Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shruthi Nair. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Shruthi , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’re complete cheeseballs and so we love asking folks to share the most heartwarming moment from their career – do you have a touching moment you can share with us?

As a limited permit mental health counselor, finding my footing in the field, trusting my intuitions, and embracing my cultural identity has been a rewarding journey. Two pivotal moments in my career allowed my authentic self and therapist self to intersect in meaningful ways. For these lessons, I owe gratitude to two of my clients who profoundly shaped my understanding of the therapeutic process.

Before starting with my current clinical practice, I spent a year working with patients with eating disorders and another year with individuals suffering from addiction who were court-mandated to attend therapy. From these two years, two client
interactions stand out as defining moments that helped me truly grasp the value of the therapeutic relationship.

I remember the very first client of my career. My heart was racing, my palms were sweaty, and I stumbled over my words. To make matters more challenging, the client was shy and reserved, which heightened my nervousness. But after six months of working together, she began to open up, revealing a witty and humorous side. I’ll never forget our last session, where she shared a drawing that symbolized our time together and expressed what our relationship had meant to her. In that moment, I realized the
profound impact of the therapeutic connection—something that often transcends words. It was a moment that gave me confidence in my ability to be present and trust myself in the therapeutic room.

I also worked with a client who was a sex-offender, which brought up another wave of self-doubt and apprehension. I was nervous and unsure how I could connect with someone whose life experience was so drastically different from my own. But during our termination session, the client said something I will never forget: “You were the first person in my life who didn’t see me as just a ‘sex-offender.’ You saw me as a flawed human being. I felt truly seen by you, and I’m grateful you created that space for me to open up." In that moment, I realized that curiosity—genuine curiosity—can bridge
even the widest gaps. It enables us to understand the complexities of the human experience and build rapport, even in the most challenging circumstances.

These two experiences, with clients from vastly different backgrounds, taught me the true essence of rapport building. Creating a space where clients feel safe to share parts of themselves that they’ve never shared before can be the foundation for healing and trust.

As a therapist, I am continually shaped by my clients in ways I never anticipated. They offer new perspectives on life and the human experience. This journey is a gift and an honor, and I look forward to embracing the role of a lifelong learner in this field.

Supervisors have also played a crucial role in my growth, sharing their wisdom and guiding me through challenges. Two moments with supervisors, in particular, confirmed that this is the right profession for me. One supervisor shared a video about the eating habits of women living in Africa, encouraging me to explore the relationship with food across cultures. As someone passionate about learning about different cultures, this experience awakened a deeper understanding of how cultural context intersects with mental health—a realization that resonated deeply with me.

The second moment came when a supervisor stopped me mid-discussion during a supervision session. I had been speaking passionately about navigating mental health conditions within the South Asian population when they asked, “Have you ever
considered this to be your niche?” Until that moment, the honest answer was no, I hadn’t. But their question illuminated something powerful: a niche often stems from what we are most passionate about. The fact that I had spent half of our session enthusiastically exploring this topic made me realize how energized I felt about it.
Supervisors don’t just help us fine-tune our clinical skills; they also guide us in discovering and building awareness of who we are as therapists.

Reflecting on my journey so far, I recognize how much my interactions with clients and supervisors have shaped my confidence and sense of purpose. Each experience has been a steppingstone, helping me grow into a more self-assured and
intentional counselor.

Shruthi , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My journey to becoming a Limited Permit Mental Health Counselor has been marked by both challenges and growth. My interest in mental health began in high school when I took an AP Psychology class. However, as an Indian American, pursuing a career in mental health was neither considered a viable option nor openly discussed
within my community. Despite my passion, I initially followed a more traditional path, choosing pre-med—a field highly respected in South Asian households.

While I pursued pre-med at Rutgers University, I decided to major in psychology. Despite my interest in the subject, I struggled immensely with the science courses required for the pre-med track. I spent countless hours in the library poring over organic chemistry textbooks, yet my performance in these classes did not reflect my efforts. My perfectionistic tendencies and ego kept me from letting go of pre-med, and the immigrant mindset of prioritizing survival over taking risks further reinforced my hesitation to pivot.

