Dina Bdaiwi, MS AMFT APCC
I am of Mexican and Syrian [Latine/x and South West Asian North African (SWANA)] heritages. I am a Queer 1.5 generation immigrant to the United States, born in Saudi Arabia and raised in Southern California. I am an avid collector of all things Kawaii (cute af), pastel, baby and disabled animals, indie/alt rock music, thrift/vintage/estate sale shopper, candle maker, etc!
What I’m Hella Good at:
💕Deconstructing the toxic messaging of diet culture
Cis-Hetero-Patriarchy and White Supremacy has filled us all up with harmful, restrictive, and value ridden attitudes towards bodies. It is no wonder that we each have complicated relationships with food, eating, and bodies. The dominant systems in place uphold diet culture and anti-fat bias in order to maintain power and control while those most susceptible to the clutches of these systems suffer. The internalization of such attitudes, beliefs, and practices wreck havoc on developing bodies introducing disordered eating habits, eating disorders, body dysmorphia, depression, anxiety, and so much more. By recognizing the origins of such practices in your life, you may begin the practice of unlearning and replacing such limiting and painful beliefs. I am here to remind you that you are allowed to take up space, you are allowed to eat, wear what you feel most comfy/BADASS in, and you are allowed to exist <3. It is my wish that one day you may no longer need my reminders, but rather you find your inner body acceptance.
💕Supporting authenticity in your relationships
You may be living with unsatisfying, worrisome, or downright harmful relationships. Many of us do. I recognize that you may feel stuck in patterns of “the way things have always been” and I am here to say that it does not have to be that way. You can CHOOSE the types and conditions of relationships to keep in your life. I will guide you through examining close, tense, loving, tumultuous relationships to understand what makes each linkage so unique. We will begin to identify patterns of behavior, expectations of self and others, as well as boundaries to get you on the path you choose to be on. There is no rule book in relationships, though there may be some what you could call red, green, and orange flags to keep an eye out for. You may start by asking yourself, Who do I feel most comfortable with? Who do I feel drained after seeing? Who do I feel inspired and energized with? How do I tend to show up in relationships? We may uncover the answers to these questions with careful inspection. I am here to support you in identifying and cultivating more life giving relationships as well as managing tougher relationships (parents, siblings, family, etc.) that may be sticky.
💕 Boosting self-love and acceptance
Self Love can feel so fake when you have learned how to perfect self loathing and criticism most of your life. It takes time and dedication to achieve self love for yourself, it is not impossible. Let’s take a deep breath together, breath in through your nose for four counts, hold your breath for four counts, and breath out through your mouth for four counts (repeat as necessary). Now that you have centered yourself, you are already on the path towards slowing things down, finding a moment to be present and be patient with yourself. Self-: patience, forgiveness, compassion, grace, and acceptance are all the seeds (skills) that we can plant to fertilize the soil (confidence and trust) for your most genuine and authentic self to sprout! I wonder who you are deep inside, that part of you that is too shy, scared, or ashamed to have any time in the sunlight, who could you be? Why don’t we take the time to uncover your truest self together? I can prepare you with garden tools (radical acceptance skills) to be your own gardener (empower to care for..) your very own garden of all that you are! May our time together serve as an opportune time to cultivate the beauty that you are to have your time in the sunlight and GROW GROW GROW!