Today we’d like to introduce you to Tanya Gill.
Tanya, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
In my journey, I initially thought my passion was working in the medical field. Growing up in a South Asian family, being a doctor was one of three options you had to choose from, so that’s exactly what I did. I was that smart Indian kid who took college classes during summer breaks throughout high school and then graduated a year early only to go to college as a 17-year-old kid.
Here is where my interest in psychology began after my first psychology class! I know that’s what everyone says. Although my interest did not switch my path, I still wanted to become a doctor to have a “stable career.” Through my training in the hospital, I found myself spending what was considered “too much time talking” to my patients and being curious about their stories and wounds deeper than the eyes could see. I just wanted to sit there with them and listen, and you would be surprised how many of them appreciated those extra 10 minutes. Finally, I decided to make the switch at 25 years old and pursue a new career in Clinical Psychology, and I truly believe this is my purpose.
The field of psychology and therapy is so new and unknown to my community that even today (in 2020), I get asked how one makes a living majoring in psychology as if that is the only reason someone should choose a career. Due to this, I am passionate about bringing awareness to mental health issues within the South Asian community as well as reducing the stigma of it. Becoming a therapist has given me so much more than just a career, it’s taught me a way of living and being, it’s given me freedom and flexibility for a good work/life balance, and it’s given me my purpose in this world!
Has it been a smooth road?
If it was a smooth road, it wouldn’t have meant as much to me as it does today. There were so many nights that I thought life was going to win this one, and I wouldn’t be able to achieve my goal. Trying to balance being in graduate school, working two jobs to support yourself through the program, being there for your family members with medical issues, and a 7-year relationship ending was how I would sum up the obstacles in the past few years. My last year in graduate school consisted of five 16-hour days, and a weekend to recharge and do it all over again. Without these obstacles and challenges, I wouldn’t be where I am and who I am today. I have clarity on the life I want to live, the person I want to be, the people I want to associate with, and what I want my business to look like!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Tanya Gill Therapy – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Currently, I am a registered Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in private practice and an Adjunct Professor at Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology teaching Couple and Family Therapy. In my practice, I typically work with individuals and couples, and I specialize in relationship issues, cultural issues, and anxiety. My approach to psychotherapy is culturally-sensitive and involves exploration of past experiences and relationships and how they are impacting current emotions and behaviors. I help individuals and couples sort through current and past struggles to live a more balanced and fulfilling life, with more meaningful relationships.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
What I like best about our city has to be the diversity in people, culture and food. I love the weather and that there is always something to do all year round, like go to beach one day, and drive up to the mountains to snowboard the next. The traffic has to be my least favorite thing about the city, but it feels minute compared to what the city has to offer.
Pricing:
- Individual Therapy – $125 / 50-minute session
- Couple’s Therapy – $150 / 50-minute session
Contact Info:
- Address: 520 S. Sepulveda Blvd, Sie 305,
Los Angeles, CA 90049 - Website: www.tanyagilltherapy.com
- Phone: 661-886-8996
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/tanyagilltherapy
Image Credit:
Headshot by TNK Photos
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