ABOUT ARATI PATEL, MA, LMFT, RYT-500
Hi there! I’m Arati (pronounced R.T.) Patel. I am a holistic, integrative, and mindfulness-based psychotherapist who is also a first-generation South Asian American. I have a background as a yoga, meditation, and mindfulness teacher and love to weave these teachings and practices into the way I work with clients.
Eastern and Western Psychology
I have an extensive background as a yoga, meditation, and mindfulness teacher for 10 years and have been a student in these practices for almost 20 years. My passion and heart lay in the union of depth psychology and somatic psychology. I combine Eastern and Western psychology by incorporating traditional talk therapy with somatic practices such as breathing exercises, movement, maybe even some yoga postures or meditation (depending on what you are open to and what would be appropriate for you).
First-Generation South Asian Therapist
Growing up as a first-gen South Asian American and therapist, I’ve experienced a unique life journey navigating what felt like two different worlds. It was not easy trying to find myself when I was presented with both Eastern and Western cultural, spiritual, and family dynamics simultaneously. This journey has paved my deeper desire to help whose who have had similar life experiences. I am here to support you if you are struggling to fully connect to and honor your authentic individual self while also creating and maintaining a healthy relationship to your family, career, social life, culture and spirituality while also solidifying in your own values, ethics, and beliefs.
Therapeutic Lens:
- Depth Psychology
- Mindfulness-Based Therapy
- Somatic Psychotherapy
- Integrative Therapy
- Narrative Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
I obtained my Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute and Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from University of Illinois. I also went to grad school for Social Psychology, Industrial-Organizational Psychology, and Quantitative Psychology.
I’ve worked in a variety of counseling settings – dual diagnosis treatment centers for addiction and mental health along with community mental health agencies and hospitals. I have experience as an anger management facilitator and have provided extensive therapy in various group settings. I have also worked at a non-profit agency setting supporting children, teens, and families.
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California (LMFT 105734)
- Certified 500-Hour Yoga Teacher in Yoga Psychology –Yoga, Psyche, Soul
- Certified 200-Hour Yoga Teacher – In Yoga Center
- Certified 200-Hour Yoga Teacher – Blue Sun Yoga
- Hakomi Professional Training, Level 1
- Perinatal and Postpartum Mood Disorders
- Trauma Resiliency Model Level 1 & 2
- Grief Specialist
- Certified Anger Management Specialist
- Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
- Mindful Self-Compassion
- Mindful Awareness Practices (MAPS)
- Managing Adaptive Practice (MAP)
- Seeking Safety
- English
- Gujarati
A little more about me:
- I geek out over anything related to mindfulness, psychology, yoga, yoga psychology, and philosophy.
- I am a lifelong seeker and student and have a deep enthusiasm for learning and embodying life lessons from the various experiences and teachings life has to gift us.
- I have a sweet cat named Rahjah (who is also one of my greatest teachers).
- I love hiking, being out in nature, and archery.
“The rhythm of the body, the melody of the mind & the harmony of the soul create the symphony of life.”
— B.K.S. IYENGAR
Let me help you move towards a deeply connected, rich, and grounded sense of self and a meaningful life. As a culturally-sensitive therapist, I offer a caring, non-judgmental, and safe space. We can work together to help you find balance and move towards a sense of wholeness in your life. I strongly believe that the therapeutic process is a collaborative process and tailor my approach to you and your needs.
