South Asian Therapists in Oakland, CA
Trauma, loss, and acute distress can shape every part of a person's life — how you see yourself, how you feel in your body, and how you connect with others. Whether you're carrying the weight of a painful childhood, recovering from violence or an accident, or struggling with a traumatic loss, healing is genuinely possible.
With over a decade of specialized training in trauma treatment, I'm passionate about helping people resolve symptoms that can include reliving or avoiding memories, persistent negative moods and thoughts, and dissociation — that sense of feeling detached from yourself and others.
Trauma, loss, and acute distress can shape every part of a person's life — how you see yourself, how you feel in your body, and how you connect with others. Whether you're carrying the weight of a painful childhood, recovering from violence or an accident, or struggling with a traumatic loss, healing is genuinely possible.
With over a decade of specialized training in trauma treatment, I'm passionate about helping people resolve symptoms that can include reliving or avoiding memories, persistent negative moods and thoughts, and dissociation — that sense of feeling detached from yourself and others.
I am a systemically trained and licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (in CA and PA) offering virtual individual, couple, and family therapy. My clients seek support around a myriad of concerns - most common among them are: depression, anxiety, loss, attachment trauma, oppression-based trauma, identity exploration/conflict, racial identity, family/relational conflict, and emotional dysregulation. Clients come to me to deconstruct beliefs about themselves and the world that are no longer serving them and instead creating chaos, dysfunction, and pain. Through our work together, they're able to live more fulfilling lives.
I am a systemically trained and licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (in CA and PA) offering virtual individual, couple, and family therapy. My clients seek support around a myriad of concerns - most common among them are: depression, anxiety, loss, attachment trauma, oppression-based trauma, identity exploration/conflict, racial identity, family/relational conflict, and emotional dysregulation. Clients come to me to deconstruct beliefs about themselves and the world that are no longer serving them and instead creating chaos, dysfunction, and pain. Through our work together, they're able to live more fulfilling lives.
Shavika Singha- Teens, Adults &
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
4 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
With nearly 10 years in tech & startups as a South Asian woman with ADHD, I know what it's like to adapt to fit in high-stress & pressured environments not designed with you in mind.
Many of my clients look like they have it together on the outside, but are struggling in navigating ADHD, anxiety, depression, complex trauma, burnout, & the pressure of being the one who holds it together on the inside. I work with teens, adults & couples- people who are caring & self-aware, feel deeply, but often wonder and think of themselves as “too much.” Whether it’s your first time in therapy, or you’ve been before but felt like it was too surface to help with deep change, I can help. These are post-normal times, & we’re all holding more than we should have to. However that’s showing up for you, you are welcome here.
With nearly 10 years in tech & startups as a South Asian woman with ADHD, I know what it's like to adapt to fit in high-stress & pressured environments not designed with you in mind.
Many of my clients look like they have it together on the outside, but are struggling in navigating ADHD, anxiety, depression, complex trauma, burnout, & the pressure of being the one who holds it together on the inside. I work with teens, adults & couples- people who are caring & self-aware, feel deeply, but often wonder and think of themselves as “too much.” Whether it’s your first time in therapy, or you’ve been before but felt like it was too surface to help with deep change, I can help. These are post-normal times, & we’re all holding more than we should have to. However that’s showing up for you, you are welcome here.
You’re a conscious, sensitive person, committed to justice and healing - but you find yourself feeling alone and confused about why you are continually struggling in relationships, or worse - you're worried intergenerational trauma has made being in healthy relationship out of reach for you. You’re intelligent and thoughtful, but you worry you're not reaching your potential because you’ve spent your life taking care of others and managing your anxiety/self doubt. You have a hard time trusting/knowing your own voice, and/or setting boundaries for yourself and others. I am passionate about working with LGBTQiA+ / BIPOC folks.
You’re a conscious, sensitive person, committed to justice and healing - but you find yourself feeling alone and confused about why you are continually struggling in relationships, or worse - you're worried intergenerational trauma has made being in healthy relationship out of reach for you. You’re intelligent and thoughtful, but you worry you're not reaching your potential because you’ve spent your life taking care of others and managing your anxiety/self doubt. You have a hard time trusting/knowing your own voice, and/or setting boundaries for yourself and others. I am passionate about working with LGBTQiA+ / BIPOC folks.
I am a first-generation, Indian American, queer, cis-woman.
I especially enjoy working with queer women of color, covid conscious people, people with chronic illness and/or disabilities, incarcerated people, people on parole and their loved ones, people preparing for and/or integrating non-ordinary states of consciousness, organizers, activists, and healing practitioners.
