In this conversation, Ayesha shares her journey as a therapist and her experiences growing up as a South Asian immigrant in the U.S. She discusses the challenges of navigating cultural identity, family dynamics, and the importance of self-care and rest. Aisha emphasizes the significance of honoring one's culture while also recognizing the need for boundaries and addressing mental health issues within the South Asian community. The conversation also touches on grief, the impact of losing a parent, and the evolving landscape of mental health awareness.
Takeaways
Ayesha practices therapy for individuals with autism and mental health concerns.
Cultural identity plays a significant role in therapy and personal experiences.
Navigating the immigrant experience can be challenging and isolating.
Family dynamics are complex, especially in immigrant families.
Rest and self-care are essential for mental health and well-being.
Mother-daughter relationships often involve high expectations and caretaking roles.
Setting boundaries is crucial for healthy family relationships.
Grief is a shared experience that is often not openly discussed.
The state of South Asian mental health is improving but still has a long way to go.
Therapists must be creative and adaptable when working with diverse populations.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Ayesha and Her Background
02:55 Navigating Cultural Identity in Louisiana
05:40 Family Dynamics and the Immigrant Experience
08:33 Resilience and Strength in Adversity
11:51 Honoring Cultural Heritage and Personal Growth
14:44 The Importance of Rest and Self-Care
17:44 Mother-Daughter Relationships and Expectations
26:55 Navigating Family Dynamics and Boundaries
30:52 Understanding Grief and Its Impact
38:40 Cultural Shifts in Mental Health Awareness
43:56 Therapeutic Approaches for Diverse Needs
Connect with our guest:
Ayesha Kadri is a Bangladeshi Muslim therapist who understands what it’s like to grow up juggling cultural expectations, family dynamics, and your own mental health. She’s a Licensed Professional Counselor at Intentional Therapy, PLLC, where she works with clients navigating various concerns such as depression, anxiety, autism, immigration stress, DACA-related challenges, and the pressure of being “the strong one” in the family.
Ayesha is passionate about creating a space for people who often feel like they’re stuck between two worlds — whether that’s because of culture, neurodivergence, or generational gaps. She helps clients unpack identity, rewrite old patterns (especially in mother-daughter relationships), and find peace in who they are — not who they were expected to be.
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