Hi, I’m Rashmi Nayak
“Helping people find their way back to themselves is the greatest privilege of my work — and my life.”
Becoming a therapist wasn’t where I started — but it’s where I found myself.
I spent over a decade working as an engineer. It was challenging, it made sense on paper, but after a while, something inside me felt out of sync. I realized I was craving something deeper — real connection, real stories, real healing.
Psychology and the helping professions had always pulled at me, even when I wasn’t sure what to do with that pull. About ten years ago, I decided to listen to it. I took a leap, went back to school, and started a completely new chapter as a Marriage and Family Therapist.
Looking back, I’m so grateful I did. Being able to hold space for people as they explore their inner worlds, find their footing, and take their own brave steps — it’s an incredible honor. And it’s work that feels like home to me.
My Approach
When we work together, we’ll begin by getting curious—about what’s brought you here, and what you’re hoping to find through therapy. I believe each person’s journey is unique, which means there’s no one-size-fits-all map. Instead, I’ll tailor our work to what feels most helpful and supportive for you.
Depending on your needs, I may integrate approaches like CBT, solution-focused therapy, emotionally focused therapy, mindfulness, experiential work, and somatic practices like Somatic Experiencing.
As a South Asian American therapist, I offer culturally sensitive care rooted in humility and curiosity. My work honors the impact of race, gender, migration, family roles, and intergenerational experiences—particularly for BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, immigrant, and neurodivergent individuals.
My intention is to meet you exactly where you are—with warmth, gentleness, and respect for your pace. Together, we’ll create space for healing, growth, and discovering what a more joyful and fulfilling life can look like for you.
If this feels like the kind of support you're looking for, I would be honored to walk alongside you on your journey.
Education
Masters in Science (Electrical and Computer Engineering) - University of North Carolina (Charlotte)
Masters in Arts ( Marriage and Family Therapy) (Palo Alto University)
Credentials
EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy Externship
Somatic Experiencing ( Beginner I, II, III)
Somatic Experiencing (Intermediate I, II, III)
Somatic Experiencing (Advanced I)
Licensing
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist ( # 136705)
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor ( # 15859)
Affiliations
CAMFT (California Association of Marriage and Family Therapy)
SV-CAMFT ( Silicon Valley Chapter - California Association of Marriage and Family Therapy)