About Sarayu Srinivasan
Clientele seen
Teenagers (13-17)
Seniors (65+)
Families
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Couples
Treatment approaches
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Gottman Method
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
EMDR
Somatic
Identity
Gender
FemaleEthnicity
Asian
Languages spoken
English
Getting to know Sarayu Srinivasan
I'm an Associate Clinical Social Worker and EMDR-trained therapist based in San Diego, offering in-person and virtual therapy for adults throughout California.
I work with individuals navigating anxiety, ADHD, trauma, burnout, perfectionism, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. I have a particular interest in working with high-achieving adults, first-generation individuals, and those navigating complex family dynamics, cultural expectations, and attachment patterns.
Many of the people I work with are highly self-aware. They can recognize their patterns, understand where they come from, and explain why they respond the way they do, yet still find themselves feeling stuck. My approach focuses on helping bridge that gap between intellectual understanding and meaningful emotional change.
I integrate EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS/parts work), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), somatic interventions, and attachment-based approaches. My work is trauma-informed and grounded in neuroscience, with an emphasis on understanding how our experiences shape our nervous systems, relationships, and beliefs about ourselves.
I believe our responses often make sense in the context of what we've experienced, even when they're no longer serving us. Therapy offers an opportunity to explore those patterns with curiosity rather than judgment.
My style is warm, collaborative, and engaged. I'll meet you with compassion while also gently challenging you to explore new perspectives. Together, we'll work toward developing greater self-understanding, emotional flexibility, and lasting change.
Whether you're starting therapy for the first time or have been in therapy before and are looking for a different approach, I aim to create a space where you feel understood, supported, and empowered to move forward.
What should a new client know about working with you?
My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and grounded in both neuroscience and an understanding of the experiences that shape us. I believe meaningful change begins with curiosity, not judgment. My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable showing up as you are, without pressure to have everything figured out.
I work with adults navigating anxiety, ADHD, trauma, burnout, relationship challenges, perfectionism, and life transitions. I also have a particular interest in attachment patterns, family dynamics, and the complexities of cultural identity and first-generation experiences.
My approach is integrative, drawing from EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS/parts work), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), somatic interventions, and attachment-based therapy. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, I tailor our work to your needs, goals, and pace.
In our sessions, we'll explore not only what you're experiencing, but why certain patterns may have developed and what keeps them going. I often incorporate psychoeducation to help you better understand the connections between your brain, nervous system, emotions, and behaviors. I believe that understanding the function of our responses can help us move away from self-criticism and toward meaningful change.
You can expect a balance of reflection, practical tools, and deeper exploration. Therapy with me isn't about telling you what to do or simply offering coping skills. It's about helping you build insight, develop a different relationship with yourself, and create changes that feel sustainable in your everyday life.
Whether you're new to therapy or have spent years understanding yourself intellectually but still feel stuck in familiar patterns, we'll work together to bridge the gap between insight and change.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
Our first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other. We'll explore what brought you to therapy, your personal history, current challenges, and what you're hoping to gain from our work together. I'll also walk you through what to expect from therapy and answer any questions you may have. There's no pressure to share everything right away. Building trust and feeling comfortable in the therapeutic relationship is an important part of the process.
From there, we'll collaboratively identify goals and begin exploring the patterns, experiences, and beliefs that may be contributing to what you're experiencing today.
My sessions are conversational, collaborative, and tailored to your needs. Some days, we may focus on processing a difficult experience or exploring relationship dynamics. Other days, we might work on practical strategies for managing ADHD, anxiety, or emotional regulation. Depending on your goals, I may incorporate EMDR, parts work (IFS), somatic exercises, mindfulness, or other evidence-based approaches.
I also enjoy bringing neuroscience into our work in an accessible way. Understanding how your brain and nervous system respond to stress, relationships, and past experiences can help make sense of reactions that may otherwise feel confusing or frustrating.
I believe therapy should go beyond simply talking about what's happening. While insight is valuable, we'll also work toward helping you apply what you're learning outside of sessions.
There's no rigid timeline or expectation that every session needs to look a certain way. We'll regularly check in about what's working, what feels helpful, and how your needs may be evolving. My goal is for you to leave sessions feeling heard, supported, and increasingly equipped to navigate your life with greater awareness and confidence.
Sarayu Srinivasan, ASW is not in-network with any insurances
It’s common for mental health providers to be out-of-network. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage, so you may get partially reimbursed. Learn more
Office location
Sarayu Srinivasan, ASW also offers online video visits for patients
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- Tulane University, Master's in Clinical Social Work
NPI number
1104713197
How soon can I make an appointment with Sarayu Srinivasan?
Generally, Sarayu Srinivasan has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Sarayu Srinivasan's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Sarayu Srinivasan accepting new patients?
Sarayu Srinivasan generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Sarayu Srinivasan's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Sarayu Srinivasan accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Sarayu Srinivasan is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Sarayu Srinivasan online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Sarayu Srinivasan using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Sarayu Srinivasan work with?
Sarayu Srinivasan works with Adoption Collective.
Where is Sarayu Srinivasan's office located?
Sarayu Srinivasan has 2 office locations, including in San Diego and Markleeville, view full addresses on Sarayu Srinivasan's profile.
What are common reasons for patients to see Sarayu Srinivasan?
Sarayu Srinivasan frequently sees patients for New Patient Visit, Pain Management Consultation, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Sarayu Srinivasan on their profile.
What languages does Sarayu Srinivasan speak?
Sarayu Srinivasan speaks English.