Meet our Guest:
Jessica Abraham is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and South Asian therapist based in Rockwall, Texas, who works with clients for high-functioning anxiety as well as navigating family dynamics, relational conflicts, and major life transitions. With an understanding of both cultural and faith-based perspectives, Jessica creates a compassionate space where clients can explore their struggles, gain clarity, and move toward lasting change. Jessica is passionate about seeing individuals become healed and whole while walking in their full potential and purpose. In her free time, Jessica enjoys finding new food spots in Dallas with her husband and playing pickleball.
Connect with Jessica:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1BDyMBtGgz/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
In this episode of Healing Hunnies , Ayushi Sanjay Acharya sits down with Jessica Abraham, a licensed clinical social worker, to discuss the intersection of mental health, faith, and culture, particularly within South Asian and Christian communities. They explore the stigmas surrounding mental health, the cultural pressures that inhibit open discussions about emotions, and the biblical parallels that support counseling practices. Jessica shares her journey into counseling, the importance of validation, and how therapy can coexist with faith. The conversation emphasizes the need for open dialogue about mental health and encourages listeners to seek help without shame.
Takeaways
Mental health stigma is prevalent in South Asian and Christian communities.
Cultural pressures often prevent open discussions about emotions.
Validation is crucial in counseling and healing.
Therapy can coexist with faith; they are not opposing forces.
It's okay to seek help and ask for support.
Healing is a journey that requires community and connection.
Biblical principles can align with therapeutic practices.
Breaking the stigma starts with open conversations.
Counseling can be a resource for emotional and spiritual growth.
Therapy is not just for crises; it can be for maintenance.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Healing and Mental Health
02:32 Jessica's Journey into Counseling
05:21 Stigmas in South Asian and Christian Communities
08:20 Cultural and Religious Influences on Emotions
11:04 The Role of Church in Shaping Perspectives
14:19 Biblical Parallels to Counseling Practices
17:18 The Importance of Validation and Vulnerability
20:04 Encouraging Mental Health Care in Faith Communities
22:50 The Power of Faith and Action
25:42 Understanding Christian Counseling
30:13 Navigating Faith and Mental Health
34:43 Breaking Stigmas in South Asian Communities
38:15 The Journey of Healing and Faith
