About
I have worked in the field for 40 plus years, as an educator, practitioner, community organizer/advocate, and in various leadership positions. I learned that we each have our individual and collective stories that are linked to our nervous systems, families, communities, ancestors, and cultural/racial, gendered, sexual identity, spiritual/religious, and societal contexts. I strive to understand people through this complex geo-psycho-social-prism. I value modalities that honor the wisdom of the body, one’s unique history and the contextual societal influences that surround us. I have trained in a variety of approaches (EMDR, Polyvagal Theory, Brainspotting, EFT, Flash Technique) and practice from a multicultural/social justice/decolonized and contemplative practice lens. I integrate several approaches that incorporate scientific modalities to ancient wisdom to best fit the needs of the individual/family/and community.
The approaches I use are influenced by my own personal and cultural identity journey (see more detailed autobiography here). Having been born in the Middle East, grown up in India, and first generation U.S. immigrant, I learned early to navigate many different norms, expectations, languages, and customs. I was raised in a village beyond my family (my extended family and neighbors), spent time in a Christian British boarding school in Pune, India, and migrated to the US at the age of 23. I speak 5 languages (English, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, Urdu) and belong to the Muslim faith. These rich experiences helps me relate to my clients in deeper and more holistic ways.
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I have worked with a variety of clients dealing with complex trauma, addictions, adults with early attachment issues, grief and loss, sexual and physical violence, war, veterans, immigrants, refugees, and people of many cultures, races, and nationalities as well as sexual and gender identities.
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In addition to my clinical experience, I also bring 28 years of academic experience in teaching at a University, training mental health counselors. My scholarly work has included research, publication, and grant work in the areas of racial and cultural identity, group work, multicultural competencies, and racial and cultural trauma.
In my early career I engaged in grassroots community organizing at various levels (local community, university) and later participated in systems change work by working on Boards at local, state, and national levels (President of the Association for Specialists in Group Work, Governing Council Rep for American Counseling Association). I have also held various leadership positions at the university and community (Department Chair, Interim Director of the Women’s Center, Co-Coordinator of Faculty and Staff of Color Caucus). I have provided numerous diversity and antiracism training in various settings and served as a Clinical Consultant for 20 years for a long-term adolescent residential center.
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Currently, I am retired from my university position, and am working in private practice in Minneapolis, MN. I also engage in community outreach work, as well as consulting and training.
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In my personal life, my husband and I have been married for over 35 years, and have two grown sons. I enjoy hiking, biking, being in nature, traveling, and eating a variety of ethnic foods. I also love playing word games and jigsaw puzzles, and occasionally crochet, knit, and sew.
