Aeiman Rafiq is a Clinical Psychologist working with SAWAB, a non-governmental organization in Kashmir dedicated to community welfare and community mental health. Her work centres on improving access to psychologically informed care within community settings, with particular attention to the ways cultural context and lived experiences shape mental health.

In her clinical role, Aeiman works with a diverse clinical population, including individuals from conflict-affected backgrounds. Her areas of professional interest include trauma and psychosocial trauma, community mental health, and culturally responsive approaches to psychological care. She is especially interested in understanding how collective experiences of conflict influence psychological wellbeing in Kashmir.

Aeiman also holds a diploma in art therapy, which has informed her use of creative and expressive techniques in working with trauma survivors. She has found that art-based approaches can help individuals access and communicate emotional experiences that may be difficult to articulate verbally.

Alongside her clinical work, Aeiman is interested in developing research in the area of trauma, particularly exploring the relationship between dreams and traumatic experiences. Through her practice and academic interests, she aims to contribute to more culturally grounded and trauma-informed mental health work within the region.

Participant in: August 2024 Fellowship: The Arts as a Tool for Peacebuilding