CULTURALLY-AFFIRMING ONLINE THERAPY
YOUR LIFE IS COMPLEX — WORK WITH A THERAPIST WHO TRULY GETS IT.
Navigate life's complexities and balance different cultural influences and identities — whether you're dealing with life transitions, low self-worth, relational trauma, perfectionism, anxiety, or depression. Together, we can explore strategies to help you manage academic or work-related stress, cultural identity struggles, and the often-complex dynamics of family relationships. My goal is to support you in finding a path that honors both your background and your dreams, empowering you to thrive authentically in all areas of life.
EXPLORE IN A SAFE SPACE
ARE YOU FEELING LOST AND MISUNDERSTOOD?
Let's face it—finding a therapist who truly connects with you can be tough, especially when they don't understand your background. It’s exhausting and frustrating when your unique stressors and cultural values are ignored.
If you’re:
▸ The first person in your family to go to therapy and talk about your problems.
▸ Trying to figure out who you are — your gender or sexual identity.
▸ Dealing with family conflict and expectations across generations.
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I can help! I understand these challenges and offer a safe space to address them. Together, we can navigate these issues and help you thrive in both your personal and cultural journey.
IT’S TIME FOR
A more balanced, purposeful, and fulfilling life.
Hi there! I’m Monica Thiagarajan
Fondly referred by some as Dr. T
I hold a PhD in Counseling Psychology from Western Michigan University, with my dissertation focusing on Asian Indian Women in Cross-Cultural Marriages. I have an MA in Community Counseling from Loyola University of Chicago, and a BA in Psychology from Northern Michigan University. My fellowship at the Center for Victims of Torture and my career in university counseling centers, most recently at the University of Texas at Austin, have shaped my trauma-informed approach to therapy.
I'm passionate about destigmatizing mental health in Asian and Asian American communities. As a third culture kid who grew up in India and Kuwait before moving to the US as an international student, I understand firsthand the pressures of straddling several cultures, with differing value systems, and oftentimes conflicting expectations.
My therapeutic approach is depth-oriented, combining NARM (Neuroaffective Relational Model), mindfulness-based techniques, and relational orientations tailored to your unique cultural needs. We will explore the patterns in your relationships and how they may connect to your past experiences, like with your family or other significant people in your life. By exploring these patterns, we can understand how they influence your current challenges. Together,
Mindfulness approaches allows us to be fully present in the moment, with curiosity and without judgment. By cultivating awareness of your thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations, we can create space for you to respond to challenges with clarity and compassion.
My approach emphasizes empathy, trust, and collaboration in therapy, so we can create a safe and confidential space for you to work on creating healthier, more fulfilling ways of connecting with others and with yourself.
Ready to find clarity and balance in your life? Let's get started together.
GETTING STARTED WITH ONLINE THERAPY
HOW IT WORKS
▸ Book A Call | Click the button below to book your free intro call at a time that works for you.
▸ We’ll Chat | We'll discuss your needs, goals, and any questions you have to see if we're a good fit.
▸ Get Started | Complete some online forms, then we'll kick off our work together with an in-depth first session.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Individual therapy, 55 minutes session- $185
Accepted Insurance- Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna
If out of network, I provide a Superbill, which is a detailed receipt of the services you received during our counseling sessions. It includes important information such as the dates of service, the type of service provided, and the cost. This document is used for insurance reimbursement purposes. In this way, if clients have insurance that covers out-of-network providers, clients can submit a Superbill to their insurance company. This can help them get reimbursed for the costs of their sessions.
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I use a depth-oriented process, utilizing a combination of NARM (NeuroAffective Relational Model), mindfulness-based techniques, and relational orientations tailored to the unique cultural needs of my clients.
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At present, I only offer virtual therapy sessions, which ensures accessibility.
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The length of therapy varies based on individual needs and goals. Some clients find significant improvement in a few months, while others may benefit from longer-term support.
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In the first session, we will discuss your background, current challenges, and therapy goals. This initial assessment helps us develop a personalized treatment plan.
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Yes, I specialize in issues such as acculturation stress, intergenerational conflicts, cultural identity, and navigating cultural expectations.
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As an Asian American, South Asian psychologist, I have personal and professional experience with cultural dynamics. Centering strengths and aligning interventions with your unique cultural worldview, fosters trust, healing, and empowerment.
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I offer therapy primarily in English, but I also have some proficiency in speaking Tamil.
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Your comfort is a priority. We will proceed at your pace, and you are always welcome to share your concerns and set boundaries. Our sessions are a safe, non-judgmental and confidential space.
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All sessions are confidential, and your privacy is protected by law. I will only share information with your consent or if required by law for safety reasons. I utilize Simple Practice- a HIPAA encrypted platform for virtual therapy.