Today we’d like to introduce you to Hakim Asadi.
Hi Hakim, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I often say my journey started as a curious kid in church, watching, listening, and absorbing everything. The church I grew up in was deeply rooted in compassion and healing. Many of the people in our congregation were in recovery and didn’t mind healing out loud. Their willingness to share their stories planted early seeds for my passion in mental health and substance use recovery. Witnessing people strive to reclaim their lives inspired me deeply.
From the start, I’ve always wanted to support Black people in living well, and that intention continues to anchor my work. I began in entry-level social work roles but knew I wanted to have a broader impact. I said “yes” to the opportunities that aligned with the vision I had for my life—whether that was working in inpatient and outpatient substance use treatment, supporting people living with HIV/AIDS, or consulting with healthcare systems to shift how care is delivered across New York State.
Eventually, I started a private practice part-time, expanding into public speaking, writing, and hosting workshops. When I moved to Atlanta, I struggled to find full-time work despite many applications and rejections. That turning point pushed me to go into private practice full-time. Still, I missed being in direct community work, which led me to NAESM Inc., where I now serve as a behavioral health clinician.
My path has been shaped by alignment, purpose, and a deep belief in healing and transformation—especially within marginalized communities. This work isn’t just what I do; it’s who I am.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t always been smooth, but it hasn’t been chaotic either. I reached a point in life where I became really intentional about embracing “ease and flow.” That doesn’t mean things are easy; it means I make a conscious effort to live in alignment with who I am and what I value.
So when challenges come up, I try not to see them as setbacks. I reframe them as opportunities for growth or lessons. I truly believe that a lot of what life throws our way is an invitation to evolve, to go deeper, get clearer, and stay grounded in our authenticity.
We’ve been impressed with Beyond Living, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At its core, Beyond Living is a space for healing, restoration, and self-discovery. As a licensed social worker and therapist, I offer therapy, workshops, and speaking engagements that are culturally responsive, spiritually grounded, and rooted in liberation. I specialize in working with Black individuals, LGBTQ+ communities, and people navigating trauma, identity, grief, and life transitions.
What sets Beyond Living apart is our commitment to creating space where folks can be fully seen and held without judgment. My work is deeply relational, often drawing from narrative therapy, somatic practices, and ancestral wisdom. I integrate storytelling, community care, and spirituality, offering people tools to reconnect with their wholeness and live more authentically.
I’m most proud of how the brand has evolved with integrity. Whether it’s a one-on-one session, a community workshop, or a keynote on emotional wellness, the mission stays the same: to support people in coming home to themselves.
I want people to know that Beyond Living is for those who are tired of shrinking, hiding, or surviving. It’s for those ready to do the work of healing and liberation and to do it in a space that honors all of who they are.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
In the next 5 to 10 years, I see Beyond Living blossoming into a full-spectrum healing collective. I recently became certified in yoga, and I plan to integrate somatic and movement-based practices more intentionally into the therapeutic work—especially as a pathway for trauma healing and embodiment, particularly for Black and LGBTQ+ communities.
Beyond Living will continue to expand beyond the therapy space. I’m currently writing e-books and blogs to make emotional wellness tools more accessible and culturally relevant. I see this growing into a library of digital resources—guides, reflections, and interactive workbooks designed to support self-exploration, healing, and spiritual grounding.
Retreats are also on the horizon. I envision intimate, immersive healing spaces rooted in rest, reflection, and reconnection—with nature, community, and self. These retreats will center those often left out of wellness spaces and will be infused with storytelling, ritual, movement, and intentional joy.
Ultimately, Beyond Living is about reimagining what it means to be well, and creating liberation spaces where people BE. The future of this practice is rooted in community, creativity, and care.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hakimasadi.com
- Instagram: @hakimasadi_
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hakimasadi/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@itshakimasadi
Image Credits
Jeremiah Drummond
