The Psychology of Diaspora: Dr. Ammara Khalid on Generational Trauma and Belonging
What does it mean to belong when your history has been shaped by displacement, migration, and silence? In this deeply personal episode, Dr. Payal Beri speaks with clinical psychologist and author Dr. Ammara Khalid about identity, migration, and the lasting psychological effects of the Partition of South Asia. Both third culture kids with mirrored family histories explore how generational trauma shapes our beliefs, mental health, and sense of belonging today.
In the episode, Dr. Khalid shares her journey through multiple countries, cultures, and the complexities of assimilation versus authentic belonging. Together, they discuss how South Asian families pass down unspoken histories, how systemic oppression intersects with cultural silence, and why healing begins with honest conversations. From generational trauma to the myth of the model minority, this episode unpacks big questions about healing, identity, and connection across communities. If you found value in this episode, please support the show by leaving a 5-star rating and review wherever you listen!
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In This Episode:
0:00 Intro – Belonging vs. Fitting In
2:00 Parallel family histories of the Partition
7:00 What it means to be a third culture kid
12:00 Reclaiming community in individualistic cultures
19:00 Why South Asians don’t talk about trauma
26:00 Partition’s psychological legacy
34:00 Capitalism, class, and cultural silence
44:00 Reframing boundaries in immigrant families
54:00 Final thoughts on breaking cycles of trauma
More from our Guests:
More from Dr. Ammara Khalid:
https://www.instagram.com/dr.ammarakhalid/
https://www.riapsychologicalservices.com/meet-our-team
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This Podcast is Produced by MicMoguls.com