(she/her)
New to Grow
Hi, I’m Janai, a Licensed Independent Social Worker passionate about providing culturally responsive, trauma-informed therapy for adults from diverse backgrounds. I have extensive experience working with diverse populations navigating anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, acculturation stress, identity-related challenges, domestic violence, and major life transitions. My approach to therapy is collaborative, compassionate, and client-centered. I utilize evidence-based practices including CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, mindfulness-based techniques, and Solution-Focused Therapy while tailoring treatment to each client’s unique experiences, values, and goals. I also incorporate multicultural and non-Western approaches when appropriate to ensure clients feel seen, respected, and understood. I strive to create a safe and supportive space where clients can process challenges, build coping skills, strengthen resilience, and move toward healing and personal growth at their own pace.
During our first session, my goal is to create a safe, welcoming, and nonjudgmental space where you feel comfortable sharing at your own pace. We will spend time getting to know each other, discussing what brought you to therapy, and exploring the concerns, challenges, or goals you would like support with. I understand that starting therapy can feel vulnerable, so I approach the first session with compassion, curiosity, and collaboration. My hope is that you begin to feel at ease while also getting a sense of whether I feel like the right therapist for you. I strongly believe the therapeutic relationship is important, and I will always advocate for clients to find the best fit for their needs, even if that is not with me. I will ask questions about your emotional well-being, personal history, relationships, cultural background, current stressors, and any previous experiences with therapy or mental health support. This helps me better understand your unique experiences and identify the best ways to support you moving forward. Together, we will begin identifying goals for therapy and discuss what approaches may feel most helpful and comfortable for you. My therapeutic style is culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and client-centered, meaning I recognize the importance of your lived experiences, identity, values, and strengths throughout the healing process. I also believe therapy should move at a pace that feels safe and manageable for you. By the end of the session, we will typically discuss next steps, answer any questions you may have, and begin building a foundation of trust and collaboration for future sessions.
What stands out about my therapeutic approach is my ability to provide culturally responsive, trauma-informed care while creating a space where clients feel genuinely seen, respected, and supported. I take a collaborative and person-centered approach to therapy, recognizing that each client’s experiences, identity, and goals are unique. I integrate evidence-based practices such as CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, mindfulness-based techniques, and Solution-Focused Therapy while also incorporating multicultural and non-Western approaches when appropriate. My background working with diverse populations, including individuals navigating trauma, acculturation stress, identity-related challenges, domestic violence, anxiety, depression, and major life transitions, allows me to support clients with both compassion and practical skill-building. Clients often appreciate my warm, nonjudgmental approach and my ability to balance emotional support with helping them develop concrete coping strategies, increase self-awareness, and build resilience in their daily lives.
I am best positioned to serve adults from diverse cultural backgrounds navigating trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, acculturation stress, identity-related challenges, domestic violence, and major life transitions. I work well with clients who may feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck and are seeking a supportive, culturally responsive, and collaborative therapeutic environment. I am especially passionate about helping individuals build coping skills, process trauma, strengthen self-esteem, navigate cultural identity, improve emotional wellness, and develop resilience while working toward meaningful personal growth and stability.
Other specialties
I identify as
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while developing healthier coping strategies and improving daily functioning. In my work with Refugee, Immigrant, and New American populations, I used trauma-informed and culturally responsive CBT interventions to support individuals experiencing PTSD, anxiety, depression, trauma, acculturation stress, identity-related challenges, and major life transitions. I incorporate techniques such as cognitive restructuring, psychoeducation, grounding skills, behavioral activation, and stress management, while adapting interventions as needed when working with phone interpreters to ensure services remain accessible and client-centered.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
I provide culturally sensitive therapy by recognizing and respecting each client’s cultural background, values, beliefs, and lived experiences as an important part of the therapeutic process. In my work with Refugee, Immigrant, and New American populations, I learned to create a safe, inclusive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel understood and supported while navigating trauma, identity, acculturation stress, and major life transitions. I adapt therapeutic approaches to align with clients’ cultural needs and regularly collaborate with interpreters to ensure accessible and effective communication.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I incorporate mindfulness-based therapy techniques to help clients increase self-awareness, regulate emotions, and manage stress in the present moment. I use mindfulness practices such as grounding exercises, breathing techniques, body awareness, and emotional regulation strategies to support individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, and overwhelming life stressors. My approach is trauma-informed and culturally responsive, helping clients build coping skills, improve emotional balance, and develop a greater sense of safety and resilience in their daily lives.
Motivational Interviewing
I utilize Motivational Interviewing (MI) to help clients explore ambivalence, strengthen motivation for change, and build confidence in their ability to reach personal goals. My approach is collaborative, nonjudgmental, and client-centered, allowing individuals to feel heard and empowered throughout the therapeutic process. I use MI techniques to support clients experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, adjustment challenges, and life transitions by helping them identify strengths, increase self-awareness, and develop realistic, meaningful steps toward positive change.
Multicultural
I utilize a multicultural treatment approach that recognizes the importance of culture, identity, community, spirituality, and lived experiences in the healing process. In my work with Refugee, Immigrant, and New American populations, I tailored interventions to align with each client’s cultural values, beliefs, and preferences while creating a safe and inclusive therapeutic environment. I incorporate culturally responsive and non-Western healing practices when appropriate, including community-centered support, storytelling, spirituality, mindfulness, and traditional coping methods, while integrating evidence-based practices to support clients experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, acculturation stress, and major life transitions.