Kanai Gandhi, LMFT

Being loved is one of the most innate needs of a human being. We find safety in being accepted, validated and connected. Sometimes, in order to achieve that sense of belonging, we need to discover our most authentic self in the narrative that we build each day.

My narrative is built with each new experience. So far, what I have come to realise is that a strong facet of my identity was formed when I moved from India, where I was born and brought up, to the United States to pursue my education in Psychology. Upon experiencing life here, I learned that there is a vast difference in how people form relationships; the process is heavily influenced by their cultures, upbringing, values and experiences. Importantly, I understood that while we all share the same need to love and be loved, we do it in diverse ways. The entire idea of love can be unique to every individual. To explore that concept further, I pursued my Master's in Marriage and Family therapy from Northwestern University.

In my work with clients from diverse communities at Northwestern's Family Institute and a private practice in Chicago, I built upon my multi-cultural, integrative & systemic practices. I lean strongly towards Multigenerational family models, Emotion-focused couples' therapy and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy along with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. All my clients have appreciated my direct, honest and empathic style. Using my experience of living in dual cultures that view relationships in novel ways, I have adopted a multi-cultural lense with my clients. I specialize in working with individuals and couples from minority groups. In the past, I have successfully worked with clients who have had immigrant stressors, acculturation challenges, infidelity, communication issues, family of origin issues, sexual and intimacy issues, substance use, narrative and cognitive restructuring challenges.

I believe that having a space where you feel safe enough to uncover your truest, most authentic self allows you to build enough trust to bring that self out into the world. Thereby, making it easier to achieve your aspirations. By aligning with my clients through empathy, honesty and gratitude, I strive to create that safe space. Additionally, I attempt to enable them to feel accomplished in who they are and where they come from. As a multi-cultured, trilingual, woman of color, I invite my clients to explore all the owned and disowned parts of their identity in practice while aiding them in rewriting their narratives. I encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to share their healing spaces with me and I look forward to working together!