I am a first-generation, Indian American, queer, cis-woman.
I especially enjoy working with queer women of color, covid conscious people, people with chronic illness and/or disabilities, incarcerated people, people on parole and their loved ones, people preparing for and/or integrating non-ordinary states of consciousness, organizers, activists, and healing practitioners.
Are you looking for holistic mental health care? Support that includes mind-body-spirit connection, informed care about trauma, disability justice, and neurodiversity, and exploration of relationship to self, loved ones, and community. Clients who are looking for understanding of greater sociopolitical context, identity development related to race, immigration status, gender and sexuality, culture, ability, and socioeconomic status.
Are you looking for holistic mental health care? Support that includes mind-body-spirit connection, informed care about trauma, disability justice, and neurodiversity, and exploration of relationship to self, loved ones, and community. Clients who are looking for understanding of greater sociopolitical context, identity development related to race, immigration status, gender and sexuality, culture, ability, and socioeconomic status.
Our group practice, Savera Psychological Services has a team of skilled and compassionate clinicians who offer psychotherapy, evaluations, nutrition counseling, and leadership coaching. We offer services to children and adults with concerns around depression, anxiety, mood disturbance, trauma recovery, grief/loss, fertility/family building, life transitions, relationship challenges, academic difficulties, and career burnout.
Our group practice, Savera Psychological Services has a team of skilled and compassionate clinicians who offer psychotherapy, evaluations, nutrition counseling, and leadership coaching. We offer services to children and adults with concerns around depression, anxiety, mood disturbance, trauma recovery, grief/loss, fertility/family building, life transitions, relationship challenges, academic difficulties, and career burnout.
I support men, women, couples, and families in navigating difficult life experiences—including balancing work and personal priorities, dealing with anxiety and depression, managing repetitive conflict in partner or parent relationships, navigating complex extended family dynamics, and working through separation or divorce. I also help clients cope with illness, grief, and loss, all within a culturally informed and compassionate therapeutic space.
I support men, women, couples, and families in navigating difficult life experiences—including balancing work and personal priorities, dealing with anxiety and depression, managing repetitive conflict in partner or parent relationships, navigating complex extended family dynamics, and working through separation or divorce. I also help clients cope with illness, grief, and loss, all within a culturally informed and compassionate therapeutic space.
And as a queer, South Asian therapist, I have a nuanced understanding of identity and the impact of systems on our lived realities.
My approach is warm, non-judgmental and reflective. I am keenly observant and intuitive and I love to support people in navigating identity, gender, sexuality, career, family of origin issues, trauma, abuse & survivorship, life transitions, attachment issues, spirituality, intimacy, and more. I am an especially good fit for queer people of color.
And as a queer, South Asian therapist, I have a nuanced understanding of identity and the impact of systems on our lived realities.
My approach is warm, non-judgmental and reflective. I am keenly observant and intuitive and I love to support people in navigating identity, gender, sexuality, career, family of origin issues, trauma, abuse & survivorship, life transitions, attachment issues, spirituality, intimacy, and more. I am an especially good fit for queer people of color.
A practicing therapist since 2012, I bring over a decade of experience holding individuals, families and communities with an orientation towards justice, spiritual and somatic grounding, and attention to systemic and generational traumas. Philosopher Grace Lee Boggs said "Transform yourself to transform the world" and this has become a cornerstone for how I engage in healing, growth and therapy work.
A practicing therapist since 2012, I bring over a decade of experience holding individuals, families and communities with an orientation towards justice, spiritual and somatic grounding, and attention to systemic and generational traumas. Philosopher Grace Lee Boggs said "Transform yourself to transform the world" and this has become a cornerstone for how I engage in healing, growth and therapy work.
Psychotherapy is an intimately personal endeavor, that can provide a safe space for curiosity, exploration, and meaning-making of our lives and histories. I approach therapy through a relational psychodynamic lens, which means that I view mental health and well-being as being deeply interconnected with our relationships, experiences, and cultural identities. Each individual seeks therapy for unique reasons and carries a complex personal history, I tailor each treatment to meet your specific needs, goals, strengths, and cultural background.
Psychotherapy is an intimately personal endeavor, that can provide a safe space for curiosity, exploration, and meaning-making of our lives and histories. I approach therapy through a relational psychodynamic lens, which means that I view mental health and well-being as being deeply interconnected with our relationships, experiences, and cultural identities. Each individual seeks therapy for unique reasons and carries a complex personal history, I tailor each treatment to meet your specific needs, goals, strengths, and cultural background.
