Part of how I embody principles of Decolonization is by seeing how our biological functioning, social-historical conditioning/experience, and mental well-being are deeply intertwined. Traditional psychotherapy practices view these domains as discrete because of the Western value of dualism, which separates the mind and body (although that’s slowly changing!). My journey in understanding these connections started with my education in Cognitive Psychology and research background in the Affective Sciences (the study of emotions), which gave me a very strong foundation in Neuroscience and Psychobiology. I was fortunate to build on that foundation through my Masters in Clinical Social Work, with a focus on the impact of social systems on mental health. Having a holistic understanding of well-being is powerful in supporting liberation within ourselves through healing our pain and trauma, which in turn leaves us more resourced to work towards liberation in our society (i.e., working towards shifting oppressive systems). 

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As a result, I gravitate towards therapeutic practices that are expansive and responsive to include multidimensional frameworks, rather than ones that are prescriptive. Some common orientations I include are: Interpersonal Neurobiology (the interdisciplinary science of healing and relationships), Somatic Psychotherapy (healing using the mind and body connection), Narrative Therapy (the impact of our stories), Liberation Psychology (the impact of oppression), Buddhist Psychology (philosophy and practices to build compassion and awareness), and Decolonizing Frameworks (decentering white supremacy culture). 

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I feel deeply passionate about supporting those around me in their healing journey because as a South Asian woman, queer, chronically in pain (and many more identities) individual, healing is both personal and political. Healing is also found in many other spaces beyond the professionalization of therapy. I find healing in nature, with my animal companions, gardening, yoga, and reading poetry. 

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I hope this gives you a sense of who I am and what I have to offer in my practice. If any of this speaks to you or if you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.  Most importantly, if I have the honor of speaking with you or even having a session or more with you, trust your gut with how you are feeling about the match. The most important part of any healing journey with a therapist is the relationship you have with them. 

With gratitude,

Jaya