As a South Asian myself, I know the unique fears our community has in seeking therapy-We just want someone who we can finally dive in with, without having to explain everything or worry about being judged. This stigma is echoed throughout many underserved communities, but it’s time we all reclaim our natural relationship to our mental health. I am a 1.5 generation, Telugu-American psychologist, and work out of Los Angeles and Orange Counties (Encino, CA & Newport Beach, CA) as well as via telehealth across the state of California. My dissertation research was on what marital types (arranged or “love”/free-choice) work best for whom based on cultural factors, so I respect both models and have published on “secret dating” in South Asians as well and why this occurs in the community. I’ve also facilitated intergenerational healing workshops for Latinx and Asian communities, and love working with many nontraditional couples (intercultural relationships, arranged marriages, or those from queer, kinky, poly, or interfaith relationships).
Clients that typically find it rewarding to work with me are people who find themselves tired of trying to “fit” themselves into small spaces that do not truly honor the complexity of who they are spiritually, culturally, or with their sexuality. They want to start living more fully and authentically, and want to free themselves of old relationships and limiting beliefs that keep them stuck in old cycles of habit, obligation, and resentment. They make small changes and build insight over time so they can live more fully, authentically, and intentionally as their embodied selves.
I like to develop a close connection with my clients to allow them to share things they usually keep to themselves or hide away in shame. Together, we can explore the cultural, societal, and family influences that may be keeping you trapped, and also identify ways in which some of those influences resonated and what you might like to “keep” from them.
The work I do is often as unique as my clients themselves. I want to get to know the quirks, idiosyncrasies, and special facets of a client before going to problem-solving mode. Often, there isn’t anything “wrong” with us, but we can get off course by losing ourselves & our values in tough times. I’ll help you step out of the whirlwind and back to yourself.
In addition to my clinical work, I enjoy bringing psychology into mainstream discussion and have presented my work at WonderCon and San Diego Comic Con, and am published in a pop psychology series as well as in an academic chapter. Professionally, I serve as the current Chair for Division VII (Diversity & Social Justice) at the state level with the California Psychological Association, and I was the Diversity Chair for 4 years prior to that with the Los Angeles County Psychological Association. I cherish the opportunity to promote understanding through research and education, and conduct trainings and workshops at the university, community, and corporate level as well as for CE credits among professionals in the health industry.
