Work with me
For events, organizations, and classrooms
Speaking
& training
Serious topics, balancing humour and care. Best suited to audiences who want applied discussion grounded in research and clinical practice, rather than motivational presentations.
A 25-minute exploratory conversation, with no obligation. We'll discuss your needs and whether there's a fit.
This is for you if…
- Your team needs training that goes beyond surface-level frameworks
- You want a speaker who can handle complexity and nuance
- Standard DEI or clinical workshops feel disconnected from your reality
- You need case-based, applied learning, not just theory
- Your audience includes skeptics who need to be engaged, not lectured
Topics
Topics are adapted to the audience and context, but often include:
- Mental health, identity, and social context
- Clinical decision-making and complexity
- Power, ethics, and accountability in care
- Working with difference, conflict, and uncertainty
- Translating theory into everyday practice
Specific topics can be developed with you, based on the needs of the event or organization.
Formats
Formats are adjusted to the time, audience, and depth required.
Keynote presentations
Workshops and training sessions
Panel participation
Guest lectures and academic talks
Small group or team-based sessions
Approach
The focus is on making complex ideas usable. This means:
- Grounding concepts in real situations
- Using examples and case material where appropriate
- Adapting to the level and needs of the audience
- Creating space for discussion, not just delivery
The goal isn't just to present information, but to support how people think and make decisions.
Selected keynotes and presentations
A selection from recent years. The full list is in my CV (PDF).
Academic and conference presentations
- 2026
Working in the Erotic Field: Desire, Containment, and Development Across Queer Therapist–Client Dyads
Mikulka, J. and Thawer, R. · Conference on Contemporary Relationships, Monmouth University · May
- 2026
A Determinants-Based Approach to Addressing the Mental Health of GBTQ Men in Social Work Practice
Society for Social Work and Research · January
- 2025
Unconscious Oppression in Nonprofits: A Psychoanalytic and Critical Race Approach
53rd Annual Alabama-Mississippi Social Work Education Conference · September
Invited talks and professional trainings
- 2025
Shame, Envy, Guilt and Anger in Organizational Life
AIDS Bereavement Program of Ontario · March
- 2024
The Matrix of Envy in Our Social and Sexual Lives
Contemporary Relationships Conference · May
- 2024
I'm More Than One Thing
YANA Conference, Peel District School Board · May
- 2024
Putting Anti-Oppression into Sex Therapy PracticePre-conference workshop
Society for Sex Therapy and Research (SSTAR) · April
- 2024
Connection Seeking and Mental Health: A Webinar for Service Providers Who Support GBT2SQ GuysVideo
Community-Based Research Centre · February
- 2023
2SLGBTQIA+ Muslims and Mental HealthVideo
Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants · December
- 2023
Good Self-Care for the Good Fight!
PFLAG National Convention, Washington, DC · October
- 2023
Crescent Moon: Supporting Family Members of LGBTQ Muslims
Sexuality & Social Work Conference, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland · July
- 2023
LGBTQIA Mental Health: Same Labels, Different DeterminantsVideo
Pennsylvania LGBTQIA Health Summit, Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center · May
- 2022
The Practice Dialogue Series with Rahim ThawerPlaylist
South African College of Applied Psychology · February–May
- 2018
Sexuality and the Imprint of ShameVideo
Community-Based Research Centre, Vancouver, BC · November
Looking for something else?
Find a speaker
The QTM Speakers directory lists queer and trans Muslim speakers, educators, and trainers.
Organizational consulting
For organizations navigating complex change.
Clinical supervision
Reflective case consultation for clinicians and teams.