Keri Gnanashanmugam, LCSW

Relationship and Trauma Therapist in CA & IL

Allow me to introduce myself.

As an adult child of an alcoholic and dysfunctional family, I grew up in environments where addiction and abuse were normalized. The unspoken rules in the family system were that we didn’t talk, we didn’t feel, and we didn’t trust.

Navigating adulthood, I often found myself relying on old patterns I developed to navigate these earlier life experiences that no longer served me or my relationships. This led me to take a deep and often painful look at my patterns, uncovering the layers of my past and the impact they had on my present. Therapy has been an essential component in my process and it informs my work with clients today.

I am passionate about holding space for others as they navigate their own relationship challenges, contribute to breaking the destructive cycles of trauma, and building a world that centers justice, interconnection, and compassion for all.

  • I hold the belief that healing and justice are deeply interconnected. My work is grounded in an awareness of how systems of oppression impact mental health, relationships, and self-worth. I approach therapy with a trauma-informed and anti-oppressive lens, understanding that personal struggles often stem from larger, systemic forces that can leave us disconnected from ourselves and others.

    As a therapist, I recognize my position as both an agent within the mental health industrial complex and a fellow traveler in the process of healing. I strive to embody interdependence as a value, working alongside you to unravel internalized messages of shame, powerlessness, and disconnection. I also acknowledge the privileges and biases I hold as a white, cisgender, able-bodied individual with access to higher education and professional credentials.

    I remain committed to continuous self-reflection and unlearning, particularly in a field that has historically pathologized and marginalized diverse identities. My intention is to mitigate harm by fostering a practice that is inclusive, affirming, and rooted in accountability to the diverse individuals I work alongside.

    I aim to create a space where your full humanity is honored—where we can challenge harmful narratives and cultivate compassion and healing for the parts of you that learned to adapt and protect in response to adversity. Together, we will work toward change that is not just personal but also transformative—toward relationships and a world that hold justice, interconnection, and liberation at their center.

    • Insight-oriented (past): We explore the past to understand current patterns and behavior, not to blame or get stuck there.

    • Solution-focused (present & future): We make changes in the present to build the future you want.

    • Direct: I aim to hold a mirror so that you can assess whether your choices are in alignment with your goals, values, and priorities. Embracing the essence of the Serenity Prayer, we will focus on changing what is within your sphere of control, accepting what isn't, and developing the discernment to know the difference.

    • Compassionate: We will work to accept - with gentleness, love, humor, and respect- all parts of you.

    • EMDR - EMDR Chicago

    • Modern Analytic Process Training Group for Therapist - Bay Area Group Therapy Center

    • Clinical Hypnosis (Level 1) - ASCH

    • Relational Life Therapy (Level 2) - Relational Life Institute

    • Gottman Method Couples Therapy (Level 3) - The Gottman Institute

    • Treating Affairs and Trauma - The Gottman Institute

    • Couples and Addiction Recovery - The Gottman Institute

    • Intimacy from the Inside Out - IFS Institute

    • Internal Family Systems Experiential Workshop - Dr. Frank Anderson

    • Trauma Sensitive Yoga Foundation - The Trauma Center

    • Bachelor of Science, Biology and Psychology + Chemistry minor, Sam Houston State University, 2011

    • Master of Science, Microbiology, Sam Houston State University, 2014

    • Master of Social Work, University of Houston, 2021

The other parts of me.

While I am genuinely honored to be a therapist, my favorite role in life is parent. Seeing the world through my toddler's eyes gives me a daily reminder of life’s simplicities and preciousness. While I often find myself caught up in the rhythm of daily tasks, I strive to carve out moments for movement, meditation, and nature when I can.

In my leisure time, I like to engage in curated art projects. (Really, I like lego flower kits and tedious af paint-by-numbers canvases). When life is in a slower season, I enjoy reading books and listening to podcasts. Finally, sharing nourishing food, delightful drinks, scenic views, and soul-stirring music with family and friends gives me life.

I believe that the quality of our relationships determines the quality of our lives.

Ready for change?

Book a video consultation today.

I offer complimentary consultation calls to determine our compatibility for working together. These consultations are required prior to initiating therapy. Click the button below to conveniently schedule online now.

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