Today we’d like to introduce you to Rubina Dhani.
Rubina, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Having grown up in North County San Diego, I’m one of those hard to find locals that came back home. After graduating from Cal State Northridge University, I obtained my master’s in arts-psychology and I now have a practice here right here in San Diego that primarily serves multicultural individuals, immigrant children, families, and intercultural couples.
I am grateful to have grown up living in both America and Asia. My travels allowed me to see the impoverished living conditions for children, teens, and families in many parts of the world. Being a child of immigrants has given me the opportunity to see different perspectives which helped develop my curiosity about human behavior and social issues. This has shaped my career and nowadays, that curiosity has evolved into a passion for helping other people explore their minds.
On my journey, I’ve worked in a variety of health care & mental health agencies, hospitals, and companies throughout Los Angeles and San Diego. As I grow further in my career, I’ve realized that I am drawn to help the multicultural population especially in areas such as San Diego, where there are very limited resources for a variety of underserved cultures.
San Diego is a growing city that still lacks the resources to service multicultural populations and their mental health needs. In life, I have experienced acculturation, intergenerational conflicts, life transitions, and other difficulties that help me relate to people from many different backgrounds. Coming from Indian/Desi decent has helped me develop an empathetic, supportive, and efficient manner of assisting those from South Asian cultures. Having first-hand experience volunteering as an English teacher in a third world country has moved me to give back to the community I am a part of. Diversity issues, social injustice, and human & community development are all topics that are close to my heart. My door is always open to anyone, but especially to those who feel they lack access to therapeutic services due to culture or background.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Many people forget that Clinicians/Therapists have struggled much like our clients and we are also working on bettering ourselves. It has not been easy or a smooth road and there have been many times when I did not know which career path I wanted to choose. Earlier in life, I wanted to be a dentist or a fashion model, which is far removed from where I am now. As I reflect on my past, I see how the dots are connected and lead me to become a licensed Therapist. My struggles have guided me towards a career of helping others and I now understand my purpose is in this lifetime.
MindPeace Therapy – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I came back to San Diego to help rearrange and develop resources for the underserved communities. My private practice, MindPeace Therapy, opened in November 2018 where I treat children, teens/young adults, individuals and families. I focus on treating people with multicultural issues, intergenerational conflicts, and anxiety. In addition, I provide EMDR therapy, an immersive practice that focuses on trauma.
You can find more information on my website at www.mindpeacetherapy.com.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Having first-hand experience volunteering as an English teacher in a third world country has moved me to give back to the community, I am a part of. Diversity issues, social injustice, and human & community development are all topics that are close to my heart. My door is always open to anyone, but especially to those who feel they lack access to therapeutic services due to culture or background. As I grow further in my career, I’ve realized that I am drawn to help the multicultural population especially in areas such as San Diego, where there are very limited resources for a variety of underserved cultures.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5445 OBERLIN DR STE 100
San Diego, CA 92121 - Website: www.mindpeacetherapy.com
- Phone: 6197368844
- Instagram: Mindpeacetherapy
- Facebook: Mindpeacetherapy
Image Credit:
Puneet Ghai
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