Meet Maha Nasrallah-Babenko | Psychologist, Sex and Relationship Therapist, Coach, Consultant, and Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maha Nasrallah-Babenko and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maha, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve always been passionate about Psychology, and so I knew I wanted to pursue my doctorate in the field. I also knew I had found my calling when I started my sex and relationship therapy training in London. Wanting to have some flexibility in my career in terms of hours, vacations, and just in general the clients I work with, I figured it would be a better fit for me if I had my own private practice as opposed to being employed in an organization. Although being employed has some benefits in terms of stability and security, to me the risks of having my own business were worth the benefits of the flexibility and growth.

What should our readers know about your business?
I offer psychotherapy, coaching, and consulting to individuals, couples, and organizations around sexual and relationship issues. I have been involved in a little bit of teaching as well, and have recently published a book on the treatment of penetration disorders in women. Of course, there are many psychologists and sex and relationship therapists and coaches out there, and I believe we each offer a unique approach, even if we have completed the same training. And so I would say that just as any other therapist is her own person, what sets me apart is just my own personality. In terms of my experience though, I believe that the fact that I have lived in different countries and cities (Lebanon, London, Dubai, NYC, California, and Colorado) has broadened my view of the world and deepened my understanding of diversity. Having worked with lots of difference cultures, religious backgrounds, and nationalities, and having grown up in Beirut myself, has helped me become more culturally sensitive and competent.

Getting to where I am today business-wise involved a lot of hard work, drive, passion, and difficult choices. I’ve moved several times out of choice, either due to personal reasons or both professional and personal reasons, which meant that I had to say goodbye to family, friends, and parts of my life. It also meant that I had to adapt to new places, make new friends, rebuild my practice a couple of times, and manage the loss of other parts of my life while I enjoy the new parts. I never chose to move purely for work, and I think that worked for me, because that meant that every choice I made I made because it was aligned with who I am and what I wanted at that stage in my life, even if it was difficult. What helped me overcome some of the challenges was, of course, having a great support system (such as friends, colleagues, and my husband), being open to putting myself out of my comfort zone to make new friends and find new hobbies, and of course, lots of therapy! And my business and who I am as a person are constantly growing and changing, so one thing I learned is to trust the process and trust that whatever is coming up for you and asking for attention might be something that you need at that time in your life.

What I do is very fulfilling to me on so many levels. Of course it feels great to be a part of what helped make a positive impact on someone’s life, but ultimately, I think one of the main things I love about what I do is that it involves working with people. And I think that all of us (including me) are seeking connection and relationship.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’ve only been in Colorado a year now, so I feel like I still need to be taken around the explore! The one thing I love about this place is that there is so so much to see. Depending on the season, the visit would most definitely include a lot of outdoor activities. Whether it’s hiking, rock climbing, or snowboarding/skiing, checking out the mountains and the trails is a must. Acreage would also be a place I would take them to for some ciders and a gorgeous view. We’re still exploring restaurants, and we love all sorts of different cuisines, so we’ve found some great Vietnamese, Nepalese, and Italian spots in Boulder, Louisville, or Lafayette. If there are any shows happening in town such as comedy shows or drag shows, we would probably check them out as well.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I absolutely would not have been where I am or who I am if it weren’t for the sacrifices, love, and support of my parents. My husband, Bo, has also been incremental in always encouraging my growth and authenticity. All of my friends and family have of course played a significant role in me getting to where I am today. And, of course, I’m deeply grateful for my business mentor Keri and all of my therapist friends and colleagues for the community and support they provide.

Website: www.sexualhealingjourney.com

Instagram: sexualhealingdoc

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/maha-nasrallah-babenko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMahaNasrallah