Therapy for Asian American and AAPI clients in Los Angeles
You have always been caught between two worlds. Not quite American enough. Not quite Asian enough. You have spent your life trying to fit into spaces that were never designed for you.
You carry the weight of your family's sacrifices. The unspoken expectation that you will succeed, achieve, and never complain. You learned early to be the "good" one. The one who does not rock the boat. The one who makes your parents proud.
But the cost of being "good" has been making yourself small. You struggle to speak up for yourself. You feel guilty when you think about your own needs. And the idea of seeking therapy feels selfish, shameful, or like you are airing out your family's dirty laundry.
I want you to know there is no shame in healing. You deserve a space where you can speak freely about the pressures you carry, the cultural conflicts you navigate, and the identity questions you hold.
Therapy that understands the Asian American experience
As a woman of color and a psychologist with 26 years of experience, I understand what it means to navigate multiple identities. I know the burden of being a cultural broker for your family. The pressure of the model minority myth. The exhaustion of code-switching. The pain of racism and microaggressions that others dismiss as "not a big deal."
Whether you are Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, Filipino, Taiwanese, or another Asian ethnicity, I create a space where your experience is seen and understood.
What we work on together
Model minority stress and perfectionism
You have internalized the message that you must always excel. Anything less than perfect feels like failure. We work to unpack these expectations and help you define success on your own terms.
Cultural identity and belonging
You may feel like you do not fully belong in either culture. We explore what it means to hold multiple identities and build a sense of self that honors all parts of you.
Family pressure and guilt
Your family expects you to be the dutiful son or daughter. Career choices, relationships, and life decisions are not fully your own. We help you navigate family obligations while honoring your own needs.
Intergenerational trauma
Your parents or grandparents may have survived war, displacement, or poverty. That trauma lives in your body and shapes how you see the world. We work to understand and heal what has been passed down.
Anxiety and depression
You may feel constant pressure to perform, fear disappointing others, or struggle with loneliness and isolation. Therapy helps you understand the roots of these feelings and develop emotional resilience.
Relationship issues
Dating, marriage, and relationships bring up cultural conflicts. You may struggle to communicate with partners who do not understand your background or face pressure to date within your culture. We work through these dynamics together.
Racial trauma and microaggressions
You experience racism regularly, but are told to "get over it" or that you are being too sensitive. I validate your experience and help you process the impact of discrimination.
Dr. Darshana Lele
How I work
I use a psychodynamic and relational approach. This means we do not just address surface symptoms. We explore deeper patterns, family dynamics, and how your past experiences shape your present struggles.
Therapy is not about telling you how to live your life. It is about helping you understand yourself more deeply, challenge the narratives you have internalized, and create space for authentic connection to who you are.
About me
I am Dr. Darshana Lele, a licensed clinical psychologist with 26 years of experience. I am a woman of color with a South Asian background. I understand the intersection of culture and mental health and the unique pressures that Asian American and AAPI clients face.
I offer in-person therapy in Pasadena and virtual therapy throughout California. My practice is LGBTQ+ affirming and sex positive. I work with individuals and couples.
Take the first step
You do not have to carry this alone. Seeking support is not selfish. It is an act of courage.
Call (626) 214-5366 for a free 20-minute phone consultation. We will talk about what you are struggling with and whether therapy is the right fit. I look forward to supporting you