Thrive with Us by Dr. Sarah Rasmi

When does discipline tip into disorder? Dr. Sarah Rasmi sits down with Halima Said, M.Sc. on the body image issues, disordered eating, and complicated relationships with exercise that show up in men, often without anyone noticing. They look at how the gym can quietly become emotional avoidance, why men get missed in this conversation, and what to actually watch for.  Disclaimer: This podcast is no...

Peptides, cold plunges, NAD+, saunas, wearables. Everyone has an opinion on what'll help you live longer, but what does the evidence actually say? Dr. Sarah Rasmi sits down with Dr. Ramy Khalil, US double board-certified internal medicine physician, to talk about the gap between wellness trends and real medicine, the psychology behind our hunger for quick fixes, and the boring stuff that actually...

Is anxiety always a bad thing, or is it trying to tell you something? Dr. Sarah Rasmi sits down with Dina Shamlawi and Mahnoor Zulfiqar to talk about what anxiety actually is, when it tips into a disorder, and the role perfectionism, core beliefs, and attachment play in keeping us stuck. They also get into the CBT and mindfulness tools that actually make a difference.  This podcast is not a substi...

What do therapists really think about their clients, their work, and the questions people are too afraid to ask in session? In this episode, Dr. Sarah Rasmi sits down with Dahlia Yamout, M.A. and Judy Seoud, M.Ed., M.A. to respond to real, anonymous questions shared on Reddit about therapy. From whether therapists have favourite clients to what happens when you bump into yours at the supermarket,...

What actually happens in couples therapy — and when should you seek it? In this episode of Thrive With Us, Dr. Sarah Rasmi speaks with Juan Korkie, M.A., about the real work of couples therapy: what it looks like in practice, why starting earlier matters, and how the relationship itself becomes the focus of the work. They discuss shared ownership, life transitions, what happens when one partner is...

How can the body help regulate stress and anxiety during uncertain times? In this episode of Thrive With Us, Dr. Sarah Rasmi sits down with Dr. Lara Foresi, Joslin Gracias M.A., and Dahlia Yamout M.A. to explore how stress and trauma are held in the body — and how that awareness can help us regulate our emotional state. They discuss hyper and hypo arousal, trauma responses, and the impact of ongoi...

Periods of uncertainty can quickly activate anxiety, overwhelm, and a constant urge to search for answers. In this episode of Thrive With Us , Dr. Sarah Rasmi speaks with Dr. Ash Shishodia and Dina Shamlawi, M.A. about the psychological impact of living through uncertain times. They discuss why uncertainty is so difficult for the human mind, how doomscrolling and misinformation amplify stress, and...

Dr. Sarah Rasmi is joined by Judy Seoud, M.Ed., M.A. to explore the intersection of Islam and mental health. Together, they discuss key Islamic concepts such as tawakkul, sabr, and muhasabah, and how these principles can support emotional regulation, trust, accountability, and self-compassion. The conversation bridges faith and psychology, connecting spiritual practices with therapeutic tools such...

Dr. Sarah Rasmi and Joslin Gracias, (M.A.) explore co-regulation and how couples shift from reactivity to emotional safety. They discuss attachment styles, triggers, repair, validation, and the role of breath, touch, and simple rituals in building secure, connected relationships.  Disclaimer: This podcast is not a substitute for mental health advice or treatment. People are advised to reach out to...

In this episode of Thrive With Us , Dr. Sarah Rasmi and guests explore the realities of online therapy, including its benefits, limitations, and how it compares to in-person work. The conversation looks at client experience, ethical considerations, and how to decide whether digital, in-person, or hybrid therapy is the right fit.

In this special episode of Thrive With Us, Dr. Sarah Rasmi is in the hot seat as Christi Gadd and Pashmi Khare take her through eight years of Thrive Wellbeing Centre. They reflect on early memories, unexpected challenges, and the journey that shaped the practice today.

Psychologist Michelle Estekantchi (M.Ed.) and family lawyer Madeleine Mendy discuss the emotional, psychological, and legal realities of co-parenting after divorce. This episode explores communication challenges, boundaries, routines, handovers, and how parental conflict affects children, with practical insights on creating stability and healthier co-parenting relationships. This podcast is not a...

