KJ and Dr. Awad Episode 4

The Hart of the Matter

Summary

Dr. Farid Awad shares his background and journey from Egypt to the US, his education and degrees, and his path to becoming a counselor. He discusses the challenges in the counseling profession, including the barriers to entry and the difficulties in accessing mental health care. Dr. Awad emphasizes the importance of resilience and mental wellness, which involves being able to bounce back from traumatic experiences and withstand the suffering of life. He highlights the need for a system that supports individuals in thriving in the midst of challenges. The conversation explores the importance of building resilience and mental well-being, the role of therapists in supporting mental health, the importance of self-care for therapists, making a difference and impacting the world, and ends with appreciation and gratitude.

Takeaways

• The counseling profession has various challenges, including barriers to entry and difficulties in accessing mental health care.
• There is a need to reevaluate the requirements and processes for becoming a therapist to make it more equitable and accessible.
• Mental wellness involves resilience and the ability to bounce back from traumatic experiences and withstand the suffering of life.
• There is a need for a system that supports individuals in thriving in the midst of challenges and provides timely access to mental health care. Building resilience and mental well-being is crucial for maintaining mental health.
• Therapists play a vital role in supporting individuals and helping them navigate through challenges.
• Self-care is essential for therapists to prevent burnout and maintain their own well-being.
• Making a difference and impacting the world can be achieved by changing systems and leaving a positive imprint.
• Expressing appreciation and gratitude for the people who support and uplift us is important.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Background

01:11
Dr. Awad's Education and Degrees

02:35
Meeting and Connection with Kelly Hart

04:15
Dr. Awad's Journey from Egypt to the US

07:41
Dr. Awad's Path to College and the Military

10:07
Transition to Counseling and the Challenges in the Field

18:05
Barriers to Entry in the Counseling Profession

26:31
Challenges in Accessing Mental Health Care

38:42
Definition of Mental Wellness

44:31
Building Resilience and Mental Well-being

45:20
The Role of Therapists in Supporting Mental Health

46:15
The Importance of Self-Care for Therapists

47:43
Making a Difference and Impacting the World

49:30
Appreciation and Gratitude