I draw my inspiration, therapeutic skills and consultation style from my upbringing, work experiences and the places I have resided. I identify as an Asian Indian woman. I was born in London, England and currently reside in San Francisco, US. I am a therapist, educator, coach, consultant, writer, mother, embrace diversity and curious about life.
Education and Work
I am full-time Faculty, Associate Professor in the MA Counseling Psychology Program at The Wright Institute, Berkeley. I also teach classes in the MS Counseling Program at San Francisco State University. In addition I provide counseling, therapy and clinical supervision at my private practice in California. Other services include national and international consultation, coaching and training services.
My academic background is rich and diverse including business, education, sociology and counseling. In graduate school, I attained a teaching credential in the United Kingdom and California, USA. I am also a trained school counselor (PPSc), hold a Masters in Counseling and licensed Marriage Family Therapist in California, United States. Currently I am in a EdD Educational Leadership doctorate program. In addition I have a Certificate in Leadership with the American Association for Marriage and Therapy (AAMFT).
I have extensive experience of providing community mental health and school based mental health services. For further information about my work, please visit my LinkedIn profile.
My Passion: Advocating and Giving Back to the Community
In my free time, I help to create change by holding various positions on non-profit boards, volunteering my services in the community, presenting at counseling conferences, and writing articles on the subject of mental health.
I currently serve as:
- Board Member and Past Co-Chair, the Mental Health Board of San Francisco, advising the Behavioral Health Director and Board of Supervisors about mental health funding, policy and services.
- Training Advisory Committee Member, The American Psychological Association (APA) Minority Fellowship Program
- Advisory Board Member, 3rdi, San Francisco South Asian International Film Festival.
- Past leadership roles include board of directors, the Asian American Psychological Association (AAPA).
Awards and Recognitions
In 2018, I won the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) Certificate in Leadership Scholarship. This competitive scholarship is offered to AAMFT members with high potential to develop as leaders in the profession. I have completed the leadership certificate and have used my experience and knowledge to create support for emerging leaders and presenting on this topic. In addition, I have been invited across the country to discuss ways to support leaders, and I am working with my colleagues to write an inclusive leadership model, more to follow!
During graduate school, I was awarded the Virginia Lee Block Scholarship and the “Graduate Student Award for Distinguished Achievement, 2006” for outstanding scholarship, professional activity, and service to the community. In 2009, I was awarded a financial award by the State of California for my work in serving underrepresented communities in San Francisco.
Professional Organizations
Being connected and involved with numerous professional counseling and psychological associations allows me to network with other professionals in the field, stay informed on the current trends in mental health and learn ways I can better serve my clients and the community. I have presented at the majority of the professional organizations that I belong to. My professional affiliations include:
- American Association for Marriage Family Therapy (AAMFT)
- Asian American Psychological Association (AAPA)
- Division on South Asian Americans (DoSAA) and Division on Practice, part of AAPA
- American Counseling Association (ACA)