Farnaz Shahimi

Thesis title

Identity and resilience among Hazara and Afghan adolescents and young adults following childhood experiences of forced migration

Description of PhD Project

Farnaz's research explores perceptions of resilience and the complexity of [re]constructing a sense of identity among Hazara and Afghan adolescents and young adults from a refugee background in Australia. Findings indicate the influence of childhood adverse experiences, the struggle to find a sense of belonging to Australia, and how they are interrelated with the perception of resilience and identity.

Supervisors

Associate Professor Karen Block

Professor Eva Alisic

Biography

Farnaz Shahimi is an Iranian Psychologist with a particular focus on working with marginalised populations and survivors of trauma.

Farnaz worked with families and adolescents in private practice in Iran. She served as a psychosocial counsellor for Afghan and Iraqi refugees at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Iran.  In her UNHCR role Farnaz, implemented individual therapy sessions with survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). She designed and implemented psychosocial community-based projects to prevent and respond to SGBV among the refugee community in Iran. Farnaz is a Counsellor Advocate – Adults and Family at the Victorian Foundation of Survivors of Torture – Foundation House.

As a Forcibly Displaced People Network's Advisory Committee member, she provides professional advice and expertise to support intersectional advocacy for queer and trans-identified individuals who have experienced forced migration to Australia.

Farnaz has a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Shiraz University, Iran and a Master of Science degree in Psychology, University of Wollongong.

Funding/scholarships

Melbourne Research Scholarship

Population Health Investing in Research Students’ Training (PHIRST)

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