Dr. Sindhu Singh, PsyD
Specialties: 16+, self esteem, identity development and transitions, trauma, relationships, eating disorders, mood concerns, anxiety, depression, perfectionism, grief, health conditions/ chronic illness, substance use, ADHD
Mental health struggles can often be a very invisible process- we can look put together and functional on the outside while a storm is raging beneath the surface. You do not have to go through this alone.
I believe we are largely defined by our relationships- to others, our community, the world at large, and to ourselves. These connections can be a source of our distress but the right connection can be a powerful tool for healing. Seeking therapy is one such opportunity to build a secure, safe, and validating relationship where transparency, collaboration, and your growth will be held in the highest esteem.
I take a warm and collaborative approach to therapy. Our work will be as much focused on who you are in your world outside therapy alongside how we are functioning within therapy. Your concerns will be understood within the context of your identities, your culture, and your environment. As such, treatment and interventions will also be tailored to your unique needs and we will develop personalized strategies for growth.
My clinical work has given me opportunities to work in a variety of settings including inpatient hospitals, university counseling centers, adult residential treatment centers, and private practice. I have worked with diverse individuals and clinical concerns across all ages. I am passionate about working with members of the South Asian community, individuals holding minoritized identities, international students, early career professionals, and those who are pursuing therapy for the first time. I have also had significant experience working with clients who are professionals in the medical field, tech industry, alongside women and non-binary individuals working within male dominated industries.
Thank you for taking the time to read and I welcome the opportunity to connect with you.
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Therapy Approach
I practice therapy from a psychodynamic, interpersonal, and systemic lens. Overall, this means we will work on understanding how you view yourself, how you view others, and your worldviews. Psychodynamic and interpersonal approaches look at people as layered- the goal is to keep peeling back layers to understand why you feel, think, and behave the way you do. Often when we are feeling distressed or experiencing mental health struggles, this can be a sign that we have unmet needs. This type of therapy approach is process-oriented and emotion-focused. We may also look at past experiences and early life experiences to give context to current ongoing concerns. The systemic lens to therapy speaks to understanding you in the context of your unique environment- your culture, identities, faith, and larger systemic influences which are out of your control.
Interventions in the therapy room are very eclectic- it may be speaking deeply about a topic, doing a hands on activity, taking a solution-focused approach, or being more action-oriented. All of this will depend on your needs, how you learn, and what feels most comfortable to meet your goals. Whatever the approach, having a strong connection, feeling understood, and building a trusting relationship will be most important.
What would you say to someone who is considering therapy?
Mental health is as important and intimately tied to your physical health. Our brain is an organ just like any other organ in the body and sometimes the mind-body connection gets dysregulated. It feels that we should always be able to control it on our own but like any organ, sometimes we need help. Mental health struggles can be a very invisible process. It can be scary and perhaps even shameful to think about reaching out for help but taking that leap is a great first step in self-advocacy.
Education
- -> The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Doctor of Psychology (PsyD., Clinical Psychology) and Masters of Arts (MA., Clinical Psychology)
- -> Lake Forest College, Lake Forest, Illinois, Pre-Doctoral Internship
- -> Hartwick College, Bachelor of Arts (B.A., Psychology) and Bachelor of Arts (B.A., Biology)
Experience
- -> Teaching assistant & supervisor to rising therapists and Masters level clinicians
- -> Presented on sexual health/identity and social justice issues at various conferences in the United States
- -> Research granted The Global Psychology Scholars & Start-Up Scholarship, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
- -> Co-authored and published book chapter on the impacts of xenophobia and racism on college campuses
- -> Board member of Health Psychology Group, Chicago School of Professional Psychology
- -> President, Asian Pacific American Society, at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology