Decolonised Minds: When Radical Becomes Rational: A Framework for Decolonising Psychotherapy

Alali, Talha: - Talha AlAli, MSc, MA, is a Palestinian psychotherapist and founder of Decolonised Minds, a platform dedicated to decolonised, culturally grounded and politically conscious approaches to mental health. With nearly two decades of clinical and humanitarian experience, Talha has worked extensively with survivors of war, torture, and forced displacement across the Middle East, North Africa, Eastern Europe, and Ireland.He began his career working with children and adults affected by war trauma in Palestine, including survivors of torture, and then he moved to Jordan, where he joined Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). Over the years, he has held key roles with MSF in several conflict zones-including Libya, Ukraine, and Bangladesh-where he managed mental health teams, provided therapy, and led capacity-building efforts for local professionals. His work included supporting survivors in Libyan detention centres, offering psychological care for children in MSF's reconstructive surgery hospital in Jordan, and reaching war-affected communities in occupied eastern Ukraine. In Bangladesh, he worked with survivors of sexual and gender-based violence and children subjected to labour exploitation.Now based in Ireland, besides his private practice, Talha works as a psychotherapist with the Irish Red Cross, providing therapeutic support to survivors of trauma and forced displacement. He has also worked in homeless shelters and with unaccompanied minors seeking asylum.Talha holds a BSc in Psychology and Counselling, a Master's in Community Mental Health, an MA in Psychology, and an MSc in Pluralistic Counselling and Psychotherapy. His work is grounded in trauma-informed, culturally responsive care and a deep commitment to social justice. Decolonised Minds reflects his dedication to reimagining psychotherapy through an ethical, political, and decolonial lens.