Hi, I’m Sonica! I’m a first generation Indian-American counselor based in Florida, bringing over 7 years of experience to my work. I specialize in supporting individuals and families navigating anxiety, depression, PTSD, and life’s overwhelming moments, with a particular focus on marginalized, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ communities. My approach integrates both cognitive and somatic practices to foster healing, resilience, and self-understanding. My approach is inclusive, rooted in a decolonized framework, and designed to support your journey toward authentic, empowered living.
In our first session together, we’ll start with introductions and talk through what brings you to therapy. I’ll ask questions to understand your background, current challenges, and goals for our work together. This session is about creating a safe, comfortable space where you can share openly, and it will help me start crafting a personalized plan that aligns with your unique needs and aspirations for healing.
One of my greatest strengths as a provider is my commitment to creating an inclusive and compassionate space where clients feel genuinely seen and valued. My trauma-informed background and deep commitment to decolonizing the therapeutic space allows me to support clients in (a) understanding the connections between their identity, lived experiences, and personal challenges, and (b) developing personalized strategies that promote authentic, lasting growth. Additionally, as a South Asian, first-generation immigrant, I understand the complexities of navigating life between cultures and the importance of holding a safe space where both of us can show up authentically. My work is driven by compassion, cultural humility, and a holistic perspective, honoring each client’s journey and supporting their growth in ways that truly resonate with who they are.
I like to draw on various therapeutic approaches-such as cognitive-behavioral, acceptance and commitment, somatic, mindfulness, dialectical behavioral, and internal family systems/parts work-to best meet a client's goals and needs. The foundation of integrative therapy is the belief that each individual is unique and multidimensional and different aspects of a person’s experience (mind, body, emotions, relationships) can benefit from different therapeutic methods. By blending techniques, it allows clients to develop a range of skills for coping, self-awareness, and personal growth.
Acknowledging that trauma—whether from adverse childhood experiences, abuse, neglect, or systemic oppression—profoundly shapes individuals' self-perception, relationships, and interactions with the world serves as the cornerstone of my practice. My approach reframes the narrative from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What has happened to you, and how has it influenced your journey?” With a focus on compassion and validation, my aim is to create a therapeutic environment that fosters resilience and supports meaningful recovery. I often incorporate somatic practices, Internal Family Systems, and brain spotting techniques to help clients connect with their body and emotions. I also work to help clients reframe harmful beliefs stemming from trauma, such as feelings of worthlessness or guilt, guiding them toward self-compassion and acceptance.
Relational Therapy highlights how relationships shape our self-view and emotional health. In sessions, I emphasize the therapeutic relationship itself as a model for building trust, safety, and authentic connection. By fostering a collaborative, open, and compassionate space, I encourage clients to experience a new way of relating that can be both reparative and transformative. Through exploring relational dynamics, clients gain insight into how past experiences and attachment styles may be influencing their current relationships, behaviors, and emotional responses.