Micheline Maalouf Therapist

It’s a painful realization and loss

I’ve been seeing so many people argue about what the best modalities for therapy are, and they are so convinced that “their way” is the “right way” and if I’m being honest, I used to feel like I had to be like that too. Working on questioning everything and decolonizing and decluttering my mind reminds me that there is one thing that is consistent across all effective ways of healing, human connection. True, honest, genuine, human connection. A connection that feels true and real, not faked or shallow. Having at least one person in your like that you can be whoever you are around without judgement is more powerful than you think. Yes there is room for modalities and tools that need to be implemented to help us through severe trauma but let’s not forget what helps us offset all the trauma we are witnessing and experiencing. The most important resilient factor of all, human connection. #arabamerican #arab #MentalHealth

Just some thoughts as I reflect on a very difficult month emotionally and physically. We need to use our priceless for change but don’t forget that change also happens internally by deconstructing the capitalistic mentality of work work work in activism work. Work is important but you cannot work if you’re not okay and you certainly will not be effective if you don’t allow yourself rest and joy. Have you been struggling with this too? What’s it been like for you? What’s been helping? #palestine

When you feel stuck or frozen or overwhelmed go gaze at nature. Nature is wise and soothing. Watching the gentle sways of the trees or plants can help your body regulate and get out of the freeze response. Nature provides a space to rest and disconnect. The breeze can feel like a gentle massage and the sun can feel like a warm hug. But you need to allow yourself to be. Don’t focus on changing your mood or state. Focus on just being. Who will join me? #palestine #anxiety

Speak up! No amount of hate or threats can amount to what we are witnessing. You will be okay with all the hate but humanity will not be okay with your silence. #palestine #rafah #gaza

Stuck in freeze after so much on my nervous system without proper care. I dance all the time, but I had stopped “going home” to connect with my culture and people and it really took a toll. I overloaded myself out of guilt and it caught up. I’m sharing this to tell you that you’re not alone and that you should keep going home. Keep your body and mind nourished and it’s okay to take a break no matter what anyone tells you. It’s not about being non stop. It’s about balance and maintaining your steady energy for yourself and for the community and world. How are you feeling? #mentalhealthrecovery #palestine🇵🇸

Our hearts are heavy always but especially today 💔 Please read more on the Nakba, the Balfour declaration, and the creation of Zionism. If you are aware of the horrors that took place to create the USA then you can also understand that “Israel” is the new project. #nakba #nakbaday #palestine🇵🇸

I share this way, because I cannot share my people’s trauma on here knowing most of everyone is desensitized. When I was in Syria, I knew he was a heartless dictator and that people would be taken to prison, but I felt so detached from it. People didn’t mention it or discuss it. Everyone played a role. I had left Syria when I was 3 years old and came back for a year, to spend time with family and teach English, in 2011 when the uprising and protests Halle we. So much felt off but no one spoke. People were forced to march in “pro Assad” demonstrations. I ended up in one because business were forced to close in order to force participation in Damascus. There was no way home, besides marching in favor of the government. People were scared. Things felt off and when I would bring it up to someone I was told to keep it down. I left because things became unsafe. I wish I had been louder when I got back to Florida but I have lots of family in Syria, and I wasn’t sure what to do or say. Now I see those same family members cheering at Syrias freedom and it just just shows how scared everyone was. I know these are transitional times and of course we are scared and know what possibilities may lie ahead. But you have to understand that there is no deeper pain for the Syrian people than what you have already seen and been through. So please before you continue to cause division and scream at Syrians for celebrating, empathize with their lived experience. Man’oushe recipe by @hisham_ad #syria #syrian

Anger is a HEALTHY emotion. You’re supposed to be angry and injustice. Anger signals to us that something is wrong or unfair or that our boundaries or humanity is being violated. Anger builds as a lot of intense energy in our body to motivate us and allow us to TAKE ACTION. Unexpressed anger is damaging to you and the community. We want to express anger in a healthy way, not get rid of it. Express through action. Advocacy, community action, mobilizing movements and other ways that we can be heard. The rest of the anger that remains inside, still needs to be expressed and I hope this ways can help you feel a bit more grounded as you continue to show up in this world ❤️ #anger #palestine

For all my Arabs, put your favorite song on and show. I use my arms to push out painful memories or energy out of me by making movements toward the ground or away from my body. I also use swinging of my arms to make sure I’m loose and not holding any tension in my hands or shoulders since that’s where I usually notice I clench the most. When I shimmy for trauma I’m not trying to look pretty or have beautiful arm movements as in middle eastern dance, that would take make out of the purpose of this activity. Given that I was recording this, I wasn’t as mindful as I usually am given that I knew there was a camera there and I would be posting it. So don’t record or worry about what you look like.. just shake it all out ❤️ #arabamerican #arab #shimmy #somatichealing

Just a few thoughts to help you through the dissociation of it all and help you stay connected and present. Let us know what’s helped you ❤️ #palestine #dissociation

Very mindful, very demure 💅🍉#verydemure #demure #queenofrapisnicki

Stanford Prison experiment comparison to IOF and Israeli society #palestine