Hi, I’m Niku.

I believe it can be helpful for potential clients to know about their therapist’s clinical and non-clinical journey. In that vein, I share the following with you about my own journey.

I am a queer person of the South Asian diaspora (any pronouns with respect and kindness are welcome), a guest on unceded Ohlone territory. My ancestral roots come from present day India and Pakistan. I am fluent in Gujarati (especially after a warm-up). I am also a student of Zen Buddhist dharma. In my previous careers, I have worked at small and large energy companies in engineering and business; this experience has given me a deeper understanding of the high pressures, demands and sometimes necessary “personality/code”-switching in the corporate and tech world.

I grew up in working class “America”, struggling with conscious and unconscious compartmentalizations around my queerness. I came out as queer later in life, and when I did, I felt I had to choose between my family, South Asian culture and being queer. With the help of therapy, the internalized “isms” and phobias slowly faded. I found new ways to lovingly integrate my identities. This integration process continues on for me today as I continue my own therapy.

In addition to my psychotherapy training, I have been a Zen buddhist practitioner, practicing since 2012. I have lived in residential monastic setting for one and a half years to deepen my self study. During this time, I put a pause on the daily requirements of city life and worked within the temple as a kitchen cook and baker. I have enjoyed the application of dharma teachings to my life and it is an ongoing exploration.

I have an interest in the intersection of spirituality, psychology and queerness. I am grateful for the invitation I received in 2021 to speak at the Queering Religion undergraduate class at USF. I was deeply encouraged by the next generation’s deep reflection of how we glean teachings from the world’s major religions while being critically aware of the changes needed to fully celebrate our embodiment. I welcome such curiosity in therapy as well.

I have a deep love for the therapeutic process. It is an honor to work with my clients; my training has led me here, and it is the connection I feel with my clients that sustains my work.

If you feel resonance, please feel free to reach out and schedule a free consultation to learn more about how I can support you on your journey.

I look forward to hearing from you,