Seeing the World Through Others’ Eyes: Dr. Naser’s Journey in Understanding Human Behavior

by Holly Arend

Even as a kid, Dr. Alicia Naser learned life lessons way ahead of most others her age. Living alongside her brother, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of two, gave her a unique lens on life. “Watching him navigate a world that wasn’t built for him taught me lessons no book could teach,” she says with quiet conviction. At six or seven, Dr. Naser didn’t understand complex emotions like empathy and compassion, but those feelings shaped everything. She learned to see the little things others brushed off: the slight hesitation in a look, the way a small sound might cause distress, the tiny breaks in a routine that sent ripples through a day.

Dr. Naser remembers sitting at the kitchen table helping her brother through various tasks many take for granted, like tying sneakers, brushing teeth, or following simple instructions. She had to take things step by step, and it took patience far beyond her age. Juggling school assignments and playground fun with the responsibility of being her brother’s quiet champion was a lot for a kid, but Dr. Naser embraced it. “It was like empathy boot camp [with] no graduation, just lifelong lessons,” she jokes. In reality, it was an early training in something that defines her work today.

School challenges tested her patience. There’s the story of a science project gone sideways, a cascade of failed experiments and small disasters. Most would have thrown in the towel, but Dr. Naser? Not a chance. “I don’t think I truly realized how much that moment shaped my resilience until much later,” she says. As she vividly remembers snacking on peanut butter sandwiches amid the chaos, those tough days taught her that growth rarely happens in neat, predictable lines.

During her PhD, she spent late nights poring over data that didn’t make sense. When her experiments kept failing, self-doubt crept in. “Some nights, I wondered if my PhD would ever work out,” she admits. Yet, every small breakthrough crackled with the joy of discovery. For Dr. Naser, research was never abstract or distant; it was a dance with human behavior, a way to understand why we do what we do. It was academic curiosity paired with a hunger to make a difference.

After earning her PhD, her path didn’t grow easier. Clinical practice felt like constantly starting over, rebuilding confidence from the ground up. “There were times I felt profoundly alone,” she says. But through those moments, she forged connections through work, established a blossoming social media presence, and built communities from scratch online. Patience, resilience, and trust became the core of how she approached everything on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. 

Observation is the secret to Dr. Naser’s success. Whether she’s consulting with National Hockey League (NHL) players in the heat of competition, managing social media strategies, or coaching clients, she notices what most miss: those tiny clues that reveal so much. “It’s in the microexpressions, the barely noticeable shifts in energy, the silent signals that shape behavior,” she explains. She uses Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to help athletes recognize those patterns, manage stress, and respond constructively when pressure builds. She recalls a quiet moment in a locker room where the captain’s calm leadership held the team steady without uttering a word. “That was my research coming to life in real time,” she says.

Explaining complex psychological concepts in social posts that resonates with her audience brought a fresh set of hurdles. “Sometimes things hit perfectly; sometimes they flop hard,” Dr. Naser laughs. She never stops learning, tweaking, and trying again. Her philosophy stays the same: observe, reflect, act.

Guiding clients to rebuild broken confidence or break through personal barriers feeds her passion. “Those quiet moments when a client takes one step further than they thought possible, those are everything,” she shares. Each one of her therapy sessions demands attentiveness and adaptability, honoring the person beyond just their behavior.

Dr. Naser’s career is a rich tapestry woven from research, clinical care, social media savvy, and professional sports consultancy. Every chapter brought new lessons, sometimes painfully earned but always illuminating. “Adapt, watch, reflect, be patient, those aren’t just professional skills. They’re life skills I live by,” she says. Those lessons span far beyond the clinic or rink and into her relationships with family, friends, and colleagues.

While there are so many positive moments that are shown through her journey, she's also encountered some dark days. Rebuilding self-trust after setbacks felt isolating and raw at times. “Being in entrepreneurial spaces and relying on social media showed me the loneliness of the gig,” she says candidly. But community-building, whether digital or face-to-face, helped her weather those storms.

Every little victory counts. A client’s smile, a breakthrough insight, a tweet that moves people, all remind her why paying attention, listening closely, and reflecting deeply matters so much. “It all adds up,” she reflects. 

Looking back on her path, Dr. Naser sees a mosaic of experiences. From childhood empathy lessons to academic rigor, from clinical breakthroughs to digital connections and elite sports consulting, growth hasn’t been straightforward. It’s come in small steps, messy moments, and constant effort as a story of connection, of seeing, understanding, and walking alongside people.

Even now, her curiosity and heart continue to expand. She highlights, “Every role I’ve taken has taught me more. My work isn’t really about what I do; it’s about showing up for people every day with compassion.” 

Disclaimer: The thoughts, experiences, and opinions shared in this article are solely those of Alicia Naser and are based on her personal journey. They do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations, sponsors, or institutions with which Alicia may be associated with. To ensure accuracy and maintain context, Alicia Naser reviewed this article before publication. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this material is strictly prohibited. For any inquiries or concerns regarding this article, please contact info@hazzemedia.com