Culturally Sensitive Therapy

Having lived in different countries and engaged in my own self-growth with a therapist, I’ve grown to see the world through various different lenses. I believe this makes me uniquely equipped to help individuals navigate their journey in therapy, especially the LGBTQ+ community. Every person deserves to live a full, authentic life without fear of judgment or exclusion, and that’s what I’m focused on with my clients.

This type of therapy acknowledges and respects the cultural backgrounds and identities of clients, ensuring that treatment is relevant and effective by incorporating cultural perspectives and experiences into the therapeutic process.

I work with clients in a collaborative relationship to identify goals for therapy and treatment or growth plan. Together, we will identify what will be helpful, to explore how you relate to yourself (your thoughts, feelings, body, identity), the context within which you live, and how the heck to manage the societal structures we have to navigate. As a therapist I aim to practice with cultural humility, and will educate myself on topics important to you.

I believe that we all see the world through our own cultural lens. Being allowed to learn about a client's world and belief systems is a truly humbling experience. With my experience as a former diversity coordinator coupled with being aware of the various cultural stipulations that exist in society allows me to provide you with the necessary and relevant interventions that would not only be respectful to your beliefs but also catered towards the system we are a part of.

I have experience working with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds and their families, and I am always eager to learn more about others.

I encourage clients to share how their cultural experiences shape their identity and challenges. I'm open to discussing cultural issues and how they affect the client's mental health. In our sessions, it's important to foster a safe, inclusive space where clients feel comfortable expressing their cultural identity without fear of judgment or misunderstanding.

I believe that understanding how sociocultural, systemic, and institutional forces influence the ways that you traverse this world. Examining such contexts can facilitate the harnessing of your internal wisdom as well as become more connected to your collective and ancestral experiences.

I specialize in culturally sensitive therapy because of my unique personal and professional journey. As a bicultural immigrant, spouse in a biracial marriage, and parent to American children, I have firsthand experience navigating the complexities of cultural identity and family dynamics. In addition, my therapy practice focuses on working with first- and second-generation Americans and immigrants, helping them address the challenges of intergenerational expectations and cultural transitions.

Completed multiple trainings in providing culturally responsive treatment across a variety of settings to include children, adults, adolescents of multiple ethnicities.

Well versed in multiple cultural contexts. Place client culture center to interventions. Receptive and Open to feedback.

My experience spans personal and professional realms. Every interaction is a cultural interaction, and that is the foundation of my work with clients. I have specific training via supervised practice as well as academic training. I also completed a post-doctoral specialization in sexual health and gender. This has involved my own personal work, learning/unlearning, and growth in regard to my own areas of privilege and marginalization.

Culturally Sensitive Therapy provides a social justice and equity lens that is essential in understanding the systemic impacts on mental health and general well being.

I take into consideration the impacts of culture, ethnic groups, racial groups, belief systems, history, society, and communities

My training as a counseling psychologist is steeped in a holistic view of humanity: strengths-based, developmental, contextual, multiculturally-sensitive with a focus on social justice. I have taught many courses on on CST, but more importantly, I continue to engage in a personal ongoing practice of cultural self-exploration, including awareness of the privilege I hold. CST means that we can explore all aspects of your identity and the ways they influence and contextualize your experiences.

Culturally sensitive therapy emphasizes the therapist's understanding of a client’s background, ethnicity, and belief system. Therapists can incorporate cultural sensitivity into their work to accommodate and respect differences in opinions, values, and attitudes of various cultures and different types of people.

I think it will be most meaningful to include a real patient review: “Dr. Ambardar has tremendous insight into personal & collective trauma & the impact of ancestral trauma on a person's life. It is not often you come across a professional who has an in-depth understanding of collective trauma & its impact on an individual's life. Her work & her insights have been supportive in my own healing journey. I highly recommend anyone wanting to connect with their ancestral histories to work with Dr. A"

You are the expert on your culture and identity. Treatment goals are collaboratively set, integrating your beliefs, values, and personal context into therapy. This approach tailors interventions to your unique needs, fostering trust by eliminating assumptions and misunderstandings. It creates a comfortable space, ensuring you feel understood. As a result, this method promotes more effective, sustainable outcomes, empowering you to achieve lasting change.

Personal life experience and 6 years professional experience