About Me

I launched Aspire Consulting and Therapy, PLLC, as a space for clients to explore with support and transform with joy. As a bonus, I also get to practice what I love!  I welcome people of all backgrounds to Aspire.

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My work is multifaceted. Over the years I have enjoyed opportunities to teach, conduct therapy, coach, mentor, train, administer, do research, and publish extensively in the fields of mental health and coaching. ​My clinical work is focused on helping clients improve their relationships, function better, and live more meaningfully. I use current effectiveness research to customize the best treatment plan that fits my clients' needs. Many folks seek me out for help with issues like stress, depression and anxiety, parenting concerns, couple conflict, work and life challenges, as well as cultural questions. I am privileged to have worked with clients from many different backgrounds, orientations, and experiences. All of my interventions include a systemic, multicultural understanding of individuals, families, and community. 

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As a dual certified Executive Coach and a Career Development Coach, I assist clients align their personal goals with those of their organization, and work towards measurable success that fits their sense of purpose. Another area of focus is helping family businesses thrive. During coaching and consultation, the conversation might begin with questioning what success means to the individual and organization. I facilitate deeper self-reflection and use a systemic lens to help people examine their own behavior and communication patterns, and assumptions. As a coach I am there with you every step of the way. 

I am a seasoned Higher Education leader. To learn more about my coaching and consulting work, please see exechappiness.com

Most recently, I was Clinical Professor and Department Chair for the MSMFT Program at The Family Institute at Northwestern University. I have had the privilege to teach and supervise hundreds of Psychology Doctoral and Family Therapy Masters students over 20+ years. My educational background includes a PhD from Texas Tech University, a Master's  and Undergrad (Honors) degrees in Psychology. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a Certified Executive Coach, a Certified Career Development Coach, a Clinical Fellow and AAMFT Approved Supervisor. I bring over two decades of clinical experience in both India and the United States with a highly diverse client population. ​

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I have published widely in the areas of systemic family therapy, couple challenges, cultural and gender issues, and South Asian families. Additionally, I served as Associate Editor for the Encyclopedia of Couple and Family Therapy, as well as Associate Editor for the Handbook of Systemic Family Therapy. My scholarship also includes the edited the books "Multicultural Couple Therapy" and "Voices of Color" both of which were published by Sage. My leadership experiences include serving as Program Director for the SAMHSA funded Minority Fellowship Program at the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) for 4 years, and working as Associate Editor for the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy for another 7. While many of my presentations and publications are for professional audiences, I have also presented widely to general audiences and authored numerous articles for the public. 

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As much as I love my work, I am equally passionate about getting away to appreciate nature, or experience other countries and cultures. When I am in town, my weekends are spent watching movies or trying out new cuisines with my husband, sons, and friends.