Meet Dr. Falguni Chauhan
Your Compassionate Guide to Healing and Transforming Relationships
Welcome to my practice, where you can find the support and guidance you need to foster healthy relationships with yourself and others. I am Dr. Falguni Chauhan, a licensed psychologist with over 15 years of experience in helping individuals and couples navigate their emotional journeys towards healing. In my work as a therapist, I provide a safe and welcoming environment where individuals and couples can openly discuss their emotional experiences, internal struggles, and conflicts. My mission is to help you embark on a journey towards healing, developing a deeper understanding of your emotional sensitivities, differences, and the external stressors that impact your relationships.
A Unique Perspective and Professional Background
As a licensed psychologist in the state of California, I am proud to bring a unique perspective to therapy. My experience includes working for the Greater Los Angeles Veteran Hospital and running a small private practice. I have undergone extensive training and hold certifications in various evidence-based practices. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to train other professionals in these therapeutic approaches within the VA system.
My list of credentials includes:
Education
- Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology
- University of Houston, TX | August, 2007
- M.A. in Psychology
- Boston University, MA | May, 1995
- B.A. in Psychology & B. S. Biology
- University of Irvine, CA | May, 1992
Licenses and Certifications
- Gottman Couples Therapy (Levels 1 & 2) Certification
- Integrative Behavioral Couples Therapy (IBCT) Certification
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression (CBT-D) Certification
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Depression (ACT-D)Certification
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) Certification
- Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Certification
Expertise in Couples Therapy
As a specialist in Couples Therapy, I work with adults of all diverse backgrounds and orientations, offering evidence-based treatments that empower couples to move beyond gridlock. I believe in using a combination of techniques to ensure my sessions are tailored to the needs of the couples that see me. I implement the following approaches in my therapy sessions:
Integrative Behavioral Couples Therapy (IBCT):
I was fortunate to be trained in IBCT by Dr. Andrew Christensen, the creator of this evidence based therapy. This approach combines elements of traditional behavioral couples therapy with acceptance-based strategies. IBCT focuses on helping partners communicate more openly, directly, and clearly. This helps them identify the patterns that get them stuck, and assists them in finding alternative ways of interacting and understanding their core issues. Through this work, partners become aware of their individual differences, emotional sensitivities, external stressors and problematic patterns of interactions, leading to acceptance and compassion in the relationship.
Gottman Method Couples Therapy:
I am trained in the renowned Gottman Method (Levels 1 & 2), developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman. This approach focuses on three key areas: friendship, conflict management, and shared meaning. It emphasizes building a strong friendship and fondness between partners, teaching effective communication and conflict resolution skills, and helping couples establish a sense of shared purpose and values in their relationship. Its practical tools and strategies aim to foster healthy, lasting relationships.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT):
EFT is a couples therapy approach developed by Dr. Sue Johnson. It focuses on understanding and transforming emotional dynamics in relationships. EFT helps couples identify negative patterns, express vulnerable emotions, and create a secure bond. It aims to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and foster a satisfying relationship. Through its emphasis on creating a secure attachment bond, EFT helps couples cultivate trust, emotional safety, and deeper intimacy in their relationship.
Compassionate Individual Support
In addition to Couples Therapy, I also provide individual therapy for a range of concerns, including depression, grief, anxiety, caregiver stress, and age-related issues. Whether you’re struggling with personal challenges or relationship difficulties, my goal is to provide tailored support to address your unique needs and empower you to achieve a better quality of life. Some modalities I incorporate into individual therapy include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a widely recognized and extensively researched therapy that focuses on the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. By working collaboratively, we will identify and challenge negative thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to distressing emotions and problematic behaviors. Through this process, we aim to develop more balanced and realistic thinking, which can lead to healthier coping strategies and improved emotional well-being.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT is a mindfulness-based therapy that emphasizes acceptance, psychological flexibility, and living in alignment with one’s core values. In our sessions, we will explore your values, identify areas of potential conflict, and work towards aligning your actions with those values. ACT incorporates mindfulness techniques to help you develop present-moment awareness, acceptance of uncomfortable emotions, and the ability to choose actions that align with your values.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT is an evidence-based therapy originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder, but it has proven effective in addressing a range of emotional dysregulation issues. DBT combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with skills training in emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. Through DBT, we will focus on developing practical skills to manage intense emotions, enhance interpersonal relationships, regulate distressing experiences, and improve self-acceptance.
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR): MBSR is a practice that cultivates mindfulness, which involves intentionally paying attention to the present moment with an attitude of openness, curiosity, and non-judgment. Through mindfulness exercises and guided meditation, we will develop your ability to be fully present and aware of your thoughts, emotions, and sensations. This practice can help reduce stress, enhance self-awareness, improve focus and concentration, and promote overall well-being.
A Culturally Intuitive Approach
As a first-generation female from India, I understand the importance of cultural sensitivity in therapy. I am fluent in English, Gujarati, and Hindi, enabling me to effectively connect with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. I value and respect your cultural beliefs, incorporating them into our therapeutic work to ensure your comfort and promote a deeper understanding.