Episode 11: Navigating change and bicultural identity: A conversation with Avni Panchal

In episode 11 of Getting Reflective, Lindsay sits down with Avni Panchal (she/her), a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and empowerment coach specializing in assisting individuals, particularly from South Asian backgrounds, who navigate the complexities of multiple cultures. Having immigrated from India to California as a teenager, Avni brings a deeply personal understanding of what it means to live with a bicultural identity.

Throughout this conversation, Lindsay and Avni explore why humans are often resistant to change and the importance of culturally-responsive counseling in addressing these challenges. Avni emphasizes the role of mental health in shaping our understanding of ourselves and provides practical coping mechanisms for navigating life’s transitions. One of the highlights of this episode is the discussion about reflecting on childhood experiences to better understand the patterns we carry into adulthood.

Avni’s openness and vulnerability truly shines, offering listeners valuable insights on emotional well-being, identity, and the courage it takes to embrace change. The episode serves as a reminder of how crucial it is to normalize conversations about mental health, making them as commonplace as those about physical health.

For anyone navigating a bi-cultural identity or seeking to understand the impact of their own life experiences, this episode offers guidance and inspiration. You can learn more about Avni’s practice and her approach to empowerment on her website: www.theindiancounselor.com