In this conversation, Nooria Mehraby shares her profound journey from being a refugee to becoming a clinician and advocate for mental health among refugees. She discusses the traumatic experiences of fleeing Afghanistan, her life in refugee camps in Pakistan, and the challenges of resettling in Australia. Drawing on her personal and professional experience, Nooria sheds light on the unique mental health challenges faced by refugees - emphasizing the need for holistic, culturally sensitive approaches to care. She explores the resilience and strength within refugee communities, the vital importance of community support in healing, and the role clinicians play in fostering safe, inclusive spaces for their clients. The discussion also covers the challenges refugees face in maintaining their identity and the importance of seeking help for mental health issues. Nooria offers practical insights on how to support refugees in preserving their cultural heritage while integrating into a new society.

Resources mentioned:

• The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (also a film adaptation)
• Tales from a Suitcase: The Afghan Experience (SBS documentary series and book, featuring Nooria’s story)
• No Other Land (documentary)
• Rewire Your Brain by Dr. John Arden
• Trauma and Recovery by Dr. Judith Herman

Article by Nooria: Adapting CBT with non-Western clients

https://search.informit.org/doi/abs/10.3316/INFORMIT.492751480937975

Connect with Nooria, or STARTTS:

• Facebook: https://facebook.com/STARTTSNSW/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/starttsnsw/
• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/STARTTS/

Chapters:

(00:00) Nouria's Journey: From Refugee to Advocate

(05:08) Life in Pakistan: Rebuilding from Scratch

(09:56) Transition to Australia: New Beginnings and Losses

(14:47) Mental Health Challenges for Refugees

(20:03) Holistic Approaches to Refugee Trauma

(25:13) Culturally Sensitive Counseling Techniques

(30:02) Case Study: Healing Through Cultural Context

(46:59) Cultural Relevance in Clinical Practice

(55:20) Understanding Refugee Identity and Trauma

(01:00:46) The Importance of Seeking Help

(01:02:30) Literature and Resources for Refugees

(01:05:32) Reflections on Resilience and Strength

(01:08:10) Navigating Identity as a Refugee

(01:17:57) Building Inclusive Communities for Refugees

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I was your host Emma Bellamy, and I can’t wait to bring you on another journey From There to Here!

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