionals is not only recognized but fundamentally integrated into our practices.

Join us this April. Subscribe to The People of Color in Psychology Podcast, and be part of this important conversation.

Resources:

2023 APA Acknowledgments in Celebrating Arab American Heritage Month - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qIZ4kVIqqk

National Arab American Foundation - https://arabamericafoundation.org/national-arab-american-heritage-month/
The Minoritized Arab/MENA Experience in the U.S. with Dr. Germine G. Awad - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2WAhwBwY-U

Support this Podcast:

Donate 1-time any amount - https://checkout.square.site/buy/DFUO7XYMQ27EZ6QVUL6PC6FA

In this episode, we speak with Lia Childress, a licensed associate counselor specializing in supporting young adults and families, particularly those involved in trans-racial adoptions. Leah discusses the importance of cultural competency for clinicians working with adoptees, emphasizing the need to address the inherent trauma and loss associated with adoption. She highlights the significance of racial mirroring and encourages cultural exploration as vital components of therapy for adoptees.

Lia Childress’ Contact:

Email - [email protected]

Instagram - instagram.com/liaforshortt

Article

Gaines, A., Constantino, M.J., Kmetz, H.M., Boswell, J.F. (2023). Patients’ race/ethnicity in relation to their experiences of and attitudes toward therapist referral/assignment,2, DOI: 

10.1080/28324765.2023.2277920

Resources

For adoptive and foster parents - https://www.identitylearning.co/

Support this Podcast:

Donate 1-time any amount - https://checkout.square.site/buy/DFUO7XYMQ27EZ6QVUL6PC6FA

Music Samples:

Intro 1 by Ruwin - Upbeat Corporate (Happy Face)

Intro 2 by Mikhail Smusev - Heroic Quest

Outro by Alex Kizenkov - Inspirational Cinematic Adventure