Dr. Sonia Amin
Dr. Sonia Amin, PhD
Licensed Psychologist
CA PSY#33185
Individual Adult Therapy
Group Therapy
San Francisco Office
Virtual
Generalized Anxiety and Stress
Social Anxiety
Depression
Trauma/Complex Trauma
Cultural Identity
Racial and Sexual Identity
Imposter Syndrome
Self-Compassion/Self-Esteem
Relationships/Interpersonal Concerns
Sleep Disorders
Self-Harm/Suicidality
Life Transitions
BIPOC communities
Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, Eastern Michigan University
Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology with a child specialization, University of Detroit Mercy
Doctor of Philosophy degree in Counseling Psychology, Western Michigan University.
I have trained in a wide range of clinical settings which includes university counseling centers, community clinics, and medical school hospitals.
WHO I WORK WITH
I work with folks who come to me seeking support on a range of concerns but those who seem most drawn to work with me appear to have a desire to develop a deeper understanding of themselves, learn how to regulate and express their emotions, and change patterns that are causing distress.
MY APPROACH
The foundation of my approach is rooted in social justice and liberation frameworks. This means an acknowledgement, honoring, and connecting how our individual and collective communities’ histories, the histories of our ancestors (land and spiritual), and cultural backgrounds and identities influence our current lived experiences.
My approach to therapy is also very integrated and holistic— mainly informed through psychodynamic (insight-oriented), somatic (body-focused), interpersonal, and non-Western healing perspectives. In sessions, we might focus on exploring patterns that are contributing to your current concerns (e.g. childhood experiences or family relationships, defenses, previous similar situations), your relationship patterns with others and your relationship with yourself, somatic movement/exercises, or processing and understanding your emotions.
At times, I will use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) if it is a better fit for what you might be seeking therapy for. Regardless of the approach we use, the focus will always be on empowerment, agency, and developing a stronger relationship with yourself.
MY BACKGROUND
I immigrated to the United States with my family when I was an adolescent. Prior to moving to the Bay Area, I lived in Michigan for most of my life. I have been passionate about healing work since I was in High School and every endeavor, training, supervision, therapy experience, has cultivated stronger passions within me to be in this field.
WHY I LOVE THIS WORK
So many of us carry our pain and traumas on our own, not feeling like our pain is important enough or deserving of help. I believe that every person deserves to experience healing—to be heard, honored, and supported in order for collective wellness to occur. It is an honor for me to be a sacred witness, guide, insight-giver-and-receiver and empathic support in my client’s development of higher authenticity, agency, and empowerment within themselves. Being able to witness how clients begin to develop stronger relationships with themselves, whether it is being more compassionate to themselves, connecting with pieces of themselves that they might have forgotten about/compartmentalized, learning to trust themselves more, releasing their emotions or developing deeper insights about themselves, is truly a gift.
A BIT MORE ABOUT ME...
I love spending time with friends and family with food of course! This provides me with the much needed grounding and connection after a long week. I also enjoy unwinding with basketball, reading books, watching Netflix, and hiking. Recently, I have been learning more about plants and herbal medicine, sound healing, and meditation/mindfulness.
WHAT CLIENTS SAY
“She is very professional, respectful and kind, she listens to me when I am talking, gives me feedback about my improvement, she is the best!”