We had the good fortune of connecting with Shannon Arputharaj and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shannon, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
There are SO many affirmations people seek after and lean into. Most are meant to be inspiring, but I find these can really add pressure on yourself—especially when you’re not feeling your best. They can feel inauthentic and invalidating.

I think Lisa Bevere captures life elegantly when she says, “if you think you’ve blown God’s plan for your life, rest in this. You, my beautiful friend, are not that powerful.”

This quote is so full of grace and quiet encouragement; it reminds me that I am not my own and that the world is so much bigger than me, and I love that.

Whether you lean into religion, spirituality, vibes, or nothing at all, I promise the universe wants good things for you. You are not powerful enough to mess up what’s already YOURS!

Your destiny will not be shaken that easily. Your purpose will not be deterred that quickly.

Nothing you can do is unfixable. You’re simply not that powerful.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
It’s such a blessing to be confident in your career and I am grateful everyday to be genuinely living out my purpose as a psychotherapist. Between the science behind my work, and the creativity I’m encouraged to bring into the profession, I am constantly challenged. 

I’ve definitely learned the value of being authentic with my clients. Transparency, humor, and person-centered modalities, guide my interventions. This looks like a slow build—I aim to be a completely different kind of relationship my clients have in their lives. I want to meet my clients where they are and walk with them through their goals. Sessions easily start by watching TikToks and end in trauma realization. I want that build to feel natural, and that means taking it at my client’s pace.

Right now I work with couples, adolescents, and adults, and I’ve found that my therapeutic relationship with each client is a key identifier in the success of our sessions. I pride myself on creating a space that is creative, safe, and challenging.

I absolutely love this career. I love engaging my clients in being introspective; I love cheering on their small wins; I love watching them choose better for themselves. It is humbling and rewarding and I’m so thrilled to be doing it!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
What a fun question! I would start by finding a themed pop up bar. Right now, there’s an Alice in Wonderland experience going on, so definitely that first! The Garden Room is also a great option. And then, I would hotel bar hop. I think it is so fun and such an easy way to meet new people and see a pretty city skyline. If we’re not feeling that fancy, though, Metalsome Live Band Karaoke at 10 High Club is a blast. Or, I think, any sporting event would be a lot of fun to attend too—my love for cheering people on knows no bounds!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Sarah Smith, LCSW has played such a critical role in helping me grow as a person and as a psychotherapist. Her approach to therapy is inspiring; she is the very definition of “meeting the client where they’re at.” Not only is she the most astute person I know, she is also so incredibly gracious and gentle with her knowledge. I have learned so much from her humility and expertise and continue to do so every single day. I am forever thankful for her.

I also want to shoutout HealATL and my directors Brittany Hewitt, MA, LPC, CCH and Shayda Nematollahi MS, LPC, CCHT! These two women are creative, encouraging, and endlessly hardworking. The way the entire HealATL team builds each up has been a motivating, safe catalyst for me to grow. It’s been so much fun to create my Instagram page and know that the women at HealATL will hype me up! I’ve truly never worked anywhere so supportive and I’m so grateful for it.

Website: https://www.healatl.com/shannon

Instagram: @shannonarputharaj

Other: shannon@healatl.com

Image Credits
Madison Crowley

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