VoyageLA Interview
Today we’d like to introduce you to Priya Tahim.
Priya, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Growing up as a South Asian woman in a predominantly “white” area was hard. I looked different, I was battling trying to fit in while staying true to my cultural roots. I think trying so hard to navigate both cultures created anxiety for me.
Being South Asian, my family didn’t talk about feelings or emotions. So, I typically held things in. This caused me to feel anxious, timid, and I lacked self-confidence.
My parents were (are) the best, and they did everything they knew how to do. I’m blessed and thankful for them teaching my sisters and I all that they have (and still do)-but I still never felt like I fit in. Not to mention, I’m a middle child, so I always felt like I was competing for attention.
That’s where my passion for helping others and mental health comes from. I want to give a voice back to those who never felt like they had one. I want to help others share their experiences with their family and break the stigma in our South Asian communities.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I don’t think things are ever as easy as they seem. I started out my mental health “career” working night shifts at a Woman’s crisis center. That led me to work in the field (like actually go into lower income homes to help provide services to those who were less fortunate). I think these are the moments that made me a better therapist later on. I am now able to work with a variety of different people and actually understand difficult circumstances.
I worked 40 hour weeks and went to graduate school full-time. On top of that, I still managed to have somewhat of a social life, hah!
Honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing. I think the late nights, tough cases, scary situations all have shaped me into a more confident, aware, and caring therapist. I try to give each client the same attention and meet them where they are at. It’s all about being flexible and really being authentic with the services you provide.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Kaur Counseling – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the Washington, DC area and the founder of Kaur Counseling. Kaur Counseling has always been a dream of mine. I’ve always wanted to give a voice to those who felt like they never had one.
The name Kaur comes from my middle name and Sikh tradition. Kaur is a surname given to Sikh women that translates to “princess” or “crown prince”. The idea behind this surname was to create equality amongst men and women. I wanted to create a space that is EQUAL to all!
I think what sets Kaur Counseling apart is that I strive to create understanding and support through this therapeutic journey. Therapy is hard work, and sometimes it can feel like you’re not making any process. I want each client I work with, or my team, to know that there is a light at the end of the road, it’s just about taking small steps to get there.
We offer services in Washington, DC area. (Eventually, we will expand to other areas.) My primary areas of expertise include working with individuals suffering from anxiety/depression, couples conflict, rebuilding intimacy in your relationship, infertility, PCOS, and self-esteem. I work with individuals from all cultures and backgrounds who feel dissatisfied or uneasy as an individual or within their relationships.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I just signed the lease on a new office space, so I’m pretty excited about that. I’m just hoping with the pandemic still going on, we can still provide therapy services in a safe, effective manner (in person).
I also just launched a podcast, Coffee & Samosa with my sisters. This is a platform we started to talk about things that we as South Asian Woman have faced, and we hope to create a community to help uplift women together.
Contact Info:
Website: www.Kaurcounseling.org
Email: info@kaurcounseling.org
Instagram: @kaurcounseling
