Nahid Fattahi, MA, LMFT
Tell Us About Your Career Path
My interest in psychology and its relevance to relationship health, resilience, trauma, and personal growth developed when I enrolled at Ohlone Community College at the age of 24. I intended to obtain an AA degree to find a decent job, but a kind counselor who paid attention to me told me, “You have the talent and the stamina to go further in your education. Don’t stop here.” I listened to her, but I studied management information systems for pragmatic reasons instead of pursuing psychology for an undergrad degree. I wanted to have a decent job and climb the career ladder of the tech industry in Silicon Valley, which I did. But a few years after I got used to my six-figure salary and fancy office space, I went through a period of intense soul-searching. I realized I wanted to pursue a more fulfilling career in the field of mental health, where I could advocate for other women and immigrants who had gone through traumatic experiences. I subsequently enrolled in Santa Clara University’s counseling psychology program. While in graduate school, I also continued to work full-time in my corporate job. By the end of my graduate program, I knew I had found my calling.
Can you Cite Any Particular Instance or Individuals that influenced your choices?
I have met and heard the stories of hundreds of women and girls who continued to fight for their freedom and education despite all the obstacles they faced, many of them are from my country of birth, Afghanistan. Each and every one of them has influenced my choices. I learned that first, being aware of my own privileges and not taking them for granted. Second, continuing to believe that there’s a warrior hidden in all of us that makes “giving up” not an option.
What Challenges have you Faced in your Medical Career?
In the field of mental health, I often see the need to interpret and paraphrase assessments and interventions into culturally appropriate language so it can better fit those patients whose identities, race, and ethnicities are from minority groups.
Have you had an Ah-Ha moment? Or is there anything else that has impacted your career trajectory or work within or outside medicine that has been a significant influence?
In my work with a therapist who was open to learning about me and my culture; those sessions were uplifting and healing for me. Though I had a successful career, I realized I wanted to do more to help others and changed the path of my life. I was able to heal. and, in those sessions, I had an “aha” moment that changed my path and made healing a continuous journey for me.
Given your lived experiences, do you have any advice for women in medicine?
I would say paying close attention to people’s individual stories and being curious about them can make a big difference in being able to connect with them at a deeper level and consequently in providing them better and more individualized care. Also, anyone who works in the field of medicine and mental health must prioritize their own self-care and listen to their bodies and mind.