Hi, I’m Neena!
I’m so glad you’re here.
My work at Twin Roots Therapy Collective centers people who have too often been forgotten or underserved in mental health spaces: women, mothers, people of color, first-generation individuals, and anyone who has learned to push their needs aside in order to survive.
As a first-generation Indian woman, I know what it feels like to grow up in environments where mental health struggles are minimized or pushed into silence. Many South Asian and immigrant families carry a long history of survival, and with that can come pressure to stay strong, stay quiet, and never burden anyone. Over time, this can leave you feeling disconnected from yourself, unseen, and deeply alone — especially for women and mothers who are already expected to carry so much.
My background working with children and families allows me to support mothers in a way that feels validating and grounded. I understand the emotional load, the identity shifts, and the quiet expectations placed on mothers — especially those navigating cultural pressures, trauma histories, or limited support. You deserve care that acknowledges all of these layers.
What's different about working with meI’m South Asian. First-generation. Indian American. Eldest daughter. I know the pressure of feeling responsible for more than just yourself, learning to anticipate what others need, and sometimes wondering where your own wants fit into the picture. I understand that family, culture, and identity can be deeply connected to the ways we make decisions, relate to others, and understand ourselves. I also understand how complicated it can feel when what you want for your life doesn’t always align with what was expected of you. I bring that lived experience into my work as a therapist. I understand how deeply culture, family, and identity can shape the way we see ourselves and the choices we make. You don’t have to explain or defend those complexities with me. You can bring the parts of yourself that feel proud, conflicted, exhausted, uncertain, or somewhere in between. My role isn’t to tell you what you should want. It’s to create space for you to figure that out for yourself while honoring where you come from and where you want to go.
What my clients are usually struggling withMost of my clients aren’t in crisis when they reach out. They’re just tired. Tired of overthinking everything. Tired of carrying expectations, responsibilities, and emotions that feel bigger than they know what to do with. Tired of trying to hold it all together while quietly struggling underneath.
They may be navigating:
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feeling constantly on edge, stuck in “what ifs,” or unable to turn your mind off
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getting caught in intrusive thoughts, doubt, reassurance-seeking, or cycles that are difficult to break
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carrying experiences that continue to shape how you see yourself, your relationships, or the world around you
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feeling disconnected, depleted, stuck, or unlike yourself
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being so focused on getting it right or keeping others happy that you lose sight of yourself
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wondering who you are beneath the roles, expectations, and versions of yourself you’ve learned to be
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struggling to rest, set limits, say no, or want something different
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being the person everyone relies on while rarely feeling like you have somewhere to put your own weight
While my style is conversational, it’s more than just talk therapy. We’ll use evidence-based tools, track your progress, & make sure you’re actually getting what you came here for.
Most of my work blends a psychodynamic lens (exploring how your past shapes your present) with CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) to help us understand where your patterns come from & how to shift them. I also love using ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy), which helps you make space for difficult thoughts & feelings instead of constantly fighting or avoiding them. Somatic work helps us tune into what’s happening in your body, especially when your body is holding onto things that are hard to put into words. And when life feels like a lot, we’ll bring in practical coping skills to help with emotional regulation & navigating the general chaos of being a person.
No matter what approach we’re using, I bring a trauma-informed lens and consider the cultural, relational, and systemic factors that shape your experiences. We’ll look at your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and body in the context of your whole life—not in isolation.
But honestly? I tailor therapy to you. Therapy isn’t “one size fits all,” so we’ll pull from different approaches & interventions based on what actually feels helpful for your needs, goals, & where you are right now!
My Approach
Modalities
I draw on TF-CBT, ACT, IFS, MBSR, and PCIT, blending these approaches with a deep commitment to equity and culturally responsive care. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe to explore your experiences without judgment or the need to explain or justify your feelings. In our work together, your voice, your history, and your cultural context matter.
Education
I received my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from St. Mary’s College and my Master of Science in Clinical Professional Counseling from Loyola University Maryland.
Certifications
CCTP (Certified Clinical Trauma Professional)
PCIT (Parent Child Interaction Therapy Certification)
MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Certification)
TF-CBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)