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Ravnoor Sahni

Associate

Pronouns: She/Her

Style: Conversational, Culturally Affirming and Trauma Informed.

Identities: I am a first generation, multicultural, multilingual (English, Hindi and Punjabi) Woman of Color.

Works with:

  • Individuals
  • Couples
  • Adult Families

Who I am as a Therapist

 

As a therapist, my goal is to deeply understand and connect with you and your lived experiences. I strive to create a safe and a brave space in therapy, where I can invite you to be your most authentic self. I aim to do that by being genuinely curious, honestly transparent and openly empathetic. I believe that we thrive in relationships. However, navigating multiple relations, social systems, cultural beliefs and societal norms can oftentimes be challenging and seeking help can make us feel vulnerable. I am here to tell you that seeking therapy is an act of courage and shows commitment towards your personal and relational wellbeing.

 

We all hold multiple intersecting identities, based on our age, gender, ability, socioeconomic class, race/ethnicity, nation of origin/immigration status, and sexual orientation. Some of these identities afford us privileges and power in society while others can be marginalized and oppressed. As a person owning multiple minoritized identities, I understand why some of us build walls around ourselves to feel safe from relational injuries and systemic traumas. It might feel unsafe to take down this wall but that is exactly what I will invite you to do, brick by brick during sessions, at a pace that feels safe yet challenging. I would understand if that protective wall comes back up after the session. Sometimes that wall is necessary for coping with past and present injuries. Feeling seen, heard and understood in a non-judgmental and a compassionate way is one of the best ways to heal, grow and connect. Our conversations in therapy will organically include your identities, beliefs, family history, and your lived experiences. When we get to those vulnerable places, that have either never been explored, or have been sealed shut due to shame, sadness, fear or anger, I will be by your side as a collaborative guide. I will shine light on your inner strength and resilience as you experience new ways of being and relating. This is also my approach with couples and families.

 

I am a first-generation, multicultural, multilingual (English, Hindi, and Punjabi) Indian American Woman of Color. My personal lived experiences, my background in medicine and my professional training in family systems approach all inform my therapeutic style. My approach is conversational, client-centered, strength-based, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive. I draw from Socio-Emotional Relational Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Intergenerational Family Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy. I also tailor each session based on what works for you and your family, chosen or biological, as I believe that each individual, couple, and family is unique. I utilize a decolonizing, intersectional, body positive and an anti-oppressive lens in therapy and operate from a framework of relational equity and social justice. I am inclusive of all races/ethnicities, gender, sexual and relational orientations. I am passionate about centering and working with individuals, couples and families from BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ and other historically marginalized communities.

“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”

Anais Nin

Specialty Areas

Mental Health Challenges 

  • Addiction & Substance Use
  • Aging
  • Anger
  • Anxiety (General, Panic, Phobias)
  • Attachment & Relational Challenges
  • Biracial Couples/Families
  • Blended Family
  • Chronic Illness
  • Cultural & Systemic Oppression
  • Depression
  • Divorce
  • End of Life
  • Grief & Loss
  • Immigration & Acculturation
  • Racial trauma and Marginalization
  • Life Transitions
  • Managing Stress
  • Military Challenges
  • Parenting
  • Trauma Recovery (PTSD & Abuse)

Therapeutic Approaches 

  • Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Attachment Based Therapy
  • Brainspotting
  • Emotionally Focused Therapy
  • Intergenerational Family Therapy
  • Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS)
  • Interpersonal Neurobiology
  • Mind- Body/Somatic
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy (PACT)
  • Socio-Emotional Relationship Therapy
  • Solution-Focused Therapy

Who I am when I’m not a Therapist

 

I cherish spending time with my family. I enjoy taking long walks with my husband and our dog, exploring the lush green surroundings of the Pacific Northwest. Being out in nature always grounds me and provides me with a space for self-reflection. I love playing board and card games with my children and am always on the lookout for new fun games. I spend many hours getting lost at a bookstore and you will seldom see me without a book in my hand. I love exploring coffee shops and finding a cozy nook there to journal. I love to travel and learn about other cultures and traditions. Diversity in landscapes, language, culture, beliefs, and traditions has always intrigued and fascinated me. The kitchen is truly the heart of my home as I enjoy cooking and connecting with family and friends over meals. I am learning to snowboard and so far, I have enjoyed it.

Education 

  • Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree from Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India
  • MA in Marriage, Couple and Family Therapy from Lewis and Clark Graduate School of Education and Counseling

Training & Experience  

  • Advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples (completed Externship and Core Skills through The International Centre For Excellence In Emotionally Focused Therapy. Currently pursuing certification in EFT for Couples)
  • Advanced training in Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy (PACT)
  • Advanced training in Brainspotting Therapy (trauma processing modality)
  • Advanced training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy.
  • Have a background in medicine and have worked and volunteered in a variety of clinical settings as a trained physician in my past career
  • Possess in-depth understanding of the pathophysiology and biopsychosocial factors that impact mental, emotional, physical, and relational wellbeing
  • Have experience in facilitating adult grief groups in a nationally recognized non-profit organization for grieving children and families

Get Started Today

Text or Call

(503) 349-2281