I am an Indian American, queer identified psychologist. I am also a person who stutters. My personal passion for psychology stems from a lifelong quest for my own self understanding and liberation. Whether through my relationships with others, work, or in quiet moments with myself, I am continually striving toward greater self awareness, growth, and freedom. I believe every human being has an innate capacity for growth, and that with the right support and at the time that we are ready, we are able to deepen self awareness and transform even the most difficult patterns, beliefs, and life experiences into sources of wisdom and power. We are able to live a life aligned with our deepest desires and sense of purpose. I bring this heartfelt passion to my work with each and every client.
Prior to this private practice, I held a position in the Homeless Patient Aligned Care Team and co-created the Transgender Care Team at the Greater Los Angeles Veterans Administration Medical Center (GLA VA), West Los Angeles (WLA) campus. At the VA, I provided individual and group psychotherapy for people struggling to heal their traumas and addictions among other significant mental, social, and physical challenges. I also provided clinical supervision and training to postdoctoral psychology fellows.
In addition, I held a Health Sciences Assistant Clinical Professor position at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) David Geffen School of Medicine in 2018-2019, and have served as an Adjunct Assistant Professor position within the Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program at the University of Southern California (USC)’s Rossier School of Education since January 2018. I was awarded Faculty Member of the Year by the Rossier Graduate Student Organization in April 2019. I also serve on the advisory board of the National Queer and Transgender Therapists of Color Network (nqttcn.com) and on the Committee on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity for the American Psychological Association. I have provided multiple trainings/presentations on culturally responsive, social justice informed care as well as client centered care for transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) individuals to psychiatry, psychology, and primary care staff members and residents/trainees at GLA VA.
With respect to formal education and research background, I have a PhD in Counseling Psychology from New York University, a Masters degree in Public Policy (MPP) with a concentration in Human Rights from Harvard University, and a Bachelors degree in English with a concentration in gender studies as well as a minor in Dance from Bryn Mawr College.