Benaifer Bhadha, LMSW

For the last 10 years I have worked in the field of advocacy, performance and coaching, using storytelling to explore the healing and transformation that comes from narrating your own story. My work with marginalized groups in the United States, Australia, East and Southern Africa, South Asia and Eastern Europe gives me a deep understanding of issues experienced by different cultures and ethnicities as they intersect with gender identity, race, religion, sexuality, and disability. I am also the co-director of “Two Women Talking” and “YKR”, two activism performances that explore gender oppression, identity and empowerment in the lives of womxn, gender non-binary and trans folks. In addition to my work experience, my own identity as a queer South Asian woman has influenced my life tremendously and is foundational to my desire to create inclusive and safe spaces for others.

My guiding principle as a therapist is deep listening without judgment, so that people can feel the freedom to express themselves, explore their experiences and create authentic connection. I believe that listening is an essential tool in healing and feeling valued.