I am a licensed therapist and former attorney with nearly 20 years of professional work experience in the fields of law and mental health. I come to this heart-focused work with a genuine desire to help you live, work, and feel better. As a daughter of immigrant parents, I have faced many of the same cross-cultural concerns, expectations, and identity issues in navigating my own journey as a South Asian person. I have learned to forge a different path through my career shift and working through emotional wellness issues too, so I understand what it is like to seek transformative change. I specialize in working with South Asian professionals, high achievers, and high-performance clients on a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders/ negative body image, relationships, and job/career dissatisfaction.
I utilize a person-centered, strengths-based approach and hold a non-judgmental, affirming, relaxed space where all clients are welcomed and valued. I find that humor can be effective in connecting with my clients in therapy and I like to embrace this in working together, while also using a straight forward, direct, yet non-confrontational and empathic style. (Yes, therapy with me can be fun and effective!) We also may find it helpful to integrate skills and solution focused techniques to give you tools to work towards your individual goals. I have skills, experience, and training in evidence-based treatment approaches and modalities, such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Based Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness and Compassion-Based Training, and Exposure Therapy for anxiety. I utilize an integrated approach, combining skills and strategies with processing and self-inquiry. I have cultivated specialized skills in the intensive treatment of anxiety, mood, eating disorders, and trauma. I am also LGBTQI+ and trans informed. I excel at assisting professionals, attorneys, and graduate students with reducing stress, improving work/life balance, identity development (with an emphasis on cultural and racial identity development and support), life transitions, and relationship issues.
I believe in addressing the whole self. We can integrate approaches focused on mind-body-emotion connections and/or spirituality for those that are seeking it.
As a therapist trained in the treatment of trauma, including Complex PTSD, I work closely with South Asian and people of color in addressing cultural and race related concerns, racial identity, family, trauma, and navigating the complexities of balancing Western and Eastern values, norms, expectations, and differences. You may bring specific concerns that would benefit from a multi-cultural lens, such as being in an interracial relationship, making religious or spiritual shifts, or getting past self-doubt or dependency influenced by cultural expectations, family, or frameworks. Setting healthy boundaries or moving through cultural barriers or limiting beliefs can feel challenging and I provide a culturally sensitive, informed, and competent approach in our collaboration to strategize together on meeting your personal goals.
I find that many of my clients benefit from working with someone who has intimate knowledge and understanding of similar cultural themes and relational patterns. I combine the evidenced-based theories I am trained in with strategies, compassion and genuine care to understand your individual unique experiences and address your concerns. I recognize the importance of acknowledging and integrating the intersectionalities you identify with. Being aligned with who you truly are so you can succeed is possible, and we can work together to support you in this process of self-discovery and actionable change. I offer a non-judgmental, assumption free environment to help you feel safe and supported as we collaborate to help you make positive changes to your life. You define your experience here and I look forward to exploring this with you.
It is my hope that we can work together to find out what is possible for you. I provide confidential virtual sessions through video or phone and offer some limited in-person sessions at my office in Charlotte.
Please contact me to schedule a complimentary phone consultation to see if we may be a good fit for collaborating together. Feel free to also visit my website spatelservices.com and see my profile on Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/732548
Kindly note that we are a self pay (direct pay) practice and an out of network provider. We can provide you with what is called a “superbill” (receipt of services) with all of the information you need to submit for direct reimbursement from your insurance company if located in North or South Carolina. Typically, this is a simple process for clients. You may also use HSA/FSA dollars to pay for services.
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