Dr Faheem's PhD research explored the effectiveness of evidence-based psychological interventions offered by Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services in the UK. This involved cross-cultural considerations of ethnic minority community needs, as well as the cultural competency of psychological therapists. During her PhD, Afsana was nominated as “PhD student of the year” for three consecutive years.
In her last role, Afsana worked for the Department of Psychology at University of Bath, UK. Here, Afsana primarily taught on the MSc Applied Clinical Psychology programme. Afsana offered her expertise in the development of the working with diversity and cultural competency modules. She was awarded for her learning and teaching excellence in years 2021 and 2022. Afsana co-led the mentor scheme for aspiring clinical psychologists from ethnic minority groups to help diversify the clinical psychology profession. This initiative received the “Recognising Excellence Award” for its outstanding contributions to psychology. In addition, Afsana developed and co-hosted the What About Us podcast, with over 10 thousand subscribers worldwide. This was to help amplify the voices and experiences of diverse professionals within the mental health sector. This podcast was featured in several clinical training programmes and guides.
Afsana’s research interests has led her to collaborate on a number of research projects, including the REFUEL-MS clinical trial with Kings College London; the ROSHNI-2 Trial with the University of Manchester; and the Diabetes Research Centre at the University of Leicester. Afsana has also collaborated with the members of the British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) and Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services.