Talking Across Difference: Islamic and Jewish Experiences in the (Counselling) World—Myira Khan and Mick Cooper in Dialogue, with Nicola Blunden

From Therapy to Social Change

What are the intersections of faith, culture and counselling? Myira Khan and Mick Cooper—with Nicola Blunden as Chair—explore our personal identities as a Muslim woman and Jewish man, and how this intersects with our professional training and identities. Through open dialogue, we discuss how global events shape our clinical practice and the unique perspectives we bring to the therapeutic space and training by our faith and cultural identities. We also talk about the prejudices and microaggressions we have faced in the counselling and professional world beyond.

How does identity impact on professional life? Myira and Mick reveal the weight of representation and the complexities of navigating professional spaces with unique cultural and faith perspectives. We share personal accounts of the delicate balance between being voices for our communities and individual expression. We confront the invisible struggles and stereotypes faced in interfaith spaces, and emphasize the importance of privilege awareness and proactive steps to dismantle harmful biases.
In this thought-provoking episode, we culminate with rich discussions about the personal significance of religious attire, such as Myira's choice to wear the hijab, and the judgments faced by individuals. Our exchange underlines the importance of compassion and open communication in training and counselling services. Join us to understand the emotional and mental challenges practitioners face to celebrate the value of community and support among peers across different faiths and cultures, and the profound impact on existence and belonging.
This Podcast is sponsored by Onlinevents

Chapters

1. Interfaith Dialogue in Counseling Practice (00:00:00)

2. Navigating Representation as a Muslim Practitioner (00:14:03)

3. Navigating Identity in Training Profession (00:19:44)

4. Exploring Jewish Identity and Sensitivity (00:31:13)

5. Navigating Visibility and Identity in Society (00:45:45)

6. Navigating Identities in Professional Spaces (00:53:43)

7. Interfaith Perspectives and Personal Growth (01:02:36)

8. Navigating Stereotypes in Interfaith Spaces (01:11:53)

9. Exploring Common Experiences Through Dialogue (01:18:31)