Ishani Synghal, Masters Level Intern

I believe that you already have everything within you to create the life you envision, and I’m here to help you uncover it. My goal is to walk beside you as you explore, grow, and find new ways to live more fully. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or ready to make a change, I’m here to help you tap into your own strengths, set achievable goals, and navigate the challenges that come your way. I want you to feel heard, supported, and empowered as we work together to create the life you desire. You’re not alone in this. 

 

In our sessions, we’ll focus on understanding your experiences and helping you make sense of your life in a way that feels meaningful to you. I believe that we are all the authors of our own stories, and together we will explore the narratives you’ve built about yourself, your relationships, and your world. You can expect me to listen deeply, ask thought-provoking questions, and help you challenge unhelpful patterns that may be holding you back. 

I want to help you reconnect with your inner strength and clarify what truly matters to you, so that you can live with more purpose and intention. Our work together will include practical tools and strategies to help you handle intense emotions, improve relationships, and develop healthier ways of coping with life’s challenges. We’ll also explore ways to accept the parts of yourself that are difficult to embrace, fostering more self-compassion along the way. 

 

Language is incredibly powerful. It shapes the way we view ourselves, our experiences, and the world around us. The stories we tell—about our past, our present, and what we hope for in the future—have a profound impact on how we navigate life. The way we speak to ourselves and about ourselves creates patterns that can either limit us or empower us. I’m deeply fascinated by how the language we use shapes our identities and the relationships we build with others. In therapy, I’ll help you become aware of the stories you’re telling and guide you in reframing them so that they support the life you want to live. We’ll work together to create a new narrative—one that reflects your strength, resilience, and potential. 

A little about me: I grew up in the Bay Area in California and have spent time living in New York, Paris, and now Chicago, where I’ve been based for 6 years. Before entering counseling, I worked in the higher education and higher education admissions spaces. In both of these roles, I saw firsthand how people’s stories and beliefs could either limit their growth or fuel their success. In my personal life, I’m someone who loves exploring new ideas, languages, diving into non-fiction books, trying new restaurants as a self-proclaimed foodie, and staying grounded by spending time in nature (I’m trying to visit every national park!). 

I am working towards completing my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University and am currently completing my internship as a counselor. I also have a BA in English from New York University and a Master of Fine Arts in Poetry from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.