

Cultural Safety and Identity Informed Care
As a South Asian woman and child of immigrants, I understand how culture and identity can shape one's view on mental health. My practice is rooted in cultural safety, where I aim to create a judgement free-zone while acknowledging the following:
1. intergenerational trauma
2. systemic racism
3. social stigma within ethnic communities and society
I strive to create an environment where minorities feel validated and respected, because I understand how stigmatized mental health is. My space is also LGBTQ+ friendly. Whether you're two-spirited, transgender, non-binary, or exploring your identity, I'm here for you. I understand that race, gender, sexuality, identity, and culture can all play a part in wellness. Creating safety, inclusivity, empowerment, and acceptance may help foster healing and growing.
Growing up in Merritt, BC, gave me the opportunity to grow up alongside Indigenous communities. As a result, many of my friends were Indigenous which allowed me to learn, understand, and appreciate the culture around me. Those experiences influenced how I show up as a counsellor: with humility, willingness to learn from the people I work with, and with gratitude. In Kamloops, I continue to learn and educate myself on the need for Truth and Reconciliation, the impact of colonialism on Indigenous populations, and acknowledge that I'm a settler on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Secwepemc Nation.
