‘Psychological interventions are often rooted in Western rhetoric’

Can you tell me a bit about your background and what led you to pursue a career in psychology?

I'm a British Pakistani. Growing up, it was rare to see women from my community pursue higher education [HE], largely due to cultural barriers. However, this wasn't the reason behind my choice.

After working in the corporate world for several years, where I managed teams and handled customer queries and complaints, I developed a deep sense of understanding and empathy to resolve issues and improve customer satisfaction. At that time, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do… arguably, I'm still figuring it out! I just knew I wanted to study a subject I enjoyed, and for me, that was psychology. I loved working with people and was eager to explore the human mind and behaviour more deeply.

My career took various turns, including roles in the HE sector such as teaching, research, and project management. Eventually, I completed my doctorate in psychology, becoming the first person in my entire generation, male or female, to achieve this level of education. I hope my journey, though unconventional, inspires others to pursue their dreams.

Tell me about your PhD.

My PhD was a labour of love – a love for the topic and a desire to support underrepresented communities. My thesis, 'Does one size fit all? Exploring the cross-cultural validity of evidence-based psychological interventions offered by Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services', included several components. The focus of my research was to examine whether mainstream psychological interventions, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, were effective and accepted by ethnic minority populations.

As many know, psychological interventions are often rooted in Western rhetoric, so when these approaches were implemented nationally through IAPT services – now known as Talking Therapies – it was uncertain how well they would work for marginalised groups. At the time, key concerns included poor access to care, disengagement from therapy, unsatisfactory recovery outcomes, and dissatisfaction with the quality of care. My research captured the experiences of service users from ethnic minority backgrounds, revealing a lack of alignment between therapy and their personal, cultural, and religious values. It also highlighted systemic inequalities, a shortage of culturally adapted resources, and the need for more cultural competency training.

It is encouraging to see that IAPT services are now shifting towards more inclusive and diverse practices. When I first attended conferences, I was one of the few people of colour in the room. Today, the sector has evolved, with more individuals representing the communities being served.

What were your experiences of completing your PhD and navigating academia like, especially as a South Asian Muslim woman?

One word – fulfilling. There were many highs and lows, but the lessons I learned were immeasurable. During this time, I connected with many professionals in the field, some of whom have become lifelong friends. My advice to those navigating academia is to always stay true to yourself and recognise your own worth. Never let anyone convince you that you're not good enough or push you to do something that doesn't align with your values. This is your journey, and you are the one in the driver's seat.

You recently moved to Dubai; what spurred this move, and what has the transition been like for you as an Assistant Professor in Psychology? 

Anyone who knows me will tell you how much I love teaching. It gives me an immense sense of accomplishment to see students enjoy learning and advance through their academic journey. Seeking a new challenge, I took on the role of Assistant Professor in Psychology at the University of Birmingham Dubai. The UAE presents a vastly different landscape compared to the UK. It is incredibly diverse, and meeting individuals from various backgrounds is something I truly value. I've had the opportunity to learn about a new culture and lifestyle, and I would encourage anyone considering living abroad to take the plunge. You'll not only gain a deeper understanding of yourself but also create new connections and build resilience.

During the pandemic you co-founded the What About Us podcast. Tell me about that.

It all began as a simple teaching-related activity. My co-host Dr Kate Cooper and I were planning a conference for our MSc in Applied Clinical Psychology at the University of Bath, which was unfortunately cancelled due to the pandemic. We had lined up guest speakers from diverse backgrounds to share their clinical experiences working with underrepresented communities. Recognising the importance of this topic, I decided to create a podcast as a teaching resource to share with our students.

What started as an internal resource unexpectedly grew into something with external impact. We discovered that the podcast was valued not only by our students but also by healthcare practitioners and the wider community. We had the opportunity to speak with individuals from various career pathways, each showcasing their expertise and experiences. The podcast's success was evident when it was featured in several prominent clinical practice guidelines and training programmes. You can learn more about it here.

Can you share a piece of work or research that has really changed or shaped your practice?

I'd like to spotlight my article, 'It's been quite a poor show… Exploring whether practitioners working for IAPT services are culturally competent to deal with the needs of BAME communities'. The findings from this research were compelling. By exploring the experiences of mental health professionals, several key concerns emerged, including service users facing cultural dissonance in therapy, challenges in making cultural adaptations, and significant training needs.

This research raised a crucial question: Whose responsibility is it anyway? The study revealed an overreliance on ethnic minority practitioners to handle complex cases, often without sufficient support. The findings emphasised the urgent need to enhance cultural competency within the workforce and to reduce systemic inequalities. It highlighted the importance of services and commissioners recognising and investing in both local and national needs to address these gaps effectively.

What advice would you give to other aspiring psychologists from minoritised backgrounds?

Never give up. This is an area close to my heart. At the University of Bath, my colleague Dr Josie Millar and I led a mentoring scheme for aspiring clinical psychologists from ethnic minority backgrounds which led to several mentees get onto DClinPsy courses. I recommend finding the right resources and networking opportunities. Currently, there are several mentor schemes across the UK. Joining a regional mentor scheme can connect you with valuable local mentors. We developed a website with a wealth of resources, including a toolkit, for both our mentees and mentors. For anyone seeking guidance or looking for more information, please visit our website.