AH Specializations | Resilient Roots Ther

Dr. Aalih's Approach

I believe that each person holds the key to their own healing and wisdom.

I prioritize fostering self-awareness, emotional regulation to cultivate a collaborative process for clients to achieve their goals. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness, somatic and decolonizing approaches to therapy. I also integrate U.S. third-world feminist ideologies, art & creativity, and faith-based (if requested) interventions when working with clients. I provide a compassionate and honest space for clients to explore their thoughts and feelings, empowering them to navigate their journey toward and understanding.

Dr. Aalih Hussein, PhD, LCSW

Founder & Executive Director

Dr. Aalih is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of experience dedicated to helping individuals become the best versions of themselves. She is known for her empathic presence, natural ability to listen, and a deep, genuine desire to support people through life’s challenges and celebrations.

Her path in social work began at East Stroudsburg University, where she earned her Bachelor of Social Work. She went on to complete her Master of Social Work at Marywood University, and later earned her Ph.D. in Social Work through the joint program at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. These academic experiences laid a strong foundation for her commitment to culturally responsive, community-centered care.

Dr. Aalih believes in the healing power of connection and community, and in each person’s inherent wisdom to guide their own growth. Her therapeutic approach is inclusive and culturally sensitive, recognizing the client as a multifaceted individual shaped by their environment. She strives to create a compassionate, non-judgmental space where clients feel supported, empowered, and understood.

At the heart of her work is a deep respect for each person’s self-determination and values. Dr. Aalih is passionate about helping people feel seen, heard, and supported as they begin or continue their healing journey.

Specializations

1st & 2nd Generation Immigrants

If you (or your parents) were born internationally and moved to America, navigating the realities as a child of immigrants/ immigrant is certainly a unique lived experience. It may feel like you are trying to reconcile 2 (or more) aspects of your identity while going about daily life. As your therapist, Dr. Aalih helps unpack ideas such as immigrant guilt, being the “good minority”, etc. while calling attention to the systems of oppression in which we exist. As a child of immigrants herself, Dr. Aalih is passionate about working alongside this population to achieve wellness and growth.

People of the Global Majority

Dr. Aalih is also passionate about working alongside People of the Global Majority as she shares in the common struggle and strength it takes to navigate life as a minoritized person. Dr. Aalih offers a culturally responsive approach to living with anxiety, depression, relationship distress, grief, loss, trauma, or life-transitions. She is aware of the mental and emotional exhaustion of living through micro/ macro aggressions, enduring systemic bias and oppression, and code-switching can have on an individual and offers on non-judgmental space to unpack.

Decolonial Work

Decolonial practice in therapy aims to challenge Euro-centric/ Western systems and ways of thinking that hinder the therapy process. This is achieved by rediscovering and uplifting generational wisdom, indigenous practices, and calling attention to the historical violence and trauma that our ancestors of lived through as we carry this in our Intergenerational Nervous System. This way of thinking is woven into our practice and work together to process trauma and other topics- like workplace discrimination, navigating interracial couple dynamics, or even learning about the ways you may personally be acting and upholding whiteness (it’s process to decolonize the mind). The goal of this work is to focus on intergenerational healing to create resiliency in future generations that honor our distinctive positions in society.

Intercultural Relationships

I specialize in supporting intercultural couples as they navigate the unique dynamics that arise from different cultural backgrounds. My approach is grounded in cultural humility, open dialogue, and deep respect for each partner's values and lived experiences. Together, we explore communication patterns, family expectations, identity, and shared meaning—creating a space where differences can be better understood and appreciated as strengths rather than sources of conflict.

Adult Children of Narcissistic Parents

If you grew up with a parent who has narcissistic traits and tendencies, learning to live with the mental and emotional impact of their actions can certainly take a toll. Dr. Aalih helps identify the root cause of people pleasing tendencies, perfectionism, and your empathic nature, and explores how this can impact your approach to work, personal and romantic relationships.

Oncology

Dr. Aalih is Oncology Social Work Certified (OSW-C) and has been working with cancer patients for 10 years. It is not uncommon to experience grief, anxiety, and distress when diagnosed with cancer. These sessions can focus on the cancer-specific mental and emotional aspects of the cancer journey, coping skills and techniques, and communication with the medical team among other things.