Episode 1:
Therapy That Sees Us: Why Cultural Fit Matters in Mental Health
with Dr. Ummul Kathawalla, licensed psychologist and owner of Kiram Psychology LLC
Why does cultural fit matter in mental health?
If you’ve ever been turned off by therapy because it didn’t quite feel right or that well-intentioned ‘list of actions’ feels generic, today’s episode is a must-listen!
Dr. Ummul Kathawalla, a licensed psychologist and expert in culturally informed therapy, is here to explain why this matters for Asian American and other marginalized communities.
This conversation is a powerful reframe of healing when culture, identity, and lived experience are truly honored.
LISTEN OR WATCH NOW:
“Without cultural attunement, something that is actually a meaningful part of someone’s life could be misunderstood as a problem.”
Dr. Ummul Kathawalla
What you learn in this episode:
- What culturally attuned care is and looks like in practice
- How traditional models can sometimes not be enough for Asian clients
- The impact of intergenerational expectations and silence around mental health
- How to find care that honors cultural identity and lived experience
- Watch a culturally attuned session in real time
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About the Guest
Dr. Ummul Kathawalla is a licensed psychologist in Massachusetts and Minnesota, owner of Kiram Psychology Services, LLC, esteemed faculty member and researcher. At Kiram Psychology Services LLC, she provides therapy to individuals from diverse backgrounds, tailoring evidence-based treatments to meet each person’s unique needs and goals. She deeply understand the importance of being heard and having a space to explore and express.
In addition, Dr. Kathawalla teaches applied clinical courses for PhD students in clinical psychology. She uses an integrative, person-centered approach in her teaching, supervision, and clinical work, with a focus on individuals’ cultural experiences, identities, and values. She has expertise in delivering multiple evidence-based treatments, including (but not limited to) acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia, cognitive processing therapy for PTSD, dialectical behavior therapy, integrative behavioral couples therapy, and career counseling, as well as group therapies such as pregnancy and postpartum anxiety groups and race-based stress and empowerment groups. She also has expertise in conducting psychological and diagnostic assessments (e.g., career assessments, MMPI, WAIS). Dr. Kathawalla aims to support supervisees and clients in fostering personal growth and living in alignment with their values.
Dr. Kathawalla also conducts research on how discrimination, life stress, and sociocultural contexts contribute to identity development and wellbeing among marginalized populations. She applies this work to develop and evaluate culturally informed interventions and technology that account for individual differences and lived experiences. These lines of research build upon one another to advance the field of applied ethnic minority psychology through rigorous mixed-methods research, transparent and open science practices, and a strong commitment to diversity and social justice.
Dr. Ummul Kathawalla’s website, LinkedIn, Instagram
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