We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr. Lina Haji. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dr. Lina below.
Dr. Lina , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I knew that I wanted to be a psychologist at the age of nine. I struggled with not eating for almost three months secondary to anxiety. My parents, obviously chronically worried, took me from doctor to doctor. I had been evaluated by multiple pediatricians, a neurologist, an ear nose and throat specialist amongst others. I even had a camera placed down my throat to ensure nothing was stuck. One day I visited yet another doctor. This doctor was different. She actively listened to how I felt, what i though, and how I was behaving. She asked questions that no other doctor had asked. I felt heard for the first time. I felt understood. Most importantly, I felt hope. I left that clinic and asked my mother, “What kind of doctor is she?” mY mother replied, “She is a psychologist.” I knew right then and there that I wanted to be a psychologist in adulthood.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a licensed psychologist practicing clinical and forensic psychology in Miami, Florida. I spent the last 20 years working primarily with incarcerated populations-mostly male inmates struggling with mental illness and substance abuse. In 2020, I started my own private practice and now do mainly forensic psychological evaluations. In other words, I assist the court system by answering legal questions with clinical knowledge. Examples include: competency to stand trial, juvenile mitigation evaluations, sex offender risk assessments, just to name a few. I have worked with murderers, drug dealers, gang bangers, rapists, and pedohphiles, amongst other criminals. I pride myself on accurately diagnosing individuals and painting a thorough clinical picture in order to best assist individuals struggling with mental illness as well as keep the community safe.
I also offer continuing education credits on Psychopathy and Malingering at www.risepsychological.com
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The best foundation to being an impactful forensic psychologist is having a solid clinical foundation. I believe students should focus on learning diagnoses and clinical tools that can assist them in evaluating and treating patients. However, the most irreplaceable skill I have acquired is building rapport. It is imperative that clinicians develop the skill to talk to and listen to another human being regardless of their background, race, gender, ethnicity, or criminal activity. Lastly, it is important to remain objective. Whilst we are all humans and judging others is inevitable, it is crucial to be aware of our biases and remain as non-judgmental as possible.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was to instill a sense of justice. My parents worked for the United Nations and made it very clear that my sister and I were to pursue a career in life that serves underprivileged populations. My parents taught me at a very early age that the world is filled with economic and social disparities and that I should always think of how to help others.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.risepsychological.com
- Instagram: rise_psychological_services
- Youtube: Rise Psychological Services LLC