Why does a crush feel so overwhelming? Dr. Sarah Rasmi is joined by Dahlia Yamout, M.A., to explore the psychology and brain chemistry behind infatuation—why it can feel intoxicating, obsessive, and emotionally intense. They discuss fantasy, validation, social media, and how lasting love is built through awareness, conflict, and choice rather than chemistry alone. This podcast is not a substitute...

What happens when two people from different cultures fall in love? In this episode, Dr. Sarah Rasmi and Magdalena Karakehayova, M.Sc., explore the joys and challenges of intercultural relationships — from navigating cultural differences and family expectations to communication, identity, and belonging. This podcast is not a substitute for mental health advice or treatment. People are advised to re...

Why do we handle money the way we do? Dr. Sarah Rasmi sits down with Maria Carla Gil (Certified Public Accountant & Founder of Summa Consultancy) to explore how culture, emotions, comparison, and self-worth shape our spending and saving habits. They unpack the psychology behind financial decision-making — and how understanding your patterns can support both financial and emotional wellbeing. This...

What  actually happens when a psychologist and psychiatrist support the same client? In this episode, Dr. Sarah Rasmi speaks with Dr. Lara Foresi and Dr. Manuela Paone about how therapy and medication can work together rather than in opposition. They explore the distinct strengths of each role, clarify common misconceptions, and share how integrated care can be especially powerful for ADHD and neu...

In this episode of Thrive With Us, host Dr. Sarah Rasmi welcomes Christi Gadd, M.Sc., a licensed psychologist with a rich background in working with individuals and couples, to discuss expatriate adjustment. Christi shares her personal and professional experiences as an expat in the UAE, detailing the emotional rollercoaster of moving, adjusting to a new culture, and finding support systems. They...

Discover how physical and mental health are deeply connected in children and teens. In this Thrive with Us podcast episode, Dr. Sarah Rasmi speaks with Dr. Rania Ayat Hawayek, Specialist Pediatrician and Founder of Circle Care Clinic in Dubai. Together, they explore the links between body and mind, early signs parents should notice, and practical ways to support holistic wellbeing in young people....

Friendship matters at every age, but as adults, making and keeping close connections isn't always easy. In this episode, Judy and Dr. Chasity dive into why it feels harder now—busy schedules, shifting priorities, and the risks of opening up. We share what helps us build stronger, lasting friendships and how you can do the same. This podcast is not a substitute for mental health advice or treatment...

What happens when the mind begins to change? In this episode, we explore how dementia and other neurocognitive disorders reshape memory, behavior, and identity. We unpack how these conditions are identified, how they differ from normal aging, and what they mean for families and caregivers. Rooted in clinical insight and evidence-based care, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and practic...

In this podcast, we explore the experience of OCD, beginning with clear definitions and common myths that often mislead people about this paralysing disorder. We discuss how obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors interact, and how shifting our relationship with worrying thoughts can bring psychological flexibility and relief. We cover some practical strategies to build greater tolerance of un...

In this special panel episode of Thrive with Us , Dr. Sarah Rasmi is joined by early career professionals Zuha, Cynthia, and Sam from Thrive Wellbeing Centre. Together, they share real-life insights into what it takes to launch a psychology career in the UAE—from graduate school to licensing, relocation, and clinical practice. Whether you're an aspiring psychologist, a recent grad, or a seasoned m...

Where is the line between healthy habits and harmful rigidity? In this episode of Thrive with Us , Dr. Sarah Rasmi speaks with psychologist Valen Valentine (M.A.) about the psychological costs of wellness culture—especially in relation to food, exercise, and appearance. They explore: When structure turns into control The mental health impact of inflexibility and perfectionism Body image pressure i...

In this episode, Dr. Sarah Rasmi is joined by licensed psychologist Michelle Estekantchi to explore the pressure to be the "perfect" parent — and how it often gets in the way of real connection. We talk about how perfectionism shows up in parenting, where it comes from, and how to shift toward a more grounded, connected approach. Michelle shares insights from her work with children, teens, and fam...

In this episode of Thrive with Us, Dr. Sarah sits down with maternal mental health specialist Dr. Kate Prozeller to explore the fourth trimester — the often overlooked period after childbirth. They discuss the gap between expectations and lived experience, the emotional challenges new moms face, and why compassionate support matters. This podcast is not a substitute for mental health advice or tre...