Mariam K. Rahman, PhD

Postdoctoral Fellow

Dr. Mariam Rahman is a postdoctoral fellow who completed her doctoral studies in Clinical Psychology at the Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology at Adelphi University. She received her undergraduate degree from The City College of New York – CUNY. She completed pre-doctoral trainings at:

Center for Psychological Services, Adelphi University, Garden City, NY
Mount Sinai Beth Israel Medical Center, Inpatient Dual-Diagnosis, New York NY
Institute for Psychoanalytic Training and Research, New York, NY
Pratt Institute Counseling Center, Brooklyn, NY
Cambridge Health Alliance, Recovery in Shared Experiences (RISE), Cambridge, MA

At the New York State Psychiatric Institute at Columbia University, Dr. Mariam Rahman assisted Dr. Beatrice Beebe to investigate interpersonal communication, intergenerational transmission of trauma and family relationships through an attachment lens. Under the advisement of Dr. Michael O’Loughlin at Adelphi University, Dr. Rahman studied the historical and intergeneration effects of sexual trauma within the Bengali-American diaspora and has also conducted psychological evaluations for those seeking asylum in the U.S. as a volunteer clinician with HealthRight International.

General Areas of Focus:

Trauma, dissociation, and sexual violence
Anxiety, depression
College transition and academic issues
Psychosis
Attachment and relationship difficulties
Race and cultural identity
Immigration/asylum status
Social justice and systemic oppression
Chronic illness and pain
Grief and loss

How I Can Help:

I believe that symptoms — whether they are any combination of the somatic, cognitive, and behavioral variety — are clues to one’s unconscious processes. Holding psychodynamic theories as foundational, I predominantly work relationally with patients as the therapeutic relationship is at the heart of psychic change. I believe that building trusting and warm relationships with my patients is vital in developing a more integrated sense of self. I aim to create a safe, non-judgmental, and open space for my patients as they explore various challenges and personal strengths. Furthermore, therapy is a shared space that allows for co-construction between the therapist and the patient, allowing new patterns of relating to form, which eventually facilitates change. Not only are your personal experiences taken into consideration, but I am also interested in hearing about intergenerational history that can elucidate internal struggles. Social justice and cultural humility are essential in my clinical practice, even more so when faced with perceived similarities with my patients.

Outside of psychodynamic interventions, I also incorporate mindfulness, CBT/DBT and trauma focused treatment. Although my primary orientation is relational, I recognize that the needs of my patients can vary, and therefore, I am flexible with utilizing other therapeutic modalities.

Advanced Trainings:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis (CBTp)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Short-term psychodynamic therapy