A young woman with glasses, long dark hair, and a nose ring smiling outdoors near greenery and city buildings.

GETTING TO KNOW THE PERSON YOU’LL BE SITTING WITH

SONALI SOLANKI, LCPC, ATR

Healing begins with feeling seen.

I’m a South Asian art therapist and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor based in Chicago. My work is rooted in the belief that therapy should be a space where every part of you is welcome, including your experiences, relationships, identities, emotions, and the stories that have shaped you.

You deserve a space where you feel seen, understood, and supported—exactly as you are.

Rooted in culture. Guided by connection.

As someone whose own life has been shaped by the complexities of culture, identity, belonging, and creativity, I understand the importance of having spaces where you do not have to explain, minimize, or leave parts of yourself behind.

I strive to create a warm, affirming, and nonjudgmental environment where you can explore difficult emotions, ask questions, laugh, cry, celebrate your growth, and simply show up as yourself. I strive to create a warm, affirming, and nonjudgmental environment where you can explore difficult emotions, ask questions, laugh, cry, celebrate your growth, and simply show up as yourself.

A wooden table holding an open coloring book with a floral mandala design, a watercolor palette with various colors, a lit amber candle, a ceramic jar filled with paintbrushes, a small round ceramic pot with a green plant, and a larger potted plant with green leaves.

Therapy that honors you.

I believe meaningful therapy begins by honoring your unique experiences. Rather than relying on a single approach, I integrate relational, culturally responsive, and evidence-based practices to support healing in ways that feel authentic to you.

As an art therapist, I also believe creative expression can offer another way to process experiences, deepen self-awareness, and reconnect with yourself, especially when words alone don't feel like enough. If art feels unfamiliar, that's completely okay. Art therapy focuses on the process, not the product, and no artistic experience is ever needed.

What keeps me grounded.

Outside of my work, you'll usually find me tending to my indoor jungle, working on one of my many "grandma" hobbies (crocheting, junk journaling, coloring, and other creative projects), rewatching my favorite comfort shows, or spending time with my dogs, Fievel and Luna. They're my unofficial co-therapists, offering daily reminders to slow down, stay present, and appreciate the little moments.

A happy brown and white dog sitting next to vibrant flower pots filled with colorful flowers including orange, purple, and pink on a patio with a grassy background and wooden fence.

Fievel—an anxious little aussiedoodle with the biggest heart, happiest when he's close to the people he loves.

A happy golden retriever sitting on grass and concrete outside, smiling at the camera.

Luna—a social golden girl who loves making new friends and is always ready for her next adventure.

Cozy living room corner with a beige armchair, green pillow, wooden side table with a coffee mug and notebook, potted plant near the window, and sunlight streaming through curtains.

AREAS OF FOCUS

Therapy can support you through many chapters of life. Here are some of the areas I commonly support:

  • Anxiety & Stress

  • Life Transitions

  • Identity Exploration

  • Interpersonal Relationships

  • Self-Worth & Self-Esteem

  • Cultural Identity & Family Dynamics

  • Trauma & Difficult Life Experiences

  • Depression & Emotional Overwhelm

Illustration of two hands holding a sun with sun rays, surrounded by orange flowers and green leaves.

MY APPROACH

WARM

I believe healing happens when we feel genuinely seen, accepted, and supported. My goal is to create a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where you can show up exactly as you are, without pressure to have everything figured out.

Two steaming mugs, one red and one green, with white leaf designs, placed on a colorful embroidered table runner.

COLLABORATIVE

Therapy isn't something that's done to you; it's a process we create together. I value your voice, insights, and lived experiences, and we'll work together to explore what matters most to you while creating an approach that feels authentic and meaningful.

A lotus flower with green leaves and roots, over a triangle and orange background.

CULTURALLY ROOTED

Our identities, cultures, communities, and lived experiences all influence how we navigate life. I strive to create a space where these parts of your story are welcomed, explored, and honored with humility, curiosity, and respect.

Two hands holding a pink heart with green leaves and white flowers surrounding it.

TRAUMA-INFORMED

I recognize that past experiences can shape how we relate to ourselves, others, and the world around us. My approach prioritizes emotional safety, choice, and empowerment, moving at a pace that honors your comfort and readiness.

Close-up of peach and yellow flowers at sunset with a blurred background of trees and the setting sun.

Ready to take the next step?

Beginning therapy can feel like a big step, and reaching out for support takes courage.

A free 15-minute consultation is a chance to connect, ask questions, share what brings you here, and see whether working together feels like the right fit.

I would be honored to walk alongside you as you begin this journey.

Schedule A Consultation