About Nikhila Pokkuluri

Hi! I am a passionate and encouraging psychotherapist and a social worker who thinks that empathy and compassion can heal all wounds and is a dedicated licensed social work independent clinician with over 4 years of experience in the field. I have a passion for creating an environment that allows for diverse, equitable, and inclusive care. I strive to provide sensitive and informed care for LGBTQIA+ clients. I have the ability to remain calm and focused when engaging with high acuity in crises. I am committed to advocating and caring for clients who walk through our doors in their most vulnerable state. I have completed two master's degrees one in Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwest University in Washington and another in Master’s in Social Work (Medical and Psychiatric Social Work) from India. My academic journey began with a bachelor's degree in Sociology along with a diploma in early childhood special education from India. To enhance my professional development, I actively try to gain practical experience in a variety of settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, and residency programs. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with people of many different ages, from 4 to 60 years old. This broad experience has allowed me to develop an understanding of different cultures and address a variety of mental health issues. 

I work with preteens, teens, adults, couples, and families who want to address issues including trauma, loss, abuse, bullying, depression, anxiety, communication problems, intimate relationships, emotional intelligence, and boundaries. With a focus on the individual, I use a variety of modalities, such as psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). In addition, I am also trained in Lifespan Integration, an emerging neuroscience treatment that addresses timeline trauma. I embrace a holistic approach in both my personal and professional life as I am aware of how intertwined the mind, body, and spirit can be. In addition to using conventional therapy procedures, I also employ non-conventional and uplifting strategies like yoga and mindful exercise because I think these strategies help expand self-awareness, encourage relaxation, and improve general well-being. Lastly, I also have dedicated my professional time as a DVIT therapist (Domestic Violence Intervention Treatment) where I focused on working with individuals who are known as the batterers (also known as the abusers or the perpetrators). As a DVI therapist, I focus on developing self-awareness along with exploring their belief systems so that the client develops accountability and empathy. I believe in creating a non-judgmental experience for my clients to support them in their journey of change and healing.