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Avani is a Licensed Master Social Worker and associate psychotherapist who specializes in working with individuals navigating obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, body image concerns, complex trauma, anxiety, depression, and attachment-related challenges. She works best with clients who are feeling overwhelmed by internal struggles, stuck in long-standing patterns, or carrying the scars from difficult family experiences or other early life experiences. Avani’s ideal clients are those who are seeking a collaborative space to better understand themselves, challenge unhelpful beliefs, and cultivate more authentic and compassionate ways of living.
Avani’s approach is warm, integrative, and trauma-informed. She draws from a range of evidence-based modalities. Her style is relational and client-centered, grounded in the belief that therapy is most effective when it feels safe, collaborative, and attuned to each person’s unique context and needs.
Avani holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Baylor University and a B.A. in Human Dimensions of Organization from the University of Texas at Austin. Her clinical experience includes providing therapy and crisis intervention across a range of settings, including community mental health, schools, hospice care, and specialized treatment programs for OCD and eating disorders. She has trained at nationally recognized programs such as McLean OCDI Houston and holds certifications as a Certified Trauma Professional and Inclusive Eating Disorder Specialist.
Avani currently offers individual therapy to adults and young adults via secure telehealth across Texas. She is available for self-pay clients and offers a free 15-minute consultation to help prospective clients determine if her approach is the right fit for their needs. Her practice is LGBTQ+ affirming, neurodiversity-informed, and welcoming to individuals from all backgrounds and identities.
Years of Experience: 4 years
Supervisor: Dr. Jennifer Vasquez(PhD, LCSW-S 54262)
Anxiety - Coping with excessive worry, nervousness, or stress; intense discomfort in social settings (social anxiety); sudden and intense feelings of panic (panic disorder)
Depression - Providing support and promoting healing of hopelessness, low motivation and energy, sadness, irritability, sleep disturbance, and loss of interest and pleasure in life
Eating disorders & disordered eating - Reducing unhealthy eating patterns, beliefs, and behaviors, such as restricting, purging, and binging; healing the emotional pain surrounding disordered eating
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) - Reducing unwanted intrusive thoughts and rituals by gradually building comfort and confidence facing difficult fears, thoughts, and emotions
Relationship issues - Understanding one’s wants and needs in relationships; exploring patterns of interaction, addressing concerns, and strengthening satisfaction in relationships and dating
Trauma - Coping and healing after threatening or scary events, such as witnessing accidents or experiencing sexual, verbal, emotional, or physical abuse
Small steps make a big difference. Start by connecting with Avani Persaud today.