Sharanya Bharadwaj (she/her)

Hi! I’m Sharanya Bharadwaj (she/her). I am a psychotherapy fellow at Roamers Therapy under the supervision of Shaysa Villa, LCSW.

Our lives are shaped by the stories we share with others and the stories we keep inside. Some of these stories bring us closer, while others keep us stuck. Therapy offers a space where your story can unfold, be witnessed, and begin to take on new meaning.  I hope to hear your story, honoring its weight and its possibilities. I truly believe in the power of people’s stories. Each story helps us understand ourselves better about who we are, our past, and our relationships. Sharing them allows us to reshape those stories into more hopeful and empowering ones, opening up new possibilities for growth and connection. My practice emphasizes how valuable your story is and how you discover meaning through your relationships with others. 

This belief is not only part of my approach to therapy but also shaped by my own background. Being multilingual in Hindi, English, and two Indian regional languages has shown me how deeply our cultures, families, and communities shape our experiences and stories. In therapy, I carry this awareness into the room and strive to create a relationship rooted in trust, where you can feel not only valued but fully heard for who you really are. During my practice, I worked with diverse individuals who have faced trauma, cultural, and familial pressures. My experiences in the field lead me to develop a trauma-informed lens that guides me in supporting your health and well-being. 

Just as our cultures, families, relationships, and communities shape who we are, I believe the therapeutic relationship can become another place of connection with ourselves. My commitment in therapy is to meet you with care, empathy, and acceptance. At the same time, I’ll gently invite you to explore new perspectives when it feels right. Together, we can understand the weight that makes you feel stuck or overwhelmed, while also acknowledging the strengths and resilience you already possess. 

Alongside this relational and cultural foundation, I also draw on evidence-based approaches to guide and support the work we do together. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help ease the worries and negative thought patterns that often accompany anxiety and depression, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to bring balance and steadiness during overwhelming moments, and Trauma-Focused CBT to gently process painful experiences at a safe pace. I also integrate mindfulness practices that support grounding in daily life, as well as Family Systems and Structured Family Therapy when relational or intergenerational dynamics add weight to your struggles. I experienced that integrating these approaches provides a flexible framework for exploring challenges, while building on your resilience and strengths to create meaningful change during my practice.

Lastly, I want to acknowledge the step you’ve already taken by seeking therapy. It’s not an easy decision, and it reflects your courage and resilience. Beginning therapy is choosing to carry everything no longer alone. Together, we can begin to lighten the load, creating space for strength, renewal, and a life that feels more balanced and genuine.

Things that bring me joy

Cooking, arts and crafts, relaxing with a good book or TV series , curiosity about life, and a passion for human growth and connections.

Education

Master of Arts from Bradley University

Focus: Clinical Mental Health Counselling

Bachelor’s from Kent State University

Clinical Supervisors

Shaysa Villa, MSW, LCSW, LICSW

Payment & Insurance Accepted

Locations

While Sharanya’s office is located in South Loop and Lakeview, Chicago, for in-person sessions, she also welcomes and serves clients for online therapy from anywhere in Illinois. Clients from the Chicagoland area may choose in-office or online therapy and usually commute from surrounding areas such as River North, West Loop, Gold Coast, Old Town, Lincoln Park, Lake View, Rogers Park Logan Square, Pilsen, Bridgeport, Little Village, Bronzeville, South Shore, Hyde Park, Back of the Yards, Wicker Park, Bucktown and many more.