Today we’d like to introduce you to Urvi.
Hi Urvi, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
It’s been quite a journey to get to where I am today. Just to give you an idea…I was born in a small village in India and my family immigrated to the states when I was 5 years old. The U.S. and specifically California is considered home for me as this is where I have spent most of my years. Just as most immigrant stories go, there was hardship, perseverance, and dedication. My parents vision was that we get opportunities for an education. I completed my undergraduate degree at Baylor University in Texas, followed by my move to Los Angeles where I pursued a doctorate in clinical psychology. I did my post-doctoral training in a Malibu rehab. Upon attaining my license, I started my own private practice. Most recently, I am in the process of establishing a virtual intensive outpatient program (IOP) for addiction called Shanti Recovery & Wellness.
What drew me to psychology was my own personal struggles through my college years. I was a survivor of sexual assault in college. I dealt with my own mental health struggles of depression after this experience, which I addressed through therapy. Experiencing the healing that is possible with the right support helped me understand exactly what I would have the privilege of providing others that were in need. I feel gratitude that I have such a deep connection to my work both through personal and professional experiences.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been anything but a smooth road. I understand the financial challenges of immigrant families. I have lived through it. My parents were supporting a total of 4 children, so I basically put myself through graduate school.
I have persevered despite my own mental health battle with depression and trauma symptoms that resulted from the assault. All my education just prepared me to better understand mental illness and how to best treat it. I am most passionate about helping clients address their underlying traumas to achieve overall wellbeing and for some, long lasting sobriety.
We’ve been impressed with Shanti Recovery & Wellness , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a clinical psychologist by profession and an addiction expert. I am in the process of opening a virtual intensive outpatient addiction program that fits into people’s everyday lives to help them begin or continue their journey in recovery.
What sets me apart from other’s is that I have had over 15 years of experience in addiction and have worked for some of the top rehab facilities in Malibu. What sets my addiction program apart from others is that it’s an alternative to the traditional AA based programs. The program incorporates psychological therapies that are research backed and tools that are shown to be effective in helping individuals address other mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety. Our program is a mix of western and eastern practices for overall wellness.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I have taken tremendous risks when it’s come to opening up about my own personal experiences with trauma. I want to provide hope to others that healing and achieving your goals is possible despite the challenges that mental illness poses. My story is proof of this.
Taking out significant loans to get my graduate degree was another risk that paid off in achieving my version of the American dream.
Opening up my own program is also a risk, as any business is. I’ve always believed in myself and it’s gotten me this far.
Risk can have both positive or negative consequences. Thinking about those consequences is important before leaping into taking a risk.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shanti-recovery.com
