Nikita Rajan, AMFT
Like waves in the ocean, life often has ups and downs. Each person adapts to these constant changes differently, but like waves, the more we resist, the harder it can become. Therapy gives us a space to navigate these changes in our lives with support rather than judgement, allowing us to heal and realize the unique, individual power we all have.
I believe that each person is an expert on their own life. I always seek to meet my clients where they are, and work with every client to help them understand what they want to get out of the therapy process, and what healing or managing mental health challenges means for them as an individual. My goal is to support clients by providing a safe space for them to navigate challenges without judgment, and understand their own unique strengths so they can take charge of writing their life stories. Although it’s not possible to eliminate all of the challenges and hardships in life, I can help my clients move forward by assisting them with finding the tools that can help them cope with these hardships or feelings of distress.
I received my Bachelors degree in Psychology from the University of California, San Diego and my Master's degree in Counseling Psychology, with a concentration in Marriage Family Therapy, from the University of San Francisco. Before working at Core Insights, I worked with children, adolescents and adult family members in K-12 school settings in the East Bay Area. My work in these settings allowed me to gain insights into how relationship and identity related issues contribute to the underlying causes of mental health challenges. These skills allow me to help clients develop positive coping skills and work towards improving their quality of life. I primarily use the following theoretical orientations to inform my work with clients: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy and Family Systems Therapy. I use these modalities, with a relational approach and a trauma informed lens, to help build a safe and empathetic therapeutic relationship. I work with adults, families and adolescents. I assist my clients with concerns of anxiety, depression, attention related issues, family relationships and other interpersonal conflicts, as well as cultural and/or gender identity struggles.
I identify as a cis-gendered Indian-American woman, and use the pronouns: she/her. Coming from an Indian cultural background, I hope to make mental health more relatable and accessible for communities of color and other marginalized populations, including those communities that find discussing mental health to be difficult. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, swimming, finding new recipes to cook, practicing kickboxing and yoga, and read books.