New to Grow
Hello, I’m Sahana Pentyala, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) committed to helping individuals, families, and organizations strengthen their emotional resilience and achieve lasting well-being. My approach integrates evidence-based clinical practices with a deep understanding of how physical, emotional, and social health intersect — an approach shaped by my specialization in Integrated Health. Over the years, I’ve worked with children, adolescents, adults, caregivers, and professionals navigating anxiety, stress, trauma, grief, depression, life transitions, and burnout. I believe that healing begins with understanding — and I strive to provide a safe, empathetic, and nonjudgmental space where you can be heard, validated, and supported in your journey toward balance and growth.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Session 1: Getting to Know You (Psychosocial Assessment) In our first session, I’ll spend time getting to know you and your story. We’ll talk about different areas of your life—such as your mental health history, family background, relationships, and what brings you to therapy now. This helps me understand the “big picture” of who you are and how I can best support you. This process usually takes most, if not all, of the first session. Session 2: Creating Your Treatment Plan If we don’t finish everything in the first session, we’ll continue here. Together, we’ll create a treatment plan that outlines what you’d like to work on in therapy. This includes your long-term goals and the smaller, short-term steps we’ll take to get there. We’ll review this plan every three months to check your progress and make adjustments as needed. Sessions 3 and Beyond: Working Toward Your Goals Ongoing sessions will focus on actively working toward your goals, building skills, and making changes that support your well-being. Therapy is a collaborative process, and we’ll continue to tailor our work to what’s most helpful for you.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
One of my greatest strengths as a mental health therapist is my ability to create a space where clients feel genuinely heard, understood, and safe to be themselves. I approach therapy with warmth, compassion, and curiosity—without judgment—so you don’t have to worry about saying the “right” thing. You can show up exactly as you are. I take the time to truly get to know you and understand the full context of your life, not just your symptoms. I believe therapy works best when it’s collaborative, so we work together to set goals that feel meaningful, realistic, and aligned with what you want for your life. I’m also skilled at breaking down complex emotional experiences into language that feels clear and manageable. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, or unsure where to start, I help make the process feel less intimidating and more empowering. Above all, I’m deeply committed to helping clients feel supported while also gently challenging them to grow. I balance empathy with practical tools and insight, so therapy feels both validating and productive. My goal is for you to leave sessions feeling understood, hopeful, and more equipped to navigate life outside of therapy.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I offer trauma-informed, compassionate care using evidence-based practices to support individuals, families, caregivers, and professionals. My goal is to help you strengthen emotional resilience, develop coping skills, and move toward lasting well-being.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I help people understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are connected, and how unhelpful patterns can keep them stuck. Using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), I support clients to identify negative thought patterns, challenge them in a practical way, and develop healthier coping strategies. Together, we work on building skills that can be used in everyday life to manage anxiety, low mood, stress, and other difficulties more effectively.
Compassion Focused
I offer a compassionate, non-judgemental space where people can feel heard, understood, and accepted. I support individuals to explore their experiences at their own pace, helping them make sense of their thoughts and emotions with kindness and care. My aim is to help people feel less alone, develop self-understanding, and build confidence in their ability to cope and grow.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
I offer culturally sensitive therapy that respects and values each person’s background, identity, beliefs, and lived experiences. I work with curiosity and openness to understand how culture, family, community, and social context shape a person’s wellbeing. My aim is to create a safe, inclusive space where individuals feel seen, respected, and understood.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I use mindfulness-based therapy to help individuals slow down, reconnect with the present moment, and develop a greater awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and body. I support clients to relate to their experiences with curiosity and acceptance, helping them reduce overwhelm and respond to difficulties with greater calm and clarity.
Trauma Informed Care
I offer trauma-informed care that prioritises safety, trust, and choice. I work gently and at a pace that feels right for each person, recognizing the impact that past experiences can have on the body, emotions, and sense of self. My aim is to create a supportive space where clients feel empowered, respected, and in control of their healing journey.