My name is Aarti and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Orange County, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I am of South Asian (Indian, Desi) descent and a first-generation college graduate. In our time together, my hope is simple: to help you gently set down everything you’ve been carrying; intergenerational wounds, people pleasing, perfectionism, the quiet grief of living between worlds. Allowing you to finally feel validated and understood.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
What you can expect from our first session together is for us to spend the majority of our time talking about how you’ve been feeling recently, and me asking questions to better understand some of why you may be feeling that way. The first session is about us building an initial connection and helping me get a sense of where we should go from there. Each individual is different, and I like to listen first before assuming I know what will work best for you moving forward. We discuss your expectations of the therapeutic process and what you hope to take away from your sessions.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I would say my greatest strengths as a provider are my empathy, strong communication skills, and ability to work collaboratively with diverse populations. I have a deep understanding of the challenges that individuals face, and my empathy allows me to build trust with clients, making them feel heard and supported. Communication is another strength of mine; I can effectively communicate with clients, colleagues, and external agencies, ensuring everyone is on the same page. Finally, my ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams has been crucial in providing comprehensive care, ensuring clients receive the resources and support they need. These strengths help me advocate for clients and create positive outcomes in their lives.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I enjoy working with adults and specialize in anxiety, stress, depression, life changes (parenthood, new job, wedding planning/newly married), and first-generation/ child of immigrant parents. I have found that my style and approach are a good fit for young adults and adults who may be dealing with the challenges of life transitions and stressors. This often takes the form of anxiety, depression, stress, and struggling to adjust. I work to help my clients navigate challenges and build their mental health “toolbox” developing skills that would allow them to feel better about themselves and develop a more positive outlook on life.
Psychodynamic
7 years of experience Exploring with the client how their presenting problem is related to their upbringing and life events.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Goal focused talk therapy that helps us identify and change negative thinking patterns and unhelpful behaviors that impact our emotions, enabling us to cope better with challenges like depression, anxiety, stress, and chronic pain by linking thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Teaches us to stop fighting negative thoughts and feelings, accept them as part of life, and instead focus on taking purposeful actions to build a meaningful life. Helping us increase resilience and reduce anxiety, depression, and stress.
Family Therapy
Family is an unit, where each member's behavior affects the whole, emphasizing how patterns and issues (like anxiety or conflict) are passed across generations, impacting relationships, roles, and coping mechanisms.
Motivational Interviewing
An approach that help us identify our feelings about behavior change, resolve inconsistencies with how we feel about making behavior change(s), and develop a plan to follow and update as we work together.