The turning point came when my now-husband (then-boyfriend) asked me a simple yet transformative question: “Why are you pursuing something that brings you so much unhappiness?” He was the first person to challenge me to reflect deeply on my choices, and I realized he was right. I needed to create my own narrative and follow my true passions.

I decided to pursue a master’s degree in neuropsychology at University College London, believing that psychological research would fulfill me. Yet again, I found myself uninspired and disengaged. After completing the program, I returned to the U.S.,
directionless for the first time in my life. As someone who thrives on planning and structure, this period of uncertainty was overwhelming and brought its share of emotional struggles.

In a candid conversation with my brother about potential career paths, he asked why I was considering every field except clinical psychology. His question struck a chord, and I began researching different roles within the clinical psychology field. That’s when I discovered counseling. I eventually pursued another master’s degree, this time in counseling at the University of Pennsylvania, and it was a revelation. I found immense fulfillment in holding space for clients’ stories and guiding them through their
journeys.

Looking back, I see how breaking cultural narratives and having the right support system helped me reach where I am today. My pre-med background and the knowledge I gained along the way now enrich my therapeutic practice. I take a holistic approach to mental health, recognizing the interconnectedness of the mind and body. My work focuses on helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, life transitions, cultural identity, and body image concerns. I draw from various therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Internal
Family Systems (IFS). While I see value in teaching coping skills, I believe true healing begins with building self-awareness, exploring one’s inner world, and identifying thought patterns.

My cultural identity as an Indian American and my passion for learning about different cultures inform my therapeutic approach. I understand firsthand how intergenerational trauma, casteism, colorism, family dynamics, and cultural identity issues can impact mental health. Having lived in a different country and traveled
extensively, I bring an appreciation for diverse customs, languages, and perspectives to my work. This allows me to create a safe and validating space where clients feel truly seen and valued.

My mission is to help de-stigmatize mental health within the South Asian community. Being part of this community gives me a unique perspective and the opportunity to contribute to this critical cause. Currently, I offer individual therapy sessions as well as a South Asian support group for those interested in group therapy. I provide both virtual and in-person sessions for clients residing in New York. I am also involved in speaking engagements to further serve my community through psychoeducation and support.

This journey has taught me the importance of honoring one’s passions, breaking free from societal expectations, and embracing vulnerability. I am grateful for the path that led me here and am committed to helping others on their own journeys toward healing and self-discovery.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Embracing your sense of self as a therapist brings greater clarity to your purpose in choosing this field, your therapeutic style, and how you show up for your clients. As an Indian American born to parents who grew up in India, I incorporate cultural values into therapeutic interventions in a way that resonates with my identity and the
communities I serve. Counseling has often been rooted in Western philosophies, which don’t always align with the realities of the South Asian community. For example, the language we use around setting boundaries or navigating romantic relationships—whether that involves choosing your own partner or having your family involved in the decision—needs to be adjusted with cultural nuances in mind. These are key considerations when working with South Asian clients.

A significant part of being a therapist is showing up authentically and being fully present in the room with your client. When you bring your genuine self into the therapeutic relationship, it allows clients to see that they’re connecting with a human being who may share similar experiences or cultural contexts. This sense of connection
can help clients feel less alone in their journey.

Embracing your sense of self also leads to increased self-worth, greater confidence, and a renewed passion for the field. These qualities are essential in building a therapeutic space that feels relatable, respectful, and inclusive of diverse cultures. By honoring both your identity and your client’s, therapy becomes not just a tool for healing but also a bridge that fosters understanding and growth.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

As a South Asian woman, I openly identify with my heritage, and my personal experiences help me connect with and grow my clientele. I have a deep understanding of South Asian family dynamics, the caste system, arranged marriages, and the process of navigating guilt. Being able to speak to these issues resonates with many in my
community, and I use my social media platforms to further my mission of de-stigmatizing mental health within the South Asian community.

Additionally, I continuously enhance my practice by reading books focused on treating South Asian clients in mental health spaces. Engaging with other South Asian clinicians also helps me refine my approach, ensuring that I support my clients on their healing journey in the most effective and culturally sensitive way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shruthinair.com
• Instagram: boldbrowntherapist
• Linkedin: shruthi-nair-410156149
• Other: TikTok: @boldbrowntherapist

Image Credits

Sammy Tunis