Beyond the Couch
Beyond the Couch is a podcast exploring the intersection of Asian Pacific Islander South Asian American (APISA) identity and mental health. Hosted by three therapists, Diana Liao, LMHC, Samantha Waldman, LMHC, and Christie Kim, LMHC, our mission is to demystify therapy and uplift stories from our community. Join us every Wednesday as we delve into essential topics from identity and perfectionism to courageous stories of healing and collective care with fellow therapists, experts, and community members.
Beyond the Couch is a proud initiative of Bridges Mental Health, is a stigma-free hub for Asians, Pacific Islanders, and South Asian Americans (APISA) to discuss, navigate, and seek mental health care. Find a therapist, join our therapist community, and follow us on Instagram @bridgesmentalhealth.
Beyond the Couch
Navigating Religion and Culture as a Muslim Therapist with Bisma Anwar
This week, Christie chats with Bisma Anwar, a Muslim therapist who shares her journey in the mental health field and her dedication to reducing mental health stigma within the Muslim community. Bisma discusses how her dual identities as a Muslim and therapist influence her work with a diverse range of clients. She explores the intersection of religious teachings and South Asian cultural traditions, and highlights the importance of differentiating between cultural practices and religious beliefs. Bisma also delves into helping families navigate intergenerational challenges, communication, boundaries, and the balance between individual autonomy and family expectations. Lastly, Bisma provides valuable insights for non-Muslim therapists working with Muslim clients and offers guidance for Muslim clients seeking the right therapist.
Bisma Anwar (she/her) is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She has been a mental health therapist for over a decade. Her work experiences have been in hospitals, non-profits, mental health clinics, and digital mental health startups. Throughout her career she has worked with community based organizations, spoken at panels, done workshops and webinars to provide education and awareness of various mental health issues. Bisma is also the co-founder of Moxie Living, a forum that organizes wellness retreats for women. Their upcoming retreat is in October and will take place in Paris. For more details please go to their website. Connect with Bisma on her website and Instagram @therappuccino
Resources for connecting with Muslim therapists:
- Muslim Therapist Directory
- Muslim Association for Psychological Services (MAPS)
- Inclusive Therapists
- South Asian Therapists
Keywords: Muslim Therapist, Faith and Mental Health, Cultural Identity, South Asian Traditions, Religious Abuse, Family Dynamics, Spiritual Well-being, Therapy Stigma, Intergenerational Patterns.
Bridges Mental Health connects Asian, Pacific Islander, South Asian Americans (APISA) with culturally responsive mental health professionals and resources. We hope to make mental health care more accessible and approachable across the Asian diaspora.
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