Today we’d like to introduce you to Alisha Uppal
Hi Alisha, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I had known since I was 13 years old that I wanted to help people. I have always loved learning about the human mind – why we make the decisions we do, how our experiences shape us, how imbalances in our brain chemistry sometimes cause so much distress. I remember a friend struggling with depression in high school, and it really brought home how much someone could be suffering on the inside. I realized I wanted to create a safe space to help people to work through their struggles. I also saw how my friend struggled with shame and isolation, feeling like she couldn’t ask for help. I decided I wanted to be a part of the change, working to destigmatize mental health challenges and provide a non-judgemental space for people to be able to seek help.
I went on to study Psychology, English & Classical Studies at Emory. After graduating, I went into my Master’s program in Counseling at Johns Hopkins University. I interned at Northside Hospital before starting my career at a non-profit agency. Through those years, I worked with individuals facing all kinds of challenges from depression and anxiety to trauma and grief. It was also during this time that I began to develop my specializations in anxiety and cultural identity work. I saw a real need for support for young adults and BIPOC clients while working with a lot of early-career individuals and students from Georgia Tech, Emory, and UGA. After a few years, I started working at a private practice in Decatur and expanded my experience, working with parents and couples on issues like communication breakdowns, parenting differences, and challenges of living together.
All of these experiences inspired me to found Helia Therapy in 2024. It felt like the right time to create my own space, one that really reflects my values of combating stigma and providing the kind of compassionate care I believe in.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not always! Starting my first role at the height of the pandemic was a wild journey. The world was in a state of such chaos, and many of my clients’ anxieties were rooted in very real concerns. It was hard to navigate therapy when the world felt so uncertain. It was definitely a steep learning curve, and I had to adapt quickly, especially to providing therapy online. I wasn’t always certain about telehealth, but it’s been amazing to see how well it works for so many of my clients.
Integrating into the professional community was also a challenge. It can be isolating to be a therapist, and it was even harder when everyone was stuck at home. So, I spent the past two years building my sense of belonging in the therapist community. It took time, but it was worth it, and helped me realize that I can navigate independent private practice and still have an amazing network of colleagues who support each other. I’m now a part of different consultation groups and therapist communities, and I also host events with colleagues for therapists to network and collaborate.
Being connected to other professionals improves the care I can provide, making sure I’m keeping informed, consulting with others when needed, and building strong referrals for my clients. It has made me a better therapist and also inspired me to one day expand Helia Therapy and build a similar sense of community where therapists feel supported.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Helia Therapy, I offer individual and couples therapy. I specialize in working with clients who are navigating the complexities of anxiety, life transitions, cultural identity, and relationship challenges. I work with a lot of anxious overachievers who struggle with perfectionism and all the pressures that come with that. I’m really passionate about helping people break free from self-criticism and learn to be kinder to themselves. It sounds simple, but it can be life-changing. I practice from an evidence-based perspective, blending cognitive approaches with mindfulness and self-compassion practices into my work. With couples, I focus on communication and connection, helping them navigate a range of issues, from conflict resolution and adjustments to marriage, to cultural differences and relationship transitions. We work on building stronger, more resilient relationships and learning how to really listen to each other.
I also love working with clients from immigrant generations. As a South Asian and Indian therapist, I understand some of the unique challenges that come with navigating different cultures. My personal experiences definitely inform my approach, and I strive to create a culturally sensitive space where people can feel comfortable exploring the intersections of their cultural identity or processing issues like acculturation, stigma, marginalization, and intergenerational differences.
Ultimately, I believe that therapy is about more than just addressing problems; it’s about empowering people to discover their own strength, cultivate self-compassion, and create meaningful lives. I want Helia Therapy to be a warm and welcoming place where people feel seen, heard, and supported on their journey. I am incredibly proud of the positive impact Helia Therapy has had on the lives of my clients so far, and I am excited to continue serving the Atlanta community.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
It’s more of a series of memories, rather than just one. All of my favorite memories are really more about spending time with the people I love. Playing games with my family, having dinner with my grandparents, laughing with my friends – those are the things I remember most. They remind me how important connection with others is and how it shapes meaning in my life. It’s something I carry with me into my work as a therapist, too. I believe in the power of human connection to help us heal and grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.heliatherapy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heliatherapyatl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heliatherapyatl
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisha-uppal-a1150910a
- Other: https://www.heliatherapy.com/blog
