Bhavan Atwal
Bhavan Atwal
(she/her)
Hi! My name is Bhavan and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in California. I specialize in trauma-informed care, PTSD, anxiety, and depression, along with a variety of other issues. My approach is rooted in empathy, compassion, and respect for your unique experiences. My work also encompasses cultural identity by focusing on you as an individual and supporting you explore how your cultural lens shapes your understanding of trauma and resilience. My aim is to support you along your healing journey towards well-being, by helping you reclaim your sense of self, safety, balance, and personal strength.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first sessions, the goal is getting to know you and understanding what brings you to therapy. I’ll spend time gathering assessment information in regards to your background, current challenges, and goals for therapy. I’ll share more about my work, answer any questions you may have, and create a treatment plan that feels right to you. I understand building a new therapeutic relationship can make us feel anxious. I tailor my approach to be culturally sensitive and inclusive of your identity. My goal is to be here to support you in a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore and process difficult emotions, and allow you to heal at your own pace.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I offer a deep sense of empathy and compassion by offering a therapy process that is grounded in understanding the effects trauma has on the mind, body, and spirit, as I understand that trauma can be isolating. I hope my ability to connect with you emotionally, allows you to feel heard and supported. I believe that healing is a deeply personal and non-linear process. I focus on creating a strong foundation of trust and safety by focusing on building a supportive therapeutic relationship where you feel empowered, and that respects your unique background, identity, and lived experiences.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I enjoy working with individuals who are navigating the effects of trauma, whether that is from childhood, recent events, or complex relational dynamics. I also enjoy working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
About Bhavan Atwal
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use CBT to support clients with identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that are contributing to your emotional distress. By challenging your unhelpful thoughts and distorted thinking, I help you replace these with more realistic, healthy, and balanced thoughts.
EMDR
I am EMDR trained and support clients in processing difficult memories and emotions from past traumatic experiences. I utilize bilateral stimulation, a technique that involves eye movement, alternating sounds, or tapping to help your brain reprocess memories, so they are no longer as distressing.
Psychoeducation
I utilize psychoeducation to provide clients with information and skills to better understand your mental health, emotions, and behaviors. It is important and helpful to learn more about how your mind works and how you can use that knowledge to feel better and manage challenges. I teach clients how certain triggers lead to different reactions. I focus on providing a toolbox of coping skills, including breathing exercises, mindfulness practices, and grounding techniques to help calm your body and regulate your emotions.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I utilize short term solution focused therapy to support clients work through current concerns by supporting you in staying the present moment, utilizing your strengths and resources to find solutions, and create change. Deep processing is not always appropriate for some clients, and others may want to focus more on the present moment instead of dwelling on the past.
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
I provide Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) trauma treatment, to support clients reduce symptoms of trauma by helping you reframe distressing thoughts and gain greater clarity around traumatic experiences. CPT helps your identify and challenge unhelpful beliefs related to trauma, while supporting your healing through a structured and compassionate process.