Fatmah H. Al-Qadfan, Registered Drama Therapist

What is your current position? 

I am currently back in graduate school! I was working as a registered drama therapist for a few years in Kuwait, predominantly serving individuals in treatment for eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image issues. Right now, I’m a first year doctoral student in counseling psychology at Auburn University.

How did you get started in your career? 

I was a drama therapy student when I attended a workshop by Dr. Laura Wood on embodying compassion. This workshop opened my eyes to eating behaviors and body image concerns in a way that I had not considered before. I was suddenly aware of how bodies are policed, judged, shaped, weighed, elevated, and restricted, and how much of that was not in alignment with my beliefs around diversity, equity and connection. From there I pursued learning opportunities and training to expand my knowledge on social justice and eating disorders.

What advice would you give to someone new to the field? 

It can be very intimidating to go against the grain, once you start unpacking weight stigma — especially when so many educational institutions and health service providers do not practice in ways that respect and protect all bodies. So be that person who speaks up. Set boundaries. Have difficult conversations and have them unapologetically. You will get better at it with time.

See more on instagram at @dramatherapykuwait