Trust2Change Intern

My name is Nama and am an intern at Trust 2 Change. I have a Bachelor's in Nutrition from Georgia State University and am now in my Master's program for Clinical and Mental Health Counseling at Columbus State University. I have lived in Georgia for several years but have a South-Asian background. Growing up navigating two cultures, there was always stigma around mental health, very little autonomy in discussing struggles, and pressure to stay connected with the culture. Because of this push and pull of modern aspirations and cultural expectations, there was shame in seeking help whether it be social, cultural, or economical. This led me to embark on my educational journey to give back to my community by serving first and second-generation immigrants who are navigating having dual identities and provide reassurance that people like us can seek treatment. My goal as a therapist in training is to not only give back to marginalized communities but also create safe spaces for clients to be authentic, help foster inclusivity, provide culturally competent care, and reduce shame in seeking help. I focus on building confidence in areas such as boundary setting, communication, life transitions, relationships, and self-esteem. I work with a variety of populations serving those navigating issues including but not limited to anxiety, depression, grief/loss, gender identity, body image, intergenerational trauma, sexual identity, suicidal ideations, and domestic violence. Outside of work I like to spend time with my fur babies, read poetry, and explore the city with my wife.