Prerana Patel

MY PHILOSOPHY AND APPROACH:
My desire is to thoroughly understand my client’s story and act as a facilitator on their journey towards a better quality of life. I customize my therapeutic approach to the needs of each  client, but in all cases I believe it works best when it is a compassionate and collaborative experience, in which the therapist and the client work together to identify needs, goals and life values. I strive to create an honest, relaxed and safe environment to foster awareness, connection and growth. I integrate evidence-based strategies with intuitive methods to help clients gain stability, confidence and understanding in the lives they want to live. I like to work with young adults as they transition into adulthood and individuals  who have experienced trauma. Additionally, as a South Asian American, I can also empathize with the challenges that can come from balancing Western and Eastern philosophies of living and the impact that can have on one’s well being. I enjoy working with and connecting with clients who are experiencing this struggle and helping them to navigate a balance that works for them.

WHO I WORK WITH:
EARLY ADULTHOOD
Your transition into adulthood can be complex, demanding, uncertain and is unique to you. You may feel unstable, confused and lost during this time. It can be overwhelming to try to figure out who you are and what you value apart from your family and friends, societal and cultural pressures, and expectations you have for yourself. You may feel disconnected from yourself and others, and question things you never would have before. It is challenging to juggle all your responsibilities while still attending to your social life and family. It’s hard. It’s stressful. And I promise you, you are capable of finding your way through it all.

I am here to tell you that it’s okay to feel this way and that you make sense! It is possible to regain the control that you feel you have lost, or that you haven’t yet experienced. You will learn how to effectively navigate and cope with difficult emotions and stressful experiences. You will learn how to effectively communicate and foster healthy interpersonal relationships and  gain the knowledge and skills to restore their confidence and stability in your life while practicing self-compassion.

ADULT CHILDREN OF IMMIGRANTS
Growing up in a culture that’s different from the country you reside in is hard. It’s confusing, and it can feel lonely. You may have found yourself asking, “where do I fit in?” You notice the struggles that your fellow classmates or coworkers describe are so different from yours because of how you were raised and the background you come from. Their guidance and advice don’t seem tangible. You find yourself trying to meet everyone’s expectations but your own and are left feeling defeated because somehow, it still doesn’t seem like it’s enough. It’s not unusual for children of immigrants to feel like their sense of self, their worth, and their identities are intertwined with their status and successes at school, work or in relationships and families.

I get you. I hear how hard it is. I hear how challenging it is to steer through two different worlds while trying to find your place in them. I am here to help you face these challenges and cope with the emotions that come with them. Everyone’s  struggles are unique to their cultural backgrounds. I am here to help you to live authentically and in harmony with your differing cultures and communities.

TRAUMA
Trauma is devastating. It can shatter your view of the world, leaving you feeling unsafe, angry, disheartened, and hopeless. You may feel like there is no end to the pain, the fear, and the despair. The trauma may have ended but you feel it living on in your memories. You may feel numb while constantly feeling like you are fighting to survive each day. Trauma can make you feel like you are not worthy of good things like love, happiness, and success. Trauma comes in many forms and can leave you feeling lonely.

I am here to tell you that your feelings matter and that you can feel something different.  You can learn how to manage  symptoms of trauma and take steps to regain a sense of safety and joy. Healing can feel overwhelming and uncomfortable, and it can also feel exciting and empowering. And I am here to help you navigate your healing journey.