Ektha AggarwalLCSW

Moving from Tanzania, I grew up in a community where those who were fortunate supported those who were less fortunate. Every Sunday my parents would make food and take my brother and I to distribute it to the homeless community. I remember laughing with the homeless community as they would tell us jokes and express gratitude. Moving to the U.S. at the young age of 10, I was overwhelmed by the homeless population and how the lower income communities were treated. I couldn't figure what made the cultures here so divided - I was confused, angry, and sad. My experience birthed the commitment to rebuild hope, lift voices that are silenced, and acknowledge the resilience that has been stunted in so many people. The passion to build hope and touch as many lives as possible extends beyond the homeless community; it's for everyone: people of color who face the challenges of cultural duality, women who are learning to use their voice with power and grace, men who want to normalize expressing all their emotions. Each of us has an internal battle we are facing, and I hope to be part of the strength and resilience that you build to get through those battles you are facing. It takes a team to build a thriving and fulfilling life - and I am on YOUR team.

I personally have grown to deeply appreciate Attached by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller. Although this book is about authentically connecting with other people, it more deeply explores the attachment styles that impact all relationships, including the relationship we have with ourselves. It gives you a deeper understanding of how your attachment style affects your day-to-day decisions, triggers, choices, and thinking. This is my personal go-to if you are experiencing anxiety. Normalizing your attachment style and learning tools to manage it helps bring out your most authentic self to the world. A recent book I have also found myself enjoying is The Queen's Code by Allison Armstrong. It's an interesting take on feminine and masculine energies that each and every one of us embodies. For many years we've grown up learning men are from Mars and women are from Venus. What exactly does that mean? The Queen's Code clearly outlines how the different structures of our brain affect the way we communicate and think. It provides insight on how we can better understand the differences between men and women, and more importantly, embrace and value them.

Los Angeles, 90025, CA