Meet Ibrahim Shalabi, LPC
Decolonized therapist, practicing from a Relational, Culturally-Affirming, and Trauma-Responsive framework for SWANA Communities, QTBIPOC, and Global South Majority Folks.
Are you navigating relationship difficulties or the heavy tension of living "in-between" cultures? You deserve a space where you do not have to translate your existence or explain the guilt and grief of the diaspora.
As the son of Palestinian immigrants, I intimately understand the isolation of feeling caught between worlds. I work with first- and second-generation individuals, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ folx to explore identity, belonging, and intergenerational trauma without asking you to leave parts of yourself behind.
My approach is decolonized, psychodynamic, and relational. Together, we will look at past experiences and unconscious processes to find meaning in the present. Additionally, as a former professional athlete, I specialize in sport and performance psychology, supporting performers through the unique psychological pressures of their environments.
Individualistic and capitalistic systems often try to dictate and limit what healing looks like. Reclaiming your joy and understanding yourself on a deeper level can be an intimidating process, but you do not have to do it alone. I am here not with the answers, but to serve as a calming guide on your journey toward liberation and healing.
Shared Lived Experience & Radical Authenticity
As the son of Palestinian immigrants, Ibrahim intimately understands the isolation that the younger diaspora generation experiences when struggling to connect with people who look like them. He is deeply moved to contribute to communities and organizations doing invaluable work to move the needle toward collective liberation. This commitment extends to his own life, having proudly represented Palestine in international competition as an athlete on the National Baseball Team.
Healing is not just about processing trauma; it is also about reclaiming your capacity for happiness. Ibrahim is intensely passionate about guiding his clients to find joy during difficult times. Outside of the therapy room, you can find him connecting with nature, hiking, traveling, playing sports, and spending time in the water.
My therapeutic style is highly collaborative, process-oriented, and relational. I offer an unstructured, free-association space where we can dive deep. Rather than just treating symptoms, we will work together to build somatic (nervous system) resources, explore your childhood and past experiences, and address the root of your distress.
What We Can Work on Together
Identity & The Self: Deep exploration of intersectional identities and identity trauma.
Intergenerational Healing: Breaking inherited trauma cycles and addressing diasporic fragmentation.
Relational Dynamics: Unpacking complex organizational, group, and family relationship dynamics.
Mental Performance: Utilizing his background in sport psychology to help athletes and high-performers navigate pressure.
Is This Space for You?
I feel most energized and inspired when working with clients who are motivated, introspective, and open to being challenged.
My ideal clients:
Come to sessions valuing our time together and are genuinely excited to explore different topics.
Understand that building a strong, authentic therapist-client relationship is the foundation of our work.
Are ready to dive into themselves to build profound self-awareness and create meaningful change.