Military/Operational-related stress, trauma, couples counseling, & anxiety.

Based in Florida

850.389.4550

Welcome!

Optimize Om Psychotherapy is a small, Destin Florida based practice which specializes in addressing military and operational-related stress, trauma, couples counseling, and anxiety. 

Services Offered

Trauma Therapy

Anxiety/Stress Management

Couples Therapy

Culturally Informed Care for South Asian Americans

Self-Growth and Introspection

Our work will be defined by enhancing your quality of life and optimizing your functioning. My lens is non-pathologizing and growth-oriented. Therapy is something from which we can ALL benefit, regardless if we meet criteria for a diagnosis.

Optimize.

Om.

This concept can connote mindfulness, centering, and self-regulation. Finding your Om = whatever gives you peace and grounds you in a value-congruent way.

“Let’s focus on outcomes over labels. Your interventions will always be personalized, never prescriptive.”

— Monisha

Who Are My Clients?

Labels are often limiting. You do not have to be diagnosed with PTSD to have experienced distressing events in childhood, in combat, in relationships, in life. In fact, your symptoms may be confined to just one aspect of your life, and you may function just fine in other arenas. You may have imposter syndrome, perfectionist tendencies, worry chronically, feel impending dread, but not meet criteria for an anxiety disorder or OCD. You do not need to be at a crisis point in your marriage to benefit from couples work, but if you are, send it; often it is a crisis which brings people into therapy.

You may have a collection of symptoms encapsulated by the term “Operator Syndrome.” You may have moral injury. You may have guilt about NOT having moral injury. You may have seen a clip on social media about attachment styles which makes you curious about inner child work. You may have heard about this incredible eye movement technique called Accelerated Resolution Therapy or EMDR and have zero desire to “talk about your feelings,” but crave relief and this modality was recommended by one of your buddies. You may think therapy is new-age garbage for whiny people who lack grit and I welcome your skepticism. You may have experienced the most gut-wrenching, soul-splintering betrayal from the person you love most in the world and want to heal your heart or try to repair as a couple. You may feel “eh, I’m mostly content but man, I get pissed really easily and my family deserves better.” You may have intrusive thoughts and images seared into your brain that you’ve lived with since a particular mission that not even your closest teammate knows about and that make sleep terrifying.

Whatever the degree of impact, I will crawl, walk, run with you to optimize your quality of life.

Optimize your Outcomes… Optimize your Om

Meet Your Therapist

20+ years in the field, most recently as a psychotherapist in the special operations community

Significant experience treating trauma, anxiety, and couples

Military/SOF cultural competency

Direct yet empathic, non-judgmental and focused on wellness vs. diagnoses

MSW, UNC Chapel Hill

MS Counseling, Long Island University, NY

BA, Wesleyan University, CT

Extensive post-graduate clinical training

  • When I first entered Special Operations, I was reluctant to seek any sort of mental health assistance. Over the years, personal and professional experiences built up, creating challenges I couldn't overcome on my own. Monisha not only supported me during various episodes requiring professional help but also helped me overcome the longstanding stigma around seeking mental health treatment. Today, thanks to Monisha, my former colleagues both active duty and retired, regularly receive therapy from mental heath providers. She gave us the peace of mind and assurance that seeking help is normal. Monisha changed my life for the better, and I know dozens of others who share similar stories of her impact. Monisha didn't just help my community through difficult times, she pioneered a shift in our cultural narrative, fostering trust in future mental health providers. She is truly in a league of her own.

    -Retired Team Sergeant

  • Monisha literally brought us back from a crisis point and helped save our marriage. We were shattered after trust was broken and weren't sure if we could repair. She worked tirelessly with us and understood the dynamics of our professional work world. She provided discretion, directness and accountability for both of us. We are now more secure than ever and went beyond repairing to thriving with the skills to manage the bumps and stay connected.

    -Former Couples Counseling Client

  • It's been a privilege to work alongside Monisha on some of the most challenging trauma cases I've encountered in nearly 20 years as a psychologist within the special operations community. Her profound understanding of the unique cultural dynamics affecting SOF/military servicemembers and their families, as well as the intense demands they face, are truly unmatched. Monisha stands out as one of the most skilled therapists I've had the pleasure of working with across various mental health disciplines. She is always seeking to broaden her clinical expertise to better serve her clients. Her genuine empathy is immediately apparent, and her unwavering dedication to helping clients achieve their goals - whether that's managing symptoms, improving communication with loved ones, or fostering personal growth - is truly inspiring.

    -Operational Psychologist, SOF community

  • Monisha is one of the most skilled psychotherapists in the area. I have seen her work with operators and their families and how she has helped them through some of the hardest moments in their lives. Monisha is able to meet her clients where they are in their mental health journey and guide them to a place of healing and growth to reach their full potential. She has a unique way of connecting with her clients and creating a safe space for them to explore their emotions and experiences. She is dedicated to helping her clients achieve inner peace and self-acceptance. She is truly passionate about her work and is committed to guiding others on their journey.

    -Colleague/Psychotherapist

  • Monisha's competence and passion were cornerstones of the morale and welfare of our unit. The most seasoned special operators trusted her. She made our spouses and significant others feel comfortable and cared for. And I relied on her as a trusted advisor. I can think of no other provider I'd want on my team.

    -Former Senior Leader