Have you noticed that other people seem to move through the world with ease: forming friendships, dating, finding direction; while for you, it all feels confusing and very effortful. You try to put yourself out there, but something doesn’t land, and you’re left wondering what you’re missing. Whether you’ve been labeled as a late bloomer, failure to launch, or "spectrum-y", we understand that underneath these labels is a sensitive soul yearning to find their way in the world. At Brave Space Therapy, our approach blends emotional growth with practical skill-building - helping our clients move from stuckness to decisive action.
Have you noticed that other people seem to move through the world with ease: forming friendships, dating, finding direction; while for you, it all feels confusing and very effortful. You try to put yourself out there, but something doesn’t land, and you’re left wondering what you’re missing. Whether you’ve been labeled as a late bloomer, failure to launch, or "spectrum-y", we understand that underneath these labels is a sensitive soul yearning to find their way in the world. At Brave Space Therapy, our approach blends emotional growth with practical skill-building - helping our clients move from stuckness to decisive action.
I believe that inside each of our struggles there is a choice and it's from this place that we can reconnect to and reclaim our inherent wisdom and power. My intention in our work together is to help shed light on the path to help guide you home to yourself
I believe that inside each of our struggles there is a choice and it's from this place that we can reconnect to and reclaim our inherent wisdom and power. My intention in our work together is to help shed light on the path to help guide you home to yourself
I also work closely with south asian clients.
I am trained in trauma specific modalities such as somatic therapy and IFS. I tailor my sessions to fit the unique needs of each of my clients.
I also work closely with south asian clients.
I am trained in trauma specific modalities such as somatic therapy and IFS. I tailor my sessions to fit the unique needs of each of my clients.
Sometimes there are circumstances in life that are overwhelming and are beyond our control. Other times, we are trapped by our own perceptions and projections of the world. My approach is to serve as a guide and help you unravel your perceptions, memories, and beliefs, as well as provide you with some skills to help you cope in your world. I am partnered with Journey Clinical to provide Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy. I work primarily with couples looking for deeper communication around sexual intimacy.
I have partnered with Mentaya to help clients use their out-of-network benefits to save money on therapy.
Sometimes there are circumstances in life that are overwhelming and are beyond our control. Other times, we are trapped by our own perceptions and projections of the world. My approach is to serve as a guide and help you unravel your perceptions, memories, and beliefs, as well as provide you with some skills to help you cope in your world. I am partnered with Journey Clinical to provide Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy. I work primarily with couples looking for deeper communication around sexual intimacy.
I have partnered with Mentaya to help clients use their out-of-network benefits to save money on therapy.
Is anxiety, depression, fear or a traumatic past leaving you feeling numb, flat or emotionally disconnected from others, and more importantly yourself? Perhaps you keep choosing the wrong partners or stay in unhappy relationships not knowing how to move forward. Maybe intergenerational trauma is impacting your emotional wellness and you want to stop that cycle from passing onto future generations. What if there's a way to feel more consciously embodied? If you are ready to let go of your painful past, oppressive narratives, and limiting beliefs; I am here to help guide you through your healing journey.
Is anxiety, depression, fear or a traumatic past leaving you feeling numb, flat or emotionally disconnected from others, and more importantly yourself? Perhaps you keep choosing the wrong partners or stay in unhappy relationships not knowing how to move forward. Maybe intergenerational trauma is impacting your emotional wellness and you want to stop that cycle from passing onto future generations. What if there's a way to feel more consciously embodied? If you are ready to let go of your painful past, oppressive narratives, and limiting beliefs; I am here to help guide you through your healing journey.
My areas of focus are:Queer Therapy, Feminist Therapy, Liberation Ecology Therapy, South Asian Therapist.
With over 25 years in various aspect of Sex Education, LGBTQIA+ Communities, and Intersex Advocacy I have witnessed both the joys and sorrows of being human. As a therapist, I find the greatest purpose is in working with clients to help them navigate becoming. Whether that be becoming themselves, becoming whole, becoming healed or becoming better humans.
My areas of focus are:Queer Therapy, Feminist Therapy, Liberation Ecology Therapy, South Asian Therapist.
With over 25 years in various aspect of Sex Education, LGBTQIA+ Communities, and Intersex Advocacy I have witnessed both the joys and sorrows of being human. As a therapist, I find the greatest purpose is in working with clients to help them navigate becoming. Whether that be becoming themselves, becoming whole, becoming healed or becoming better humans.
