ROOTS empowers clinicians to effectively understand the unique context of Muslim newcomers. The program is rooted in a client-centered approach while being informed by evidence-based practices. We acknowledge clients as experts in their own lives and work on the impact of the diverse intersecting factors interplaying as challenges to reinforce strengths. ROOTS’ holistic approach contributes to broader goals of equity, diversity, and inclusion by advocating for cultural responsiveness and community integration. This project will provide valuable insights and strategies for clinicians seeking to enhance their service delivery and support their newcomer clients.
Learning Objectives
- Adapting to Muslim Newcomers’ Needs: Learn strategies and how to develop and deliver a culturally integrated and responsive services using evidence-based practices that respect and empower clients.
- Lessons Learned: Understand insights gained from developing ROOTS curriculum, including the implementation of effective approaches that is suitable to the unique context of Muslim newcomers towards smooth integration, community building, identity affirmation, mental health wellbeing and support systems.
- Applying Lessons Agency-Wide: Explore methods to apply ROOTS’ principles to enhance Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDIB) in a meaningful manner where the Muslim community have a voice and contributes to the program delivery, in turn, the project aims to improve accessibility, reduce dropout rates, and minimize barriers across all agency programs.
Presenters:
Abir Al Jamal (Muslim Resource Centre for Social Support and Integration, MRCSSI)
Abir Al Jamal, is an international social worker who has experience working with people impacted by war and violence. In Canada, she is a practitioner and a research manager at MRCSSI. In her clinical work, Abir conducts risk assessments and supports immigrant families experiencing family violence. Abir oversees research projects focused on family violence and social issues impacting immigrant communities. Abir upholds cultural humility and works from an anti-racist, anti-oppressive approach within an intersectional, culturally-informed framework. Abir uses her clinical experience and research work to enhances her knowledge and skills to address social issues and family violence among immigrant communities.
Sarah Pinhal (Vanier Children’s Mental Wellness)
Sarah Pinhal is a registered psychotherapist specializing in child and family therapy at Vanier Children’s Mental Wellness. She brings extensive expertise to the intensive live-in and eating disorder programs, addressing a range of mental health challenges including Disordered Eating and Eating Disorders, Body Image Concerns, Parenting Support, and more. Sarah, who immigrated to Canada at a young age, integrates her dual identity seamlessly, offering a culturally responsive and anti-oppressive therapeutic approach. With a background as a personal trainer, Sarah values the mind-body connection, utilizing a somatic lens in her work to foster holistic healing for her clients.
Laura Deyell (Vanier Children’s Mental Wellness)
