Meet Nisha Patel | Mental Health Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nisha Patel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nisha, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Brown Girl Trauma started as a passion project in July 2020 as we were going through a pandemic. It was intended to create a safe space for adult children of dysfunctional families as many were trying to navigate difficult and toxic relationships during quarantine. As I shared content on social media, I realized my narrative mimicked the story of many South Asians who grew up in dysfunctional households and sought a space to heal. During undergraduate school, I was fortunate to find a South Asian therapist on campus who understood what I was going through and helped me work through my dysfunctional behaviors and family patterns I had inherited. Shortly after she retired, I worked with two white therapists who initially understood what I was feeling, but I had reached a point where they could not understand the cultural context of my narrative. As I went off to graduate school in 2017, I always knew I wanted to create a space and resources for my community where people felt seen and validated. Today this community has grown to over 70,000 people reaching several countries. It has quickly become the largest mental health and wellness community for those who come from dysfunctional families.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Human Development & Family Sciences and received my Master of Social Work degree in 2019. I am currently a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and am completing a one-year fellowship in the Midwest area specializing in different evidence-based practices. My journey to becoming a social worker was most certainty not easy. Before I became licensed, I had four years of undergraduate, two years of graduate school, and 3000 hours post-graduation. The training to become a therapist is pretty rigorous. Working out, therapy, creating a school-life balance, having a strong support system were critical factors in helping me overcome some of the challenges I experienced.

My work with Brown Girl Trauma is mainly known for family and generational trauma within the South Asian community- a space that quickly opened up to anyone that could relate to the content I was sharing. I call the community members ‘cycle breakers’ where we have conversations about reflecting on our behavioral patterns, seeking therapy, navigating our identities, understanding our generational narrative, voicing our experiences, and living an authentic life that is true to who we are. People really relate to this narrative of being a cycle breaker. Something I am incredibly proud of creating.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I believe Chicago is one of the most beautiful cities in the country. It is known for its architecture and food. The most historical places in the city that are worth making your time for (and can be covered in a week) are Millenium Park, Navy Pier, Skydeck Chicago, Magnificent Mile, Chicago River, Adler Planetarium, Chicago Theatre, Art Institute of Chicago, Buckingham Fountain, Museum of Science and Industry, and Crown Fountain. Chicago has also known for its delicious food. I would definitely make sure my friend gets to eat the deep dish pizza, a Chicago-style hotdog, Italian beef sandwiches, and a rainbow cone.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mentor, Brittny Gainey. She has taught me how to be a better therapist, the privilege that comes with being a part of another human being’s story, and the power of community support. Without her, I do not think I would be half the therapist I am today. I am forever grateful to have had crossed paths with her and would like to dedicate this shoutout to her.

Website: https://browngirltrauma.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/browngirltrauma/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/browngirltrauma

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/browngirltrauma/

Image Credits
All images have been created/taken by me.