Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Edden.
Hi Dr. Edden, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and moved to the U.S. with my family when I was about 12 years old. We settled in Texas, where I grew up learning to navigate new cultures, languages, and social norms. As a young immigrant, I was always fascinated by people—their patterns, behaviors, and the ways culture shapes how we see the world.
In school, I was a straight-A student and an athlete, and I dreamed of becoming a doctor so I could help people heal by making healthcare more affordable and accessible. But during college, I went through a traumatic experience that shifted the course of my life. It forced me to wrestle with my own healing, my faith, and my sense of purpose. Through that process, I realized just how many people—especially in communities where mental health wasn’t openly discussed—could benefit from counseling and therapy.
With the support of my professors and mentors, I decided to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology, with a focus on integrating psychology and Christianity. That path has allowed me to blend both my passion for healing and my faith, and it continues to shape the work I do today.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey hasn’t been easy. From the start, navigating life as an immigrant came with its share of challenges—adjusting to a new culture, learning a new language, and trying to find my footing socially and academically in Texas. I also encountered racism in ways that were both jarring and formative. I vividly remember sitting in a college lecture hall of over 200 students, one of only three Black students in the room, often feeling out of place, having my intelligence questioned, or sensing that I didn’t quite belong. Those experiences were painful, but they also lit a fire in me—one that ultimately led me to study African American History and better understand the broader context of my lived experience.
Throughout my journey, I’ve navigated the complexities of institutions and systems, all while processing personal losses that deeply shaped who I am. Moving to California for graduate school brought yet another layer of adjustment—a new environment, a new culture, and the need to adapt quickly once again.
What I’ve learned through it all is that struggles and obstacles are an inevitable part of the journey. They don’t have to define us—but they can shape us, if we let them. Life invites us to embrace both the smooth and the bumpy roads, allowing each to refine our character, build endurance, deepen our hope, and root us in gratitude and the values that sustain us. As difficult as some of these experiences have been, they’ve grounded me more deeply in who I am and the work I feel called to do.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Ain in Healing Wellness and Psychological Services Inc?
At Aid in Healing Wellness and Psychological Services, I create a safe and inclusive space where people can bring their full selves—faith, culture, identity, and life experiences—into the healing process. I specialize in working with adolescents, young adults, and adults who are navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, perfectionism, and burnout. What sets me apart is my ability to integrate psychology with Christian faith for those who desire it, while also offering culturally responsive care that acknowledges how race, identity, and systemic challenges impact mental health.
What I’m most proud of brand-wise is that Aid in Healing has become known as a place where clients feel seen, valued, and deeply cared for. My goal isn’t just to reduce symptoms but to help people discover resilience, purpose, and a deeper sense of hope. I offer personalized psychotherapy, beginning with a free 15-minute consultation, to make the first step toward healing feel approachable.
What I’d love readers to know is this: healing is possible. Whether you are struggling with stress, loss, cultural identity, or faith questions, you don’t have to carry it alone. I am here to walk alongside you—through both the smooth and bumpy roads—so you can live more fully, with gratitude and clarity about who you’re called to be.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can work with me directly through individual therapy, where I offer a safe and supportive space for healing and growth. I also collaborate with organizations, churches, and community groups through workshops, speaking engagements, and trainings that focus on mental health, faith, wellness, and cultural responsiveness.
For those who want to support my work, one of the most meaningful ways is simply by helping to normalize conversations around mental health—sharing resources, reducing stigma, and encouraging loved ones to seek help when they need it. I also welcome collaborations with like-minded professionals and organizations who are committed to creating more accessible and holistic mental health care.
The first step for anyone interested in working with me is to visit www.aidinhealing.com, where you can learn more about my services and schedule a free 15-minute consultation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aidinhealing.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aidinhealing_therapy_/
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ dr-edden-agonafer
Image Credits
Photo by Renée Uba
