Kamaljit Virdi, Ph.D.
Kamaljit “Sonya” Virdi, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in California who provides compassionate and effective psychological services to adults and emerging adults. To fully understand her clients and the challenges they face, Dr. Virdi considers each individual’s cultural context and personal circumstances, as well as relevant systemic issues.
Dr. Virdi provides in-office and teletherapy services for adults, and emerging adults.
Dr. Virdi provides therapy in English. She is conversational in Punjabi and understands basic Hindi.
Areas of Specialization
- Anxiety and depression
- Multicultural/diversity issues
- Relationship concerns
- Sexual assault
- Students and emerging adults
- Trauma
My Philosophy and Approach
I believe that effective therapy requires consideration of a person’s mental, physical, and emotional health in a unified way. I individualize therapy for each client I serve based on their unique set of circumstances, background, and needs. I utilize a combination of ideas and techniques from evidence-based therapies such as Interpersonal Process, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Attachment-Based Therapy, and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
My approach is culturally informed, and I work well with clients from diverse backgrounds, women of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community. I understand the unique challenges facing emerging adults and students in today’s society. I help my clients adjust to new roles and responsibilities, be empowered, and heal from trauma. When working with clients, my primary goal is to foster a genuine therapeutic relationship that is built on trust and mutual respect.
What You Will Experience Working With Me
I acknowledge the stigma of seeking help for many underrepresented groups and strive to help reduce the guilt and shame of coming to therapy. In our work together we will focus on developing a strong therapeutic relationship, so you feel safe and comfortable expressing all aspects of yourself.
My interest in diversity is multi-layered and deeply personal. As a South Asian American woman, my bicultural identity includes both Eastern and Western influences. As such, I often use mindfulness and meditation in my work to help you reconnect with your true inner self. I am passionate about helping you learn more about yourself, clarify your values, and build a sense of self-worth so you can live a life rich with purpose and meaning.
Education and Training
- Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
- Specialized training in:
- LGBTQ+ identifies, gender and sexuality
- State and federal immigration policy and Allyship through knowledge, awareness, reflection and action, University of California, Merced, Merced, California
- Veterans Affairs, Leavenworth Veterans Affairs Domiciliary, Leavenworth, Kansas
For a copy of Dr. Virdi’s Curriculum Vitae, click here.
To view blog articles written by Dr. Virdi, click here.
