Asmaa Elbendary
MSc, MA

Growing up in a Middle Eastern culture, Asmaa was often labeled a troublemaker for questioning societal norms and gender disparities. She challenged segregation, disproportionate academic expectations for girls, and restrictions on sports participation due to the lack of female coaches. Her refusal to conform without understanding these norms fueled her desire for knowledge and understanding. Asmaa earned her master’s degree in Counseling and Psychological Services from Saint Mary's University and is now a doctoral student in the Industrial and Organizational Psychology program at Adler University. Her diverse educational background includes courses in business management, marketing, risk management, and immigration law, marking a significant transition from her previous career in biological sciences and medical clinical research. This comprehensive knowledge has contributed to her holistic approach, enabling her to understand the interconnectedness of mind and body and the importance of community healing. Dedicated to fostering positive change in the mental health field worldwide, Asmaa aims to work alongside psychotherapists who navigate the tension between their desire to help others and the pressure to meet unrealistic expectations from clients and employers. She is leading the Global Therapist Alliance in collaboration with esteemed professionals and community members to address issues of accessibility, stigma, and quality of care within the mental health landscape. By leveraging the expertise of academia and seasoned practitioners, she strives to drive tangible progress and advance mental health advocacy globally. Asmaa is also a wife and a proud mother of three children, balancing her professional and personal life with dedication and passion. She hopes her efforts will benefit her children and others and create a better community where all may reap the fruits of their hard work.