Hello and welcome! I am so glad you are taking the first step of your mental health journey by looking for a therapist. I'm a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) based in California and provide telehealth therapy. I received my Master's Degree from California State University, Fresno and have been working with individuals with mental health for six years. I often integrate different modalities such as CBT, DBT, mindfulness, psychoanalytic, and motivational interviewing into therapy to ensure clients meet their therapeutic goals and become the version of themselves they hope for. I work with adults who experience anxiety, depression, trauma-related disorders, Bipolar disorders, relationship issues, self-esteem issues, and multicultural issues. As an Indian and Middle Eastern American, I emphasize the importance of accessing mental health services for BIPOC communities.
I strongly encourage my clients to practice self-care every week and maintain a strong work-life balance. I believe self-care should be practiced daily, but weekly is a good place to start for clients who have the tendency to put themselves last. I ask my clients to try mindfulness to be present in the here and now. Mindfulness can look different for everyone- I often use the Calm app to listen to meditations and sleep stories when I am falling asleep.
Therapy can be life-changing for most and often is not an easy road. I provide my clients with warmth and empathy and use a non-judgmental stance in every session. I help clients promote the changes they want to see in themselves so they can learn how to make life-lasting changes independently. Therapy with me is helpful, meaningful, warm, and easy-going. I take the stance as a cheerleader for my clients and encourage clients to put in extra effort to achieve their goals.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
During the first session, we will get to know each other so we can start therapy on a strong foundation. It is so important for a client and therapist to have a good connection with each other so the client can make the progress they are looking for. I review intake paperwork with clients and get more of a sense of what their therapeutic needs are. We discuss short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals the client may have and develop a plan of action to meet those goals. Following sessions are much less structured (unless the client prefers the structure!) and much more easy-going than the first session. I encourage clients to use therapy as a way to find tools and skills that work for them so they can find their strength and reach inner peace. Depending on the length of time clients are in therapy, we review and assess the goals they have to ensure we are heading in the right direction and what we have been doing in sessions has been helpful. I strive to make therapy fun while also getting some great work done in each session. The ultimate goal for my clients is to have them reach a point in their lives where they don't need me anymore, which is always bittersweet.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I have worked with a diverse population for the past six years, which has helped me become a better therapist. I am an open-minded, caring, and motivational therapist to best serve my clients. I make sure to be present for all of my clients and help them navigate their journey while in therapy. My strong passion for equality for all drives me to not only provide support for clients in marginalized populations, but also empower them to advocate for themselves and ultimate place the power back into their hands.
About Simi Bhaurla
Appointments
Virtual
My treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques is integral to my approach in working with clients, particularly those grappling with anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues. In our sessions, we delve into identifying and examining negative thoughts and beliefs, and their connection to maladaptive behavioral patterns. Together, we explore any negative core beliefs that clients may cling to, and I guide them in challenging and reframing these beliefs. Assigning homework between sessions allows clients to further engage with these concepts and facilitates deeper discussion in subsequent sessions. Incorporating CBT techniques not only provides structure to our sessions but also plays a vital role in helping clients progress towards their treatment goals.
Daialectical Behavior (DBT)
In my practice, I frequently utilize Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), particularly with clients who are coping with anxiety, depression, and personality disorders. DBT encompasses four main pillars, each offering valuable skills and tools to empower clients in managing their mental health more effectively. I take the time to explain the principles of DBT to my clients, emphasizing its focus on mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
One effective tool I integrate into our sessions is the use of weekly diary cards, which clients complete to track their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors throughout the week. Reviewing these diary cards during our sessions allows us to identify patterns, celebrate progress, and address challenges as they arise. By consistently implementing the skills taught in DBT and actively tracking their journey through therapy, clients can cultivate greater self-awareness and make meaningful strides toward their mental health goals.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
prioritize incorporating mindfulness techniques with all of my clients, as I firmly believe in its universal benefits. Emphasizing the importance of being present in the current moment, I guide clients in utilizing grounding techniques whenever overwhelming feelings threaten to take over. Mindfulness serves as a powerful tool for managing a wide range of mental health challenges, including stress, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, schizophrenia, and related disorders.
I encourage clients to integrate mindfulness practices into their daily routines, recognizing its capacity to help alleviate symptoms and promote overall well-being. It's important to acknowledge that mindfulness can take various forms and may look different for each individual. By tailoring mindfulness exercises to suit their unique preferences and needs, clients can harness its transformative potential to foster resilience and enhance their quality of life.
Racial trauma treatment
My personal experiences with racism and discrimination have undoubtedly shaped my approach to mental health care, catalyzing my dedication to supporting BIPOC individuals seeking therapy . By integrating various racial trauma modalities, including trauma-informed care, narrative therapy, psychoeducation, and person-centered care, I provide a comprehensive and culturally sensitive framework to address the unique challenges faced by my clients.
Creating a safe and affirming space for clients to express themselves and process their experiences is paramount. By facilitating open and honest discussions about the impacts of racism and discrimination, I empower clients to confront and heal from the traumas they have endured.The exploration of the costs and benefits of being people of color acknowledges the complexities of our experiences while fostering self-awareness and resilience. I emphasize on identifying strengths and empowering clients to advocate for themselves and others which highlights my commitment to promoting agency and social change within the BIPOC community. By guiding clients to become change agents in their own lives, I help them navigate systemic barriers and work towards healing.
Overall, my dedication to supporting BIPOC individuals in healing from deep-rooted wounds and reclaiming their power is inspiring and transformative. My work exemplifies the importance of culturally competent and empowering mental health care for marginalized communities.
Trauma Informed Care
I specialize in working with clients who have experienced trauma, and I implement trauma-informed care principles to create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment. Central to this approach is ensuring that clients feel heard, validated, and respected as they navigate their healing journey. By fostering a sense of safety and trust, I empower clients to gradually share their stories at their own pace, without pressure or judgment.
Through trauma-informed care, I equip clients with practical skills to challenge negative thoughts and beliefs that may have stemmed from their traumatic experiences. Together, we explore strategies to help them feel safe and grounded in various environments, empowering them to navigate life with greater resilience and confidence. I approach each client with unconditional positive regard and compassion, recognizing their inherent worth and strengths. By instilling a sense of agency and self-empowerment, I support clients in reclaiming their power and moving towards healing and growth.
