Mental health counseling
& Speaking services
"Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek."
- Barack Obama
When a lawyer becomes a therapist...
My name is Shital Patel and I'm an attorney turned therapist. Through my unique background of psychology and law, I bring nearly 20 years of professional experience to this heart-focused and strategic work. As a former trial attorney surrounded by other high achievers, I understand what it's like to struggle with feelings of overwhelm, burnout, confusion and lack of purpose. You may find yourself on autopilot or bogged down in the everyday cycles of work, home, prep, rinse and repeat. Life is more than this. You may be asking yourself, "When did I forget to live? Where is my spark?"
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You can feel the sense of aliveness you've been searching for in your relationships and self. I offer science-based and evidenced-based strategies, techniques and tools to help you live, feel and work better. To bring about a return to you - who you truly are and who you are meant to be. Through counseling and skills coaching, we will help you shift from surviving to thriving. I will provide the necessary space to allow you to make the transformative changes you are seeking.
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What would you envision for yourself if you were to create an ideal version of your life? If you are not certain what your sense of purpose is, what fulfills you, or who you truly need to be in order to thrive, I will help you navigate these questions in therapy. I will support you on this journey to gain clarity through mental health counseling, using specific strategies and processes of directive self-inquiry. If you are ready and willing to try a different path, I will challenge you around deepening your insights and guide you in taking actionable steps towards change.
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Looking to manifest, elevate, ascend and expand? Welcome soul seekers. I offer the opportunity to explore deeper aspects of self, break your old patterns that are getting in the way, and incorporate spiritual-based aspects, if you desire. It is said that the joy inside of you will be most closely aligned with your soul. Let's break through your mental and emotional barriers with compassion, humor, and honesty.
As a Charlotte therapist, I'm able to see clients either in-person or virtually, including telehealth for South Carolina residents.
My Journey
I am originally from Chicago and the oldest child of immigrant parents who taught me the value of hard work and the importance of community. I oriented myself to the world as a high performer and high achiever from the start. My drive to excel led me to law as my first career.
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​​While I learned a lot from being a trial attorney, I found that overworking can lead to disconnection and lack of purpose and meaning outside of work. Being a workaholic can be a form of escape and avoidance from painful emotions and making necessary life changes.
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I put on an armor - which was helpful as a lawyer but not as a human. I found that I needed to change my thoughts, perspectives, and habits - not just my environment or the people around me. Despite the cultural stigma around seeking outside help, I turned to mental health counseling and therapy for emotional wellness and career support. Today I am a South Asian therapist, hoping to encourage and guide others on their individual journeys.
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I believe strongly in connection and building a support network. For me, one of the benefits of therapy was not having to make those changes alone. I knew I had an objective person in my corner to provide new perspectives and challenge my patterns. Therapeutic guidance, coaching, and career exploration have helped me in my healing process. Through that emotional work and counseling, I chose a rewarding path that fits with my values and personality, and allows me to engage with my clients through humor, warmth, and understanding.
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I believe that each of us is already whole, and that we can be integrated, vibrant, energetic and enthusiastic in our lives. Sometimes we need guidance in accessing these emotions and finding the joy that is possible in order to be our best selves. When you are ready for change, consider me a willing partner.
