Hello Almaas

Why did you get involved in mental health as a career path and means of support? 

As with most people, I was surrounded by experiences and consequences of poor mental health; on individuals, families, cultures. This career pathway has helped me understand myself and understand others, I find this to be an invaluable outcome. 

 

What's your cultural background and what makes it stand out? 

I have been a Third Culture Child, and as part of the larger umbrella of immigrants (first/second generation). My parents come from different parts of India, having lived a majority of their life overseas, which by extension was also my life. Much like most south asians, I think my experiences of growing up in a white-centric world and trying to reconcile my cultural/religious identity without a blueprint has been challenging and has taught me many lessons I bring into my practice now.

 

What sort of individual challenges can you best support for clients? 

I have been told my biggest skill is in supporting my clients to find their true motivations; what are they really after? I find my clients trust in me to be a valuable ingredient that allows me to show up for them. I can support with feelings of being disconnected with self, with the world, lack of clarity in purpose/meaning, fragmented sense of self (as a result of gender/sexual identity or trauma)

 

What are your areas of expertise and is there anything else you want to branch out into later? 

I work with C-PTSD/Trauma and Personality Disturbances, this incorporates dissociative disorders. I also work closely with porn and gaming addictions, religious trauma, and challenges in navigating cultural identity. 

 

Something Fun: What's your food craving atm? 

A BIG BOWL OF VIETNAMESE RICE NOODLE SALAD!!