Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Riham Al-Saadi.
Hi Dr. Riham, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am first-generation immigrant. I settled here in 2001, at 14 years of age and always had the dream of becoming a “doctor”. I was aiming to be a pediatrician or optometrist, only to fall in love with Psychology and Social Work. I completed my bachelor in Biology & Psychology and did my Master’s and Ph.D. in Social Work. I’ve started my private practice, Transparency Therapy in 2014 while also working in various social work positions in mental health and interdisciplinary teams. I was also simultaneously teaching at the University of Windsor as a sessional. In 2023, I accepted the position of a tenure-track Assistant Professor at the School of Social Work, University of Windsor.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Every road has its obstacles and barriers, I would say the most are the ethnocultural aspects. I know the language, but language is also a cultural broker, it has the pathway to a cultural and way of knowing. I found that personal challenges (some disappointments across the way), cultural influences, and unfortunately some instances of racism and discrimination that were in the way. I experienced some of the systemic challenges due to my identity, but int he same token was very much supported by those who believed in what I can bring to the table.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Transparency Therapy?
I have worked primarily with immigrant and refugee populations, supporting them in their settlement and integration, enhancing emotional coping with immigrant related stress. I apply a trauma-focused lens to enhance coping with emotional disturbances, stressors, and working through social relationships. I specialize primarily in immigrant/refugee adjustment, settlement challenges, immigration stressors of maintaining heritage and learning about as well as actively engaging with the new community. I also work to address pre-immigration trauma and its impact on wellbeing following immigration and settlement. I focus on Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) challenges as IPV is defined as an epidemic in my region. I provide family therapy and this is one of the most challenging types of therapy, but I find great joy in it as I try to provide a holistic approach to the case at hand. In family therapy, I focus on the process and communication of thoughts and emotions to work some dynamics that may help restore harmony and emotional wellbeing of family members.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Please do not hesitate to reach out for a few moments and let’s explore if I can join your journey and have you lead it towards internal peace and healing.
Pricing:
- $155 CAD/hr session
- $165 CAD/hr for couple and family therapy
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.transparency-therapy.ca/services
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transparency.therapy.dr.ra/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TransparencyTherapy
