I was born in April of 1972 to parents who immigrated from the oldest capital of the world – Damascus, Syria. My parents both went into medicine and married shortly after graduation around 1970. It was time for residency and University of Connecticut – Farmington, was my parents’ first U.S. academic institution and New Britain, CT, became my birthplace and home for the next 5 years. Dad went into surgery and Mom family practice. After residency, there was still unrest in the region and it was advised that my parents stay. Sponsorship opportunities varied but were overwhelming for those new to the U.S. What to do and where to go? Honestly, to this day I still admire those who leave the safe, familiar and comfortable for an unknown future.
In my humble opinion, people that come from abroad have really great life stories and cool accents. My dad to this day, still has some New England pronunciations and Mom sounds like a sophisticated European (plus she’s tall and blonde). Mom decided to take a break from medicine when she found out she was pregnant and became a full-time Mom. When I was about 10 years old, Mom had an opportunity to teach at our local community college. The department of Math & Science housed the pre-nursing and other allied health programs. What started as a part-time evening instructor, then moved to adjunct faculty, then associate, assistant and then full tenure professor over the course of 25 years.
Anatomy & Physiology I, II, & Lab (she could dissect a cat in her sleep), Pathophysiology, Microbiology, and tutoring sessions filled her days and some nights. I still remember the rainbow binder of endless notes that she had of her course textbooks. During lecture, she would use various tones and intonations to keep her students engaged. Do you know how she built her confidence in speaking her 3rd language that she was learning as an adult (after Arabic & French)? The old school silver and black tape recorder and me. I certainly wasn’t a prodigy in medical terminology at 10 years old, but I could help with enunciation and pronunciation. Culture & language lesson with dreams and desires #1, check.
Fast forward to college at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. Rock Chalk Jayhawks, KU Basketball & Football, Pyramid Pizza, Mass Street, cultural festivals, music and dance. What an experience! I would go back tomorrow if I could, with all those same friends and faculty. My freshman year was just getting my feet wet with the whole college experience being 5 hours away. Sophomore year was when I dove in literally head first into culture and language. I was involved in various groups and had friends that were from various parts of the Middle East, Central & South America, Mexico, India & Pakistan, and Asia.
My Middle Eastern friends and I had a deal, I would help them with their English and composition and they would help me with my fluency in Arabic. My parents were utterly shocked every time I talk to them on the phone. One time, I tricked them (this was before Caller ID) into thinking I was one of my cousins. Also, my Latino friends would help me practice my Spanish. Many nights into early morning hours would be spent be listening to the famous tunes and rhythms in both Arabic & Spanish. Culture and language lessons #2-20, check.
Fast forward again when I was accepted for graduate school at Case Western Reserve University – Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences here in Cleveland, Ohio. My career path into clinical work also took me into clinical research. There I worked in the department of psychiatry on medication trials for schizophrenia. International medical graduates, residents and fellows all helped us with our Phase III studies. The IMGs that were with us were using our research studies as part of their necessary clinical experience for their residency applications. This is where my love of culture, language and writing continued to prevail.
I started helping with personal statements and improving interview skills. One IMG said, you really should have a group. So I did, many workshops and 1:1 sessions in Cleveland since early 2000. One of my workshops, were a group of 8 Indian IMGs drove from Michigan to Cleveland to attend an all day workshop. We had 1:1 interview sessions, writing sessions, and even discussed healthy habits and attire for the special day. It was incredible and fascinating! The group also brought amazing Indian food to share to show their appreciation. Guess what, EVERY single IMG in that group matched THAT year! I cried of happiness like they were my own children! Culture and language lessons #21 and beyond!
I returned to Cleveland in 2008, after some time in Michigan and Minnesota. I have been privileged to help those improve their quality of life in my clinical practice. To date, I’ve completed over 10,000 hours working with others, yes that’s a lot of people! Through their trials and tribulations, there was movement toward a goal that started with a dream. Remember, “goals are dreams with deadlines”. After symptom relief, these patients were looking for more solution-focused methods, continued support and using their toolboxes to move forward with their lives. This in essence is coaching. A coach becomes part of your accountability to yourself to continue your progression. It is about your being your best personal and professional self. Thoughtful conversation and assessments will help evaluate your starting points and help develop your roadmap as we work together. Regardless if you’re a student or a veteran professional, coaching can help with numerous situations and circumstances. Your life have several teaching moments on how to move through and beyond what you are experiencing. Working on your mindset is also a key component to your progression and success. Working together will only empower you to greater heights, so let’s get started on your dreams, desires and goals!
With now over twenty years of experience in mental health, I humbly share that it has only helped me gain valuable experience with some of the top clinicians and educators in the field. My experiences have led me to write, teach and lead groups to better understand the self and how to improve our cognitions (thinking patterns) which then lead to behavior changes. This is the premise of Cognitive Behavior Therapy or CBT. A Master’s degree from the Mandel School of Applied School Science (MSASS) at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, was my first stepping stone into to Cognitive Behavior & Solution-Focused therapies. This training has been essential to help the mind focus forward and attain goal progression.
My undergraduate degrees are from the University of Kansas (double major in Psychology with Human Development & Family Life) and Wichita State University (Social Work). I have had fortunate employment opportunities working at The Menninger Clinic (Topeka, KS), Henry Ford Behavioral Health, William Beaumont Hospital, Mayo Clinic, Associates in Psychiatry & Psychology, and various community mental health centers including those affiliated with the Middle Eastern communities. My practice experience has also helped many of those from multi-cultural backgrounds originating from Europe, Asia & Africa. I returned to Cleveland in 2008, I opened my own clinical practice.
With that being said, let’s talk about Coaching & Consultation Solutions. I have met many people during my career that did not meet the criteria for a mental health disorder or condition, or their condition had stabilized. These amazing individuals were still seeking support, guidance, goal planning, and improved performance whether in their personal or professional life. This is where coaching can be a key for continued progression. The flexibility of coaching gives us the ability to work in-person, phone, or video. In-person meetings can be in my office, your school, hospital, library or even your favorite coffee shop/restaurant. This service is not considered a medical service. Therefore, no diagnosis or treatment plan will be associated. However, what will be included is a comprehensive assessment and plan of what you hope to accomplish or maintain during our time together. Even if unsure of your direction, coaching can definitely assess your eventual big picture. Coaching clients range from students to executive professionals.
Coaching started for me with the medical community with residents, fellows and staff. I completely understand the mental, physical and emotional sacrifices that these specialties take on a person, relationship, family and community. Having a coach is helpful to support these very important steps of your career.
Coaching for mental health professionals and clinicians. Having the understanding
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The mind is fascinating and how it can drive us in different directions. Remember you have control. People intrigue me, and how their experiences form who they are today Group dynamics, people underestimate the power of +1 I love culture, language and food that comes with it. One of my favorite travels was to Barcelona, Spain.
The mind is fascinating and how it can drive us in different directions. Remember you have control. People intrigue me, and how their experiences form who they are today Group dynamics, people underestimate the power of +1 I love culture, language and food that comes with it. One of my favorite travels was to Barcelona, Spain.
