Today we’d like to introduce you to Maya Nehru.
Maya, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My interest in psychology started when I was in high school — my younger sister was struggling with an eating disorder for which she started out-patient therapy, and then eventually entered an in-patient rehab center when her anorexia became life-threatening. Seeing how much therapy helped not only her but our whole family was very inspiring to me. Then, after my senior year of high school, I was diagnosed with a chronic illness.
At that time, I had to take time away from my freshman year of college since I was so sick. Being diagnosed with a chronic illness was scary, overwhelming, and really isolating. I was battling constant pain, fatigue, and a feeling of falling behind from my peers. Talking with my therapist helped me get through that really hard time. She was my safe haven. Her support meant the world to me, and I decided that I wanted to be that for someone else. So began my journey to becoming a therapist!
I’ve always wanted to start a private practice rather than go the route of working at a community mental health agency. I have an entrepreneurial spirit! I love building something from the ground up, and that’s exactly where I am at today. I’ve recently opened my practice in Sherman Oaks, and it feels very gratifying (and scary, exciting, and amazing!).
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has definitely been hard at times. First, it’s simply been a LONG road, so sometimes you start to wonder “is it worth it?” Secondly, there is, unfortunately, a lack of information around this clinical psychology field when it comes to education and licensure requirements.
Going through my master’s program was disheartening at times when I was faced with the fact that 3,000 hours of clinical work are required before full licensure. That’s a lot of hours! Then, upon graduation, it was difficult to find an associateship to gain these hours that was actually a paid position. Doing emotionally taxing work for free? No thanks!
The hardest part for me, though, was the fact that my graduate program really did not prepare us for starting a private practice. No one taught us about the business side of things, and that has been tricky to navigate as I build my business. Taxes, insurance, billing… so many things that are totally foreign to me! I’ve been fortunate, though, to have mentors and colleagues who are approachable and knowledgable. I couldn’t do it without them!
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist working under the supervision of Dr. Jane Shomof, LMFT. My therapy style is free-flowing and catered to the individual; I believe every client is unique, and I take the time to understand who they are and what they need before anything else.
I value transparency and a strengths-based approach to empower my clients in attaining their goals and more balanced life. While I am open to speaking about any clinical issues that a client may present, my focus is on chronic illness, life transitions, and Millennial & young professional burnout. I’m really proud of my creativity in this field.
As an entrepreneur, I spend a lot of time thinking outside of the box for marketing purposes. While it’s still a work-in-progress, I am on a mission to make therapy relatable to all. I’ve started a hashtag called #therapyislike, where I share fun analogies between therapy and, well, life!
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Friday, January 18th, 2019 — when I received the first call from a client who found me through Psychology Today! It was such an exciting moment to know that my professional profile resonated with someone and that my private practice was happening!
Pricing:
- Individual Therapy: $90-$130
- Wellness Coaching for Millennials & Young Professionals: $175
Contact Info:
- Address: 5900 Sepulveda Blvd Suite 102-1
Sherman Oaks, CA 91411 - Website: www.mayanehru.com
- Phone: 310-905-8055
- Email: therapy@mayanehru.com
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
