EP 31: Can My Mom Be My Best Friend? Should She Be? FT. Aaliyah Nurideen

Happy almost Mother’s Day to all the mamas out there!

With Mother’s Day coming up this weekend in the US, Daysha decided to use the next two episodes to explore this cultural trend she’s noticed over the years: mothers and daughters being “best friends.”

This week, she sits down with licensed therapist Aaliyah Nurideen to discuss:

• Can mothers and daughters actually be best friends? 

• Is it healthy for mothers and daughters to be best friends given the inherent power differential between them?

• What do we gain or risk by becoming best friends with our mom?

• And how can we approach building a relationship with our moms in adulthood.

Aaliyah Nurideen, LCSW, LCSW-C is a multi-passionate licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, healing justice advocate, and owner of Ashé Mental Health & Wellness Space. With 10 years of experience in community mental health, psychotherapy, and organizational leadership, Aaliyah brings a dynamic and compassionate approach to creating spaces where mental health and creativity intersect. Her career has been dedicated to fostering environments of care, safety, and authenticity, particularly for Black and Indigenous communities. Aaliyah’s expertise lies in building systems that prioritize mental wellness and empower individuals to thrive. She is also the creator of Connections Cards™ and the brand Therapy is Not a Bad Word™, both of which reflect her commitment to making mental health accessible, engaging, and culturally grounded.

To connect with Aaliyah:

• Personal IG: @aaliyahnurideen 

• Private Practice:@ashemhspace (IG) @ashemhspace (TikTok)

• Connection Cards IG: @connectioncardsdeck 

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REFERENCES:

• Mean Girls (2004) 

• EP 17: WTF is Vulnerability?

• EP 20: Why is Vulnerability SO Hard FT. Sharmishtha Gupta

RESOURCES:

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• Looking for a new therapist? Or are you interested in starting therapy for the first time? Check out the Real Talk Friend Therapy Therapist Resources List!

• Level up yourself + your adult friendships through more tips, explanations, advice and strategies on the Yes Queen YouTube Channel!

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CONNECT:

Daysha Veronica

IG/Threads: @DayshaVeronica

TikTok: @DayshaVeronica

BlueSky: @DayshaVeronica

Yes Queen

IG/Threads: @YesQueenLife

TikTok: @YesQueenLife

BlueSky:@YesQueenLife

CREDITS:

Producer: Becky Harris 

Executive Producers: Daysha Veronica, Bailey Murphy

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