Aarushi Tiku
“Everybody is a genius, but if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”
Albert Einstein
A student of science, a lover of philosophy, an experiential learner, and a practitioner of contemplative practices, I journeyed into becoming a psychotherapist. I believe in the uniqueness and limitless potential that resides within each one of us, which requires a gentle nudge, an attitude of curiosity, and a space of acceptance to brew and steep, to unfold.
A Bit More About Me
I am a South Asian, BIPOC-identifying, Integrative, and depth-focused therapist. I draw inspiration from movement, contemplative practices, nature, and art to learn the fundamentals of creativity, inner wisdom, and interconnectedness. Trained as a classical dancer, I have fostered a sense of attunement with my body which inspired me to train as a somatic therapist. My work with and in nature, and self-practice of yoga inspired me to learn the value of stillness, awareness, and connection. This is what I try, and cultivate in a therapy room- a space of self-discovery to move through layers of human experience, where the inner worlds of my clients can be witnessed and be held in genuine presence, and transform into meaningful experiences.
Having my roots in India, I bring an intersection between the Eastern and Western approaches to therapy and healing. I adopt a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and whole-person approach- incorporating mind-body, spirit and earth connection, Somatic therapy, Jungian psychology, attachment work, internal parts work, neuroscience, mindfulness, and insight-oriented practices into my work with clients. I believe that when we learn to come back to our bodies with relative safety, we begin to relate to ourselves in the present moment- that is where the journey of healing initiates.
In addition to my work as a psychotherapist, I have completed 200 hours of Yoga Teacher Training with Meghan Currie, focusing on the science of breath and movement. I am deeply moved by and committed to creating a compassionate, collaborative space for you to explore your experiences, deepen your self-awareness, adopt attitudes aligning with your values, and cultivate lasting change. I am bilingual, fluent in both English and Hindi.
Outside my professional role, you can find me running and exploring natural landscapes, dancing and moving, riding horses, playing with my dogs, nerd-ing on autobiographies, or making music.
I hold a Bachelors in Honours in Psychology from University of Delhi, India, and Master's in Counselling Psychology from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (India). I am a member of the Ahmedabad Jungian Centre (AJC) and have completed advanced clinical training through the Society of Analytical Psychology (SAP), UK, where I have studied psychotherapy using Jungian perspective. Deeply connected to body and nature, I am trained in Soul-Somatic based Trauma Training and Nature-based Therapy at the Somatic Nature Therapy Institute in Boulder, CO, and infuse that into my practice to foster healing through the natural world.
Some more of my trainings include:
ECHO Ontario Psychotherapy- CBT, CAMH, Canada
Therapeutic Nature-based Interventions, Somatic Nature Therapy Institute, Colorado
Certification in Clinical Practice from Jungian Perspective, SAP, UK
Somatic Soul-Based Trauma Training, Somatic Nature Therapy Institute, Colorado
Certificate in Traumatic Stress Studies, Trauma Research Foundation, Boston, USA
Gatekeeper Training for Suicide Prevention, QPR Institute
Reiki Levels 1 and 2, Taught by Parag Pattani, Reiki Hut
Pranic Healing Level 1- Yoga Prana Vidya
Vipassana, Taught by S.N, Goenka in the Tradition of Sayagyi U Ba Khin
3 Day workshop- Internal Family systems- Dr. Frank Anderson
Healing Body’s response to Attachment Trauma- Peter Levine and Diana Poole Heller
Understanding Developmental Trauma- Debra Stein
Helping clients Access Post traumatic Growth in Recovery - Neha Bhat
Navigating Projections- Neha Bhat
Power of Dreamwork- Lisa Marchiano, Jung Association of Central Ohio
Breath is Boss- Meghan Currie Yoga
Email me at aarushi@lauramcneilly.com
"Who you are is more important than what you do. The goal is to bring what you do in alignment with who you are, so you don’t end up being someone you don’t want to be."
Po Bronson