You probably already have a theory about what's going wrong. You might even know the solution. Many people do by the time they call. The hard part is rarely knowing what isn't working, it's identifying and working through a process that leads to long term change. This is where I come in. I work with you to 1) clearly identify your therapy goals, 2) identify what would have to shift to attain these goals, 3) develop and implement a plan for change that persists. While insight is valuable, the process of transforming insight into new ways of thinking and behaving is where most people get stuck, and it is where I am most useful.
You probably already have a theory about what's going wrong. You might even know the solution. Many people do by the time they call. The hard part is rarely knowing what isn't working, it's identifying and working through a process that leads to long term change. This is where I come in. I work with you to 1) clearly identify your therapy goals, 2) identify what would have to shift to attain these goals, 3) develop and implement a plan for change that persists. While insight is valuable, the process of transforming insight into new ways of thinking and behaving is where most people get stuck, and it is where I am most useful.
I am dedicated to creating a space where healing can flourish. I believe that our struggles are not just individual challenges but reflect the world around us. Life can be overwhelming, especially when we’re dealing with stress at work or navigating family dynamics. Many of my clients come to me feeling burnt out, uncertain, or trapped in roles that don’t feel true to who they are. If you find yourself caring for everyone else while neglecting your own needs, you’re not alone. I specialize in working with individuals who are seeking deeper understanding and practical tools to improve their relationships with themselves and others.
I am dedicated to creating a space where healing can flourish. I believe that our struggles are not just individual challenges but reflect the world around us. Life can be overwhelming, especially when we’re dealing with stress at work or navigating family dynamics. Many of my clients come to me feeling burnt out, uncertain, or trapped in roles that don’t feel true to who they are. If you find yourself caring for everyone else while neglecting your own needs, you’re not alone. I specialize in working with individuals who are seeking deeper understanding and practical tools to improve their relationships with themselves and others.
You may be navigating identity exploration, systemic inequities, or the effects of trauma, particularly as an LGBTQ+ person and/or a person of color. You might seek a space to reflect on how systemic and relational dynamics shape your experiences, explore your needs, and build self-awareness. Your goals may include strengthening your sense of self, deepening your connections with others, and feeling empowered as you navigate life’s complexities and pursue growth and healing.
You may be navigating identity exploration, systemic inequities, or the effects of trauma, particularly as an LGBTQ+ person and/or a person of color. You might seek a space to reflect on how systemic and relational dynamics shape your experiences, explore your needs, and build self-awareness. Your goals may include strengthening your sense of self, deepening your connections with others, and feeling empowered as you navigate life’s complexities and pursue growth and healing.
See more therapy options for Oakland
Nearby South Asian Therapists Searches for Oakland
- Alameda
- Albany
- Berkeley
- Burlingame
- Danville
- Hayward
- Pleasant Hill
- San Francisco
- San Mateo
- San Ramon
- South San Francisco
- Walnut Creek
South Asian Counseling
What can a South Asian therapist help with?
A South Asian therapist can help with the same concerns as any other therapist, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, stress, grief, and major life transitions. What may feel different, however, is the possibility of shared cultural understanding. If you identify with a South Asian background, such as Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, or Nepali, working with a therapist who shares or understands aspects of your culture may help you feel more comfortable discussing topics such as family expectations, identity, religion, language, stigma, or intergenerational conflict.
How can a South Asian therapist support couples counseling or family therapy?
A South Asian therapist can support couples counseling or family therapy by helping partners and family members explore how cultural background can shape roles, responsibilities, and expectations in a relationship. In some South Asian families, relationship dynamics may be influenced by expectations around marriage, gender roles, caregiving, religion, family involvement, or balancing individual needs with family obligations. These issues can affect mental health as well as relationship boundaries, parenting, communication, and major life decisions. A South Asian therapist can help you navigate these conversations with greater cultural understanding.
How might I inquire about a therapist’s experience with South Asian clients?
If cultural background is important to you in therapy, it can be helpful to ask a prospective therapist whether they have experience working with South Asian clients or clients from your specific cultural background. In initial conversations with potential therapists, you might ask whether they have worked with concerns related to cultural identity, family expectations, intergenerational conflict, or stigma around mental health. You can also ask whether they provide therapy in your preferred language.
Who is included in Psychology Today’s directory of South Asian therapists?
The directory of South Asian therapists includes professionals who have shared their ethnicity in their profiles. Psychology Today uses this information to assist clients in finding a therapist who can provide a cultural match. However, not all therapists choose to disclose their ethnicity in their profiles, and they may not appear in search results for this reason; also, when the number of therapists identified as South Asian is limited, the directory will also show therapists with comprehensive experience working with clients from relevant backgrounds.