My Illness Wasn’t Physical It Was Emotional with Azi Mohammadian, M.A., RCC

Built For This: Stories of a Maverick

In this episode of Built for This: Stories of a Maverick, host Jenna Bayuk sits down with Azi Mohammadian, M.A., RCC, Registered Clinical Counsellor and the Founder & Director of Clinical Services at Azi Counselling & Associates. Azi shares her powerful personal story of transformation from growing up in Iran and navigating cultural stigma around mental health to immigrating to Canada and becoming a therapist. Azi opens up about her journey through trauma, divorce, chronic illness, and self-discovery, offering listeners deep insights into emotional healing, resilience, and the power of therapy.

Through candid storytelling, Azi sheds light on the challenges of building a new life, unpacking childhood wounds, and learning to set boundaries all while helping others do the same. Her vulnerability and honesty provide inspiration for anyone looking to heal, grow, and find purpose through adversity.

Key Takeaways:

Therapy Begins Within: Azi’s healing journey started with a single counselling session that changed her perspective forever.

Trauma & the Body: Chronic illness can be the body’s way of expressing unhealed trauma.

Boundaries Are Healing: Setting boundaries with family and relationships is vital to mental and physical wellness.

Attachment & Identity: Exploring attachment styles helped Azi understand her emotional responses and rebuild healthy connections.

From Client to Clinician: Azi’s experiences shaped her unique, deeply empathic approach to therapy.

Noteworthy Quotes:

“She planted the seed. I didn’t know it at the time, but that one therapy session changed my life.” – Azi Mohammadian

“Sometimes your body says no longer before your mind does.” – Azi Mohammadian

“Healing isn’t linear, it’s layers. Each one takes you deeper into yourself.” – Azi Mohammadian

“You have to outgrow your therapist sometimes. That’s part of the healing process too.” – Azi Mohammadian

Key Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Trailer and Introduction to Azi Mohammadian - Guest

[00:05:30] Azi’s First Therapy Experience in Iran

[00:13:15] Immigrating to Canada & Building a New Life

[00:23:00] Starting Therapy Training & Facing Marital Challenges

[00:29:15] Becoming a Therapist While Healing Herself

[00:40:00] Transitioning to Private Practice

[00:46:00] Outgrowing a Therapist and Digging Deeper

[00:52:05] Processing Trauma & Uncovering Repressed Memories

[01:00:08] Diagnosed with MS, The Body Keeps the Score

[01:08:00] Discovering Gabor Maté & Trauma-Informed Practice

[01:29:04] Exploring Plant-Assisted Therapy in Client Work: Ensuring Proper Training and Preparation

FOLLOW OUR GUEST AZI MOHAMMADIAN ON:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/azi-mohammadian-she-her-hers-m-a-rcc-1006a894/-a-rcc-1006a894/

Website: https://azicounselling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azi_mohammadian/

FOLLOW OUR HOST JENNA BAYUK ON:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennabayuk/

Website: https://kinshipkollective.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenna_bayuk/

Email: [email protected]

FOLLOW BUILT FOR THIS - STORIES OF MAVERICK! PODCAST ON:

Website: https://kinshipkollective.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kinshipconsulting/

X: https://x.com/JBayuk

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@builtforthispodcast?

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