Who am I and why do I write The Well Guide?
Hi, I’m Israa Nasir (MHC-LP) - a psychotherapist, speaker, and founder of the digital mental health brand WellGuide on Instagram. I create meaningful and thoughtful experiences about our emotional wellbeing through therapy, workshops, engaging creative content, and speaking engagements.
Some facts about me:
I am an immigrant three times over - born in Pakistan, raised in Saudi Arabia, spent the formative part of my teenage and young adulthood in Toronto, Canada, and finally creating roots in New York City). This has given me a deep appreciation for the beauty of different cultures.
I’m an ambivert - not totally extroverted and not an introvert. In the middle, needing my solo time and time with others. I think this has a lot to do with the fact that I’m the middle child, a therapist, and a Libra (Capricorn Moon, Cancer Rising, if that’s your thing). Balance is something I need and strive for.
I don’t have any tattoos, but have wanted to same one since I was 17 years old! Maybe someday I’ll have the courage.
I love intentionally hosting. If you come to my house, you will always have something to eat, drink and read. Three people I’d love to host a dinner with: Stanley Tucci, Eugene Levy and Padma Lakshmi.
If you’re curious about my work - I have been been featured as a mental health expert on Business Insider, NBC News and teenVogue, to name a few. I have also spoken on numerous podcasts, including Axios, The Modern Millennial and Immigrantly. I also have the privilege of sitting on the Mental Health Advisory Board for Popsugar. I’ve been a therapist for ten years. And I’ve spent 5 years working the digital mental health field (think: mental health tech start-ups like TalkSpace or others).
My work is focused on transforming the way we talk about mental health, taking it from a place of shame to a place of empowerment; with a specific focus on identity formation and healing for the first and second generation AAPI immigrant experience. I want my work to further amplify the message of emotional wellness and personal growth.
I love writing - so, I wrote a book! It’s called Toxic Productivity (PESI), and scheduled to be published in Fall 2024. It was one of the most challenging endeavors I’ve ever taken on and it really pushed me to go deeper into my own self-awareness. I hope you get a chance to read it when it comes out!
What you can expect in this Substack newsletter, The Well Guide.
In this newsletter, I'll be sharing my thoughts, insights, and current trends and research on various wellness issues. With The Well Guide, I have created a platform to provide accessible and evidence-based information about mental health. My Instagram community is a place where people can find support, inspiration, and insights on their emotional wellbeing.
From my favorite wellness tips to navigating the ups and downs of life, we'll explore emotional wellbeing together. Educating and empowering individuals is the most powerful way we can make a positive impact on the collective mental health of our society. That is my intention - to be a small part of someone’s growth.
It's not just about self-help; it's about discovering the joy in every step of your journey to a healthier, happier you.
You can expect:
(For all community members, paid and non-paid)
A monthly newsletter exploring the intersection of mental health, self-discovery, and what it means to live a meaningful life.
Once in a while, there will be events (in-person/virtual).
(Exclusive for paid community members)
A monthly deep-dive into a specific theme (if there is a topic you’d like me to cover, send me an email!) as well as the free newsletter.
Exclusive articles and insights on the monthly theme.
Additional resources (self-guided exercises, journal prompts and challenges, worksheets) to enhance your emotional awareness and healthy habits.
A curated list of social media and cultural content (recommendations for podcasts, books, shows, etc) to support your growth.
A monthly 60 minute Zoom community event; twice a month, I will host a live 30 minute Q&A (In Sessions), on the theme of the month.
You will also receive early access and discounts to other workshops, webinars or in-person events I host outside The Well Guide, and for digital downloads outside the membership (i.e. that are open to the public).
And finally, I’ll share discounts to wellness products and brands that I trust and work with.
Beyond a newsletter, this is a community shaped by the profound discussions we are having as a society about wellbeing, socio-political trends and emotional health; and share your reflections and opinions. Let's collectively create a space where intellectual and emotional growth can happen.
I’m excited you’re here. Whether you are a paid or non-paid community member - I value your input and am grateful for your support.
be well x
Israa
Where can you find me on the internet?
〄 Website
〄 Tiktok
Disclaimer: This website and all its subsidiary media content is meant to be for informational purposes, and not intended to be clinical or medical in nature. If you are in a crisis, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
