My Approach to Helping
As a first-generation Indian-American, I understand the complicated overlap between identity exploration and mental health stigma.
Pooja Vala is a licensed mental health counselor with 6 years of experience in the mental health field. She has experience working with individuals, couples, and families of all ages and backgrounds experiencing depression, anxiety, marital stress, life transitions, history of trauma, and more. She completed her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of North Florida. She has the unique experience of being raised in a strict Indian household while also growing up in a small Florida town. This, coupled with her professional experience, allows her to provide the support, guidance, and empathy her clients need. Pooja is open about her life story in the hopes that it provides her clients with the safety and comfort to be open about their own stories. She utilizes multiple approaches to psychotherapy, including person-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and mindfulness. It is totally normal to experience struggles in our everyday lives. Sometimes it's routine stressors, sometimes it’s the people in our lives, and sometimes it's the result of trauma. Whatever it is, Pooja will sit with you on your journey of personal growth to overall happiness. If you are willing and ready, schedule an appointment with Pooja today!