Afsanah Yasmine

I am a first generation immigrant. I am a trans woman. I was raised in a conservative southeast Asian household. I believe my beliefs reflect my own life's journey. In that there has never been a certain point in time where identity was ever allowed to be set in stone. Between acculturating amongst two vividly different cultures- one individualistic and other collective- I do believe indeed that I understand spectrums. It was not until late adulthood I came to understand my own neurodivergence- the words for it do not even exist in my mother language. With the added queerness that was not accepted within my culture- my entire life has been a pursuit of seeking out beliefs around the world. I developed an obsession with mythology, and religious/occult history. I wanted answers about spectrums- if it is the most natural thing about being human- why then are some accepted- and others not? All the unique expressions of being human, especially you, are a natural part of the spectrum.

I love this question! I wish I could tell them that being vulnerable with anyone can be terrifying- even when if when it's with ourselves (maybe especially so). And like all vulnerability, it is natural that we would want only someone whom we can trust to carry for us. In that case, it's my job to earn that trust. Be it an email with a list of questions, or a phone consultation-I'm here to work with you through anything you may need to build that trust. If being vulnerable is something you struggle with, don't worry- we can start with the absolute basics- like trust!

That I get it. I truly and sincerely understand. I've lived in five countries in various part of the globe. I've lived with the most impoverished and the wealthiest. No matter what you may come in with. No matter how much you have gone through- none of it is too much. All of your aversions, ambitions, fears, joys, and struggles- it is all part of being human even when you've been convinced otherwise, and chances are I have a story to prove it! Be it the unique needs of those who are neurodivergent (like myself), queer, an ethnic or cultural minority, someone who is discovering new religion/ spirituality (or deconstructing old ones), or surviving with trauma- you all have a place here. I get it.

This question is a little tricky as none of my two sessions are alike. The reason being is that every client that comes to me has unique strengths and areas they'd like to grow in. For example- I have some clients who love art while others love athletics. Both of whom process emotions and cognitions differently. For each I tailor my sessions to incorporate Compassion-Focused Therapy and Liberation Psychology to whatever the client and I have agreed to be their treatment plan- based on what works for them, and avoiding wasting time on what does not. I absolutely encourage my clients to consistently give feedback and what they like or don't, as well as what is working or isn't. In fact, it's my favorite part and usually where discover a lot of in-depth information.

My practice is exclusively a telehealth practice for the moment.