Sharmila Chitnis-Fallon, LCSW, BCD

Who I Am With over 25 years of experience in social work and mental health, I consider this work my true calling. I specialize in complex trauma, developmental trauma, and post-traumatic growth through an integrative, attachment-focused approach. My journey has been guided by a commitment to understanding the human experience, as well as by my own experiences of adversity and trauma. Together, they have given me a profound respect for the resilience of the brain and body, and for our natural capacity to heal when the right conditions are present. These experiences have also taught me the importance of making room for pain: learning to live with what cannot be changed while nurturing growth in what can. Meditation has been an essential part of this process for me, teaching me to surrender, to “be,” and to cultivate the capacity to respond rather than react to life’s experiences. My Focus and Framework I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, grief, relational challenges, and the lasting effects of trauma. My clinical work is grounded in an understanding of the whole person—including mind, body, and spirit—and the developmental, cultural, and environmental contexts that shape our experiences. I integrate relational, psychodynamic, and neurobiological perspectives with mindfulness and somatic approaches to healing. As a second-generation Indian American, I am passionate about providing culturally responsive care and supporting individuals from Indian and other South Asian communities as part of my broader clinical work. Grounded in my cultural heritage, my work is informed by the wisdom of classical yoga, meditation, pranayama (yogic breathing practices), Advaita Vedanta (non-dual spirituality), and other contemplative traditions. Rooted in practices of self-inquiry and awareness, these teachings have shaped my understanding of the relationship between attention, emotions, the body, and consciousness. While the Western understanding of yoga often emphasizes physical postures (asanas), its Vedic roots extend far beyond the physical to encompass practices that train the mind, refine attention, and support discernment, emotional balance, and deeper understanding of the Self. At the heart of my work is the belief that healing unfolds from the inside out through the integration of brain, body, and being. Therapeutic Modalities Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is one of the primary modalities I use with clients, offering a clinically grounded yet adaptable way of working directly with the nervous system, emotions, and difficult life experiences. While insight and cognitive understanding are valuable components of therapy, EMDR also supports the reprocessing and integration of experiences that continue to influence thoughts, emotions, and behavior outside conscious awareness. This allows new, more adaptive patterns to emerge. Depending on each client's needs, treatment may also draw from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Ego State Therapy, Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based practices. Professional Development & Consultation I believe that becoming a therapist is a lifelong practice of learning, humility, and self-reflection. I remain engaged in ongoing training and consultation to refine my clinical work and stay current with emerging research. I continue advanced study in EMDR under the mentorship of Deany Laliotis through The Center for Excellence in EMDR Therapy. In addition to my clinical practice, I provide EMDR consultation to therapists seeking certification or wishing to deepen their EMDR practice, with a focus on cultivating therapeutic presence, clinical confidence, and trust in their own wisdom. Life Outside Work Outside of my work, I find joy in cooking, nature, hiking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. I am also a Registered Yoga Teacher and speak Marathi and Hindi fluently. Yoga and the study of Advaita Vedanta are meaningful parts of my personal life, keeping me connected to my cultural roots while continuing to deepen my understanding of presence, Consciousness, and the nature of the Self. Education & Training Faculty-in-Training (under the mentorship of Deany Laliotis, LICSW, founder of The Center) The Center for Excellence in EMDR Therapy Approved Consultant EMDR International Association Certified EMDR Therapist EMDR International Association Registered Yoga Teacher Yoga Alliance Board Certified Diplomate (BCD) in Clinical Social Work American Board of Clinical Social Work Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) State of California Master of Social Work (MSW) New York University Bachelor of Arts (BA, focus on Social Work) The Evergreen State College