About Me
Gunjani Patel, MA, NCC, LPCC, LMHC, CISM, ABA
Founder & CEO, Consultant, Wellness Coach, Psychotherapist, EMDR Specialist, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Speaker, Writer & Podcast Host
Background & Education:
Gunjani is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of FL (License # MH14441) and now also practicing in the state of CA as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (License # 4683) who works with adults, children, and couples. Gunjani received her B.S in Nutrition Science from University of Cincinnati. She received her M.A in Counseling Psychology from the University of North Dakota. After receiving her Counseling degree she began her career path in Manhattan, New York, before establishing her Private Practices in Tampa, FL, and San Diego, CA.
Clinical Experiences
Throughout her 10+ years of clinical experience, Gunjani has worked with diverse clientèle in a variety of mental health settings. Gunjani received post-graduate training at The Village Family Service Center, a community mental health counseling center in Grand Forks, ND, where she worked with adults, couples, families, and children. Gunjani was able to help couples and families by building on their existing strengths, raising awareness about their maladaptive patterns, and teaching them new ways of communicating and interacting. Gunjani has also worked at a private psychiatric hospital as a mental health technician and gained knowledge of working with children, adolescents, and geriatric population, recovering from various acute and severe mental health conditions such as personality disorders, severe depression and anxiety, schizophrenia, OCD and PTSD.
Specializations:
Gunjani is an EMDR therapist and specializes in working with children and adults with PTSD, Acute Stress Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, learning disability, ADHD, trauma and crisis intervention, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, sexual abuse, life transitions (entering or leaving college, marriage, entering/leaving a relationship, pregnancy, having a baby, moving, divorce), aging issues, grief, and bereavement counseling.
She enjoys working with people from all walks of life who want to do better and feel better and who, often, are afraid things cannot get better.
She also speaks Gujarati and Hindi.
Licensure & Certifications:
Credentials:
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Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC # MH14441) - Florida.
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Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC #4683)
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National Certified Counselor (NCC).
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Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Qualified (Level 1 & 2).
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Certified in Clinical Hypnosis and Neurolinguistic Programming.
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Certified Gottman Method Couples Therapy: Bridging the Couple Chasm- Level 1.
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Certified in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) & Learning Theory - Level 1.
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Certified Critical Incident Stress Management, (CISM) Group Crisis Intervention.
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Certified in Community Emergency Response Team Program (CERT)
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Certified in Foundations of Disaster Mental Health (American Red Cross, New York)
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Certified in Local Field Operations (American Red Cross, New York)
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Certified in Disaster Assessments (American Red Cross, New York)
"Working hard for something we don't care about is called stress. Working hard for something we love is called passion"
- Simon Sinek
Trainings:
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Trained and qualified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Level 1 & 2
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Trained in Introduction to Developmental Needs Meeting Strategy (DNMS).
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Trained in Clinical Strategies for Sexual Issues in Therapy.
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Trained in Post-traumatic Stress: Prediction, Prevention, and Intervention - Biofeedback.
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Trained in PTSD, Trauma & Anxiety Disorders, INR.
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Trained in Self Harm - Context, Assessment, Intervention.
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Trained & Certified Gottman Method Couples Therapy: Bridging the Couple Chasm- Level 1.
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Trained & Certified in Systems Theory & Structural Family Therapy.
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Trained in Crisis Intervention (Community Violence Intervention Center, North Dakota)
Frequently asked questions
I am afraid to seek help because I don't want people to find out. Is it confidential?
In general, the law and ethics protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and the psychotherapist. No information is disclosed to anyone without prior written permission from the client.
However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:
Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police.
If a client intends to harm himself or herself. (Further assessment is done by the therapist (who is also considered a mandatory reporter), to ensure patients level of intention). The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken to protect their life.
Why do people go to therapy and how do I know I should get help?
I know asking for help can be daunting and scary! People have many different motivations for seeking help. Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, new child, move, etc.), or are not handling stressful circumstances well. Some people need assistance managing a range of other issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, spiritual conflicts, sexual trauma and creative blocks. Therapy can help provide some much needed encouragement and help with skills to get them through these periods. Others may be at a point where they are ready to learn more about themselves or want to be more effective with their goals in life or wanting facilitation with having a direction for their life. In short, people seeking help are ready to meet the challenges in their lives and ready to make changes in their lives.
Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems on my own?
Do you except insurance how does it work?
What is therapy like?
Is medication a substitute for therapy?