As a Therapist
I am a board certified Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and TeleMental Health Provider. I am also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT).
For over 18 years, I have successfully counseled groups, individuals, couples, families, and children. I am also an on-site counselor and coach for Dow Jones’ employees at the Princeton campus. Previously I served as a Senior Clinician at Rutgers – UBHC Partial Hospital in New Jersey. I have a special interest in Psycho-Neuro therapy along with the effect of diet (internal echo system) on brain functioning. I earned my Master’s degree in Counseling from the University of Texas at San Antonio, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Punjab University, Chandigarh, India.
I practice functional therapy, which means when you meet me for a consult or for therapy, instead of giving you a diagnosis and starting treatment, I strive to first know you as a WHOLE person. Our minds and bodies are powerful self-regulating devices, and we can rely on their synchronicity to accommodate our fast-changing needs. To help you reach self-regulation, I’ll employ evidence-based techniques from Psychology (CBT, DBT, etc.), Neurosciences (neurotransmitters, gene impressions, brain cells, etc.), and Yoga Philosophy (mindfulness, mediation, mudras, and basic stretches). In addition, I’ll collaborate with psychiatrists and other doctors if necessary. Self-regulation is important for maintaining equilibrium, and it takes a committed effort to achieve it. I’ll work hard with you because input equals output, and I would like you to succeed.
I’ll focus on your strengths in order to help you manage your challenges. I’ll use my training and expertise in conjunction with your expertise regarding your life, and together we can make a long-lasting positive change. I’ll help you explore your emotional obstacles and old patterns that hinder your self-growth. Some of the many areas in which I can assist you are:
- Reducing and overcoming stress, anxiety and depression
- Increasing productivity in your personal and professional lives
- Re-training your mind for mindful living to achieve your full potential
- Managing relationship challenges in personal and professional lives
As your therapist, I’ll give you unconditional respect at all times, no matter where you come from or what guidance you need.
As a Speaker
For over 18 years, I have been conducting workshops, participating in discussion panels, and speaking at conferences for corporates, nonprofits, and public schools about mental health, stress reduction, and conflict management through mindfulness techniques and holistic living. I use Psychology, Neuroscience, and the science of Yoga and Ayurveda to help my audience gain a better understanding of their mind, body, and spirit, and the powerful connection between them. In addition, I have been conducting weekly “Holistic Living” workshops as part of a three-month program that I designed to improve self-awareness and rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit.
In my workshops I provide practical tips and tools, supported by evidence-based research, to help the participants improve their daily lives. My workshops include but not limited to:
- Stress reduction and anxiety management
- Self-care for women and men
- Relationship enhancements
- Assertiveness and boundaries
- Enhanced willpower
- Mindful leadership
- Conflict management
- Self awareness and development
- Mental health education and advocacy
My workshops typically include:
- Centering meditation
- Presentation and discussion on the specified topic or based on requests from the group
- Mental health exercises
- Whole body muscle relaxation
- Guided meditation
- Q & A session
I speak from the heart while using my mind as an unlimited resource. I easily connect with my audience and understand their yearning to improve the quality of their personal and professional lives.
Check out the events calendar for my speaking engagements.
As a Person
I was born and raised in foothills of Himalayas, in city beautiful Chandigarh, India. During my childhood, I lived in a culture focused on ancient wisdom and knowledge imparted by teachers, poets, social workers, and Yogis. I was surrounded by patriots, community leaders, musicians, singers, and painters. Their company was stimulating and left a lasting impression on me. As a teenager, I was an active community organizer and a stage performer.
In my youth I spent time thinking about the people around me. I asked questions like “Why are they the way they are?” and “Why I am like this?” I didn’t show much interest in most of the subjects taught in school, but I was fortunately introduced to Psychology at the age of 15. That helped answer some of my questions.
When I was 16, tragedy struck my family. Support and trust were lost, and relationships dissolved. The life-changing experience during my formative years urged me to explore true human nature, and I re-started on the path to understanding “Why?”
Along came my now-husband of more than twenty years, who has been my rock and my critic. With him by my side, I began my journey of personal growth and awakening, not without making my share of mistakes. After living in India for three decades and traveling to many countries, I made the United States my home.
I am an active volunteer who believes in giving back to the community. I am a mental health education and services advocate. I serve as member of Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC), Piscataway School District. I also serve as Medical Board Advisor for The Breasties, a nonprofit organization to support survivors and caregivers impacted by breast cancer. I am on the Advisory Panel of South Asian Mental Health Initiative & Network (SAMHIN) to support the South-Asian community in the USA. In the past I also served on the board of NAMI Middlesex and on the advisory committees of SAMHAJ.
In my spare time I enjoy reading, meditating, singing, hiking, and traveling. I also like to write poems about hope, emotions, inspiration, the cosmos, connections, and the universality of our existence.
- Workshops and speaking events
- Discussion panels
- Webinars and podcasts
- Weekly meditation sessions
- Holistic living or other theme-based retreats
- Wellness Q&A