“The past is the past, but it will continue being your past, present, and future until it is processed.”
What was your path to becoming a therapist?
Being a therapist is my second career; previously, I was a social worker for the department of Elder Protective Services and a vocational rehabilitation manager, working with the legally blind population. What drew me to being a therapist was the ability to guide clients through adversity with the lens of a social worker, which means I look at the person through all systems. Rather than focusing solely on the individual level, I look at social and environmental systems as well. I have worked in numerous settings, including a residential rehabilitation center for youth, an inpatient psychiatric facility, and private practice. Working in these three different settings has developed my understanding of different demographics, mental health barriers, and mental health diagnoses. It has also shaped me into being able to welcome change without ambivalence.
What should someone know about working with you?
I like to focus on you and you will be my main focus. I do check in quite often to explore your progress and take an inventory of your mental health. I enjoy working with all sorts of clients. I am an Indian who was raised in East Africa and later in Northern California, which resulted in many different experiences that I bring to the table of therapy. I understand how life can get chaotic but it is possible to have stability in chaos. We can even appreciate the chaos because this is how we can learn.
What do you do to continue learning and building competencies as a provider?
I continue to read literature pertaining to the mental health field, attend seminars, communicate with other professionals, and most importantly, learn from my clients. I also keep up with world events that may impact my clientbase. Another way I like to learn is by exploring the culture of my client with the client and/or through literature. This is an eclectic way for me to gather information and apply what I have learned.
How do your core values shape your approach to therapy?
I start where the client is versus having my own personal agenda. I have no judgment of one’s choices or lifestyle as long as no harm comes to the client and/or others.
What are you most excited about within the evolving mental health landscape?
I am excited about how EMDR is evolving into other therapies, which I am personally looking forward to exploring.
Isn't the past in the past where it shouldn't affect me?
The past is the past, but it will continue being your past, present, and future until it is processed. To process the past involves recognizing it and being able to sit with the emotions without debilitating symptoms.
“To process the past involves recognizing it and being able to sit with the emotions without debilitating symptoms.”