Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lina Haji. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Lina, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How’s you first get into your field – what was your first job in this field?

At the age of 22 I took an undergraduate class in forensic psychology called “Psychology and the Law.” The professor came in and was a young, stunning, bombshell of a female who began discussing her experience working with serial killers, sex offenders, gang bangers and more offenders. I was hooked. I applied to a minimum security prison shortly after with no experience and only a bachelors degree. When I got to the prison for my interview, the director said: “If you really want this job, you will come back tomorrow at 10am and give an hour long lecture to 150 inmates about feelings and emotions.” I was terrified and had no idea what I was doing but I put together a presentation that night. The next day I walked into the prison gymnasium to 150 male inmates in orange jumpsuits seated in front of me. I was sweating and my knees were buckling. I sucked it up and started my lecture. To my surprise these grown hardened criminals were listening to me and even engaging in discussion. I knew this was my calling from that moment on.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Dr. Lina Haji is a licensed clinical psychologist and licensed mental health counselor specializing in psychodiagnostic assessment, forensic assessment, dual diagnosis, serious and persistent mental illness, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and substance abuse treatment.

Dr. Haji completed a master’s degree in forensic psychology at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Albizu University, and a doctorate in clinical psychology with a forensic emphasis from Albizu University. Her training includes inpatient and outpatient settings, private forensic practice, and an APA accredited pre-doctoral internship. She was trained at the master’s and doctoral level in the assessment and treatment of individuals ranging from mild psychiatric symptoms to those with serious and persistent mental illness, dually diagnosed patients, as well as personality disordered patients and psychopathy.

Her clinical experience over the last 20 years includes working with mentally ill and dually diagnosed adults in inpatient and outpatient settings including correctional facilities, substance abuse rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, psychiatric hospitals and private practice in four states, NY, NJ, CA, and FL. In addition, she has supervised master’s level clinicians, post-doctoral residents, and served as clinical director for a 500-patient maximum-security correctional facility. Her ultimate goal as a psychologist, regardless of population, is to accurately diagnose and identify patient strengths and areas for growth in order to better individualize treatment needs and goals.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

The lesson I had to learn is that although your intentions are pure, others intentions are not always pure. Boundaries are necessary. When I was working in my first prison at the tender age of 23, I was instructed many times not to give inmates anything and to keep firm boundaries as many inmates are manipulative. I had to learn this lesson the hard way. I was taking a smoke break (I used to smoke cigarettes) on the prison yard which was common for staff and an older inmate with a disabled arm approached me and asked for a cigarette. Although I knew this was against the rules, I felt sorry for him and though how awful its must be to be incarcerated and not even have funds or help to enjoy one cigarette, so I obliged. The next day he asked again and I said no. He replied by informing me that I HAD to give him cigarettes daily now or he would inform my supervisor that I was breaking rules. I went to my supervisor and told on myself and nipped that in the bud but it was a crucial lesson I needed to learn. Sometimes tough love and boundaries are the healthiest way to help people.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

When I first got into my doctoral program I was dealing with my own mental health issues, was broke, had no income, or job, was not talking to my family due to a fault of my own, had no health insurance and a falling-apart car (my own doing). I managed to get mental health help for myself, get a job, sign up for Obamacare, and get on track with school. Although I took longer than others in my cohort to graduate and become a psychologist due to having to handle all of these life issues, I somehow did it. It taught me to appreciate the fruits of my labor, the family support that I always had, and my own resilience to get stuff done no matter what the circumstances are.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.risepsychological.com
• Instagram: @rise_psychological_services
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lina-haji-psy-d-expert-witness-consultant-9b0886a6/
• Youtube: UCSzZR_WLGI2zipojSNEt5aA
• Other: https://www.risepsychological.com/rise-shop