Ashira Darwish: Decolonising Therapy and the Media

In this episode, I am honoured to welcome Ashira Darwish, a Palestinian healer and former journalist who I first encountered through the film Where Olive Trees Weep. We have a raw and necessary conversation about the reality of the last two years for Palestinians, discussing how the ongoing genocide has shattered illusions about Western institutions, international law and the concept of justice.Ashira shares her journey from working in the media—and witnessing its complicity in dehumanisation—to becoming a healer. We explore the limitations of Western therapeutic models that isolate the individual from their community and spiritual roots, and she offers a powerful perspective on how true resilience is found in the collective and the divine.Decolonising the Mind: Ashira explains that living under occupation also means living under indoctrination. She describes the painful but necessary process of losing faith in Western systems and realizing that liberation begins with decolonising our own beliefs.The Failure of Western Media: Drawing on her background as a journalist and fixer, Ashira argues that impartiality is impossible during a genocide. She discusses how mainstream outlets have been complicit in spreading propaganda and dehumanising Palestinians.Healing is Collective: We discuss why Western therapy often fails by treating trauma as an individual disorder rather than a symptom of a sick society. Ashira advocates for healing that integrates the body, spirit, and tribe, rather than isolating the individual.Silence is Complicity: Ashira critiques spiritual leaders and the wellness industry for bypassing the reality of genocide. She emphasizes that you cannot claim to be for love and healing while remaining silent when humanity is under attack.03:43 – Ashira discusses the process of decolonising her mind and the collapse of her belief in Western human rights institutions.16:00 – How the resistance of the people in Gaza has beaten the algorithm and awakened global consciousness.23:00 – A critique of 'impartiality' in journalism and the complicity of media outlets in the violence.36:00 – Why the separation of mothers and children in capitalist societies creates trauma and how indigenous tribal structures offer a healthier alternative.59:00 – The spiritual bypassing within the wellness industry and the necessity of taking action to stop genocide.Ashira Darwish is a Palestinian therapist, researcher and founder of Catharsis Holistic Healing. A former journalist and TV & radio producer, she spent 15 years working in the media before turning to healing work. She is the creator of the AIDA Active Meditation modality and works to support trauma healing within the Palestinian community.Instagram: @‌ashiradarwishWebsite: Catharsis Holistic HealingCourse: School of Radical ImaginationInstagram: ⁠@‌HigherLove_withMegan⁠Website: ⁠www.higher-love.com⁠This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (http://lucylucraft.co.uk )If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review.Key TakeawaysEpisode HighlightsAbout the GuestConnect with Megan