Sumita Punia, LAMFT

I provide individuals (incl kids aged 4+), couples, and family therapy. I am an Associate Marriage & Family Therapist working under supervision. My approach is to provide a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive environment. I am dedicated to helping my clients heal and achieve their long-term and short-term goals in therapy. I believe in a safe, informed, and, focused approach to therapy. I utilize tools from family systems, narrative, CBT, DBT, psychodynamic, and play therapy modalities. I am a culturally and LBGTQIA affirmative therapist.

Life can get the best of us sometimes. It can be overwhelming and lonely to find a solution and a path forward amid a struggle. We can only see the stars at night and a silver lining among thunderstorms. I believe that crisis gives us the opportunity to grow and having a safe, supportive environment helps us heal. Shifting our internal dialog and thoughts can prepare us to see and receive the gifts the universe has to offer. If you are going through one of life’s transitions and are motivated to seek support, I would feel privileged to help you or your loved one find the answers. In my work, I meet you where you are, and I work with you to establish goals for your healing journey. I am fierce in helping you achieve your goals and kind in my approach by creating a safe holding space for processing your dilemmas and deep wounds. We work together to structure therapy time in a manner that meets your short-term needs and long-term goals.

I was born and raised in India and immigrated to the US in 2000. I have an undergraduate degree in Computer Science and an MBA from Indiana University. I graduated from the University of St. Thomas, MN in 2022 with a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology (Marriage and Family Therapy). My prior mental health experience includes conducting trauma assessments at the Veteran’s Administration (VA) in Minneapolis, MN and as a Mental Health Practitioner at Natalis Counseling and Psychology Solutions in St. Paul, MN. I have 26 years of experience in Corporate America prior to pursuing my career in counseling.

I have personally experienced and understand first-hand the stress of life’s transitions due to loss, move, job, parenting, blended families, marriage, divorce, and interpersonal relationships. I work with couples, families, individuals, and kids to explore insights and solutions to help you live your best possible life. I am trained in play therapy and in working with kids and teens on anxiety-related issues. I am a certified anxiety-informed professional and utilize an evidence-based approach to working with clients dealing with anxiety, phobia, social anxiety, OCD, separation anxiety, etc. I am also trained in Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and I utilize the DBT skills training to help you improve the quality of daily life, and gently enable therapy to address and heal deeper wounds. I believe in a holistic approach to a healthy life and prefer using culturally informed interventions. I am trained in EFT and find it very helpful in working with couples and families. I also have additional training in sexual health and gender issues to complement my work with couples and I am an LGBTQIA affirmative therapist. I offer consultations in English or Hindi based on client preference.