Testimonials

  • “Before the program, I hardly knew any ex-Muslims, and so I felt very isolated. These things completely changed after the program. After the program, which includes many group discussions, I feel like I know each of the group members them intimately - it's so important to be able to have people to authentically share with. Also, learning about mental health from a ex-Muslim perspective was invaluable. I'm so grateful!”

    — Salim, Pakistani Ex-Muslim in Canada

  • “Ayesha taught me how to change the old patterns in my brain, learning what it does to the body and understanding the science behind them. I also learn that my emotional state doesn't have to be defined by the oppressive things that other people have chosen from religion. Now I look forward to becoming my own person, leaving behind the things that are hurting me. I'm slowly taking steps to reveal my authentic self around my family. It takes work, but thanks to Ayesha, I can see there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

    — Ana, Ex-Muslim in Malaysia

  • “Before the group therapy program, I've had fears about facing Ramadan around my family, as my automatic response was to flee and escape. Now I feel ready to come up with doable plans and find steps I can take to face this challenge in the coming years.”

    — Arinah, Ex-Muslim in Malaysia

  • "What I appreciated most about Ayesha was how effortlessly she created a space where I felt heard, understood, and never judged. From the very first session, it was clear that she wasn’t just doing a job, she genuinely cared. She has this rare ability to listen with empathy while also offering thoughtful insights that actually make you reflect and grow. She never pushed her own views but guided conversations in a way that helped me untangle my thoughts and emotions at my own pace. I always left our sessions feeling lighter, more confident, and more at peace with my journey.”

    — Amina, Pakistani Ex-Muslim in USA

  • “I joined the group program after years of therapy and years of being disappointed that my therapists don’t understand religious trauma and don’t know anything about the harms Islam does to its followers from a very young age. I had to educate my therapists and that was exhausting. I tried finding new therapists in hopes of meeting someone who’d educate themselves before or even after talking with me. I was exhausted by the disappointment of not one professional understanding my pain and struggles. Meeting and working with an exMuslim professional who is educated and has personal experience with Islamotrauma was a dream come true. Meeting and discussing my traumatic experiences with other people who understood and had similar experiences was so affirming and inspiring. Now I am looking forward to being a part of the Elsewhere community and to enjoying activities with the group. Thank you for such a life-affirming experience.”

    — Huda, Palestinian Ex-Muslim in Canada

  • “Since leaving Islam, I have been living a double life for many years. While I liked to believe I was coping well, about a year or two ago, I found myself in an increasingly dark and difficult place. I experienced frequent mental breakdowns and overwhelming negative thoughts. Reaching out to Elsewhere was one of the best decisions of my life. Since joining Elsewhere, I have experienced positive changes. For the first time, I met ex-Muslims in real life who shared similar experiences, which was incredibly validating. I have learned to embrace my identity despite the challenges of my environment. Additionally, I have begun developing the ability to process and deal with difficult emotions and thoughts. I consider this a significant milestone in my life.”

    — Muhammed, Ex-Muslim in Brunei Darussalam