As a somatic trauma therapist
I support you to connect to your truth without
all the guilt that comes along with it.
MORE ABOUT ME
Hi, I’m Harjindar (she/her), a seasoned licensed clinical social worker with 25 years of experience and a deep commitment to equity and justice. My work experiences range from youth counseling, community organizing, policy and advocacy work, community based mental health and working for the inclusion of young adults of color in tech here in the bay.
These meaningful work experiences led me to build a therapy practice that centers women of color who work in fields of social change. Women who hold positions like - principals, lawyers, non-profit directors, doctors and women who work in DEI, wealth redistribution and tech. You hold a unique position in these leadership roles as you navigate your own identity and political beliefs within the same structures that have shaped your experiences and from which you seek reform.
I am committed to the healing and growth of people of color,
and white allies, in hopes of advancing racial and economic
justice for our collective liberation.
My Approach
I practice from a trauma informed, social justice, anti-oppression lens.
I integrate emotionally focused therapy, mindfulness skills and somatic therapy in sessions. I create an empathic, non-judgmental, affirming space for clients. As a somatic trauma therapist I honor the connection between the mind and body. In sessions this looks like bringing awareness to the ways in which stress, trauma and emotions are expressed in the body. Somatic therapy allows clients to access memories beyond talk therapy alone allowing you to feel relief in your mind, body and spirit.
In my clinical perspectives I strive to be anti-racist, undo anti-black racism and ideologies of patriarchy, heteronormativity, homophobia, transphobia, internalized capitalism and the model minority myth. As a trauma informed provider I am consent driven and non-pathologizing.
I’m a therapist of color in Oakland.
A California born daughter to working class South Asian immigrants - I’ve always been intrigued by the intersection of race, gender and class. As well as my own understanding and lived experiences with intersectional identities. I’m passionate about un-doing systems of oppression on macro and micro levels.
My post graduate work started in New York City as a youth organizer and after school program manager. As I deepened relationships with young people of color I recognized how they struggled with generational trauma. Allowing them to organize without taking care of themselves felt like a disservice to their wellbeing and growth as young adults. I referred them to therapist who, unfortunately, didn’t look like them, didn’t get them politically or understand their cultural experiences. I became a therapist to fill this gap of social justice oriented therapists of color in the field.
Education & Credentials
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, #81066
Master of Social Work, University of Washington, 2006
Bachelor of Arts, Sociology, California Polytechnic University of Pomona
TRAININGS
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute Level 1: Trauma Themes
Women's Therapy Center, Advanced Training Program
Spiritual Justice Immersion Program, Piedmont Yoga
Overcoming Trauma through Yoga, Piedmont Yoga
Ready to get started with a therapist
of color in Oakland?
A warm and supportive therapeutic relationship can be a powerful catalyst for healing.