Saakshi Khopkar, MA, MS

Pronouns - she/her

Saakshi accepts BCBS PPO, Aetna PPO and is currently accepting new clients.

My approach is grounded in the belief that healing occurs when we are authentically connected with ourselves and others. This process involves a lot of unlearning, relearning and self-reflection.
— Saakshi Khopkar

Approach to Therapy:

Therapy is often the last resort for a lot of clients. Knowing that clients might have tried a thousand things before they finally walked into this space, I find it important to create a warm and empathetic space. I approach therapy with a collaborative, strengths-based, and culturally attuned lens to work towards what will ultimately benefit my clients. Afterall, therapy is your space to get to know yourself better! My approach is grounded in the belief that healing occurs when we are authentically connected with ourselves and others. This process involves a lot of unlearning, relearning and self-reflection. I recognize that this might be tough for a lot of people, hence I feel honored to get to know and support them as they engage in the hard work of therapy.

As an international therapist, I bring a global perspective and lived experience of navigating complex cultural landscapes, which enhances my empathy and adaptability in the therapy room. I use an eclectic approach drawing from modalities like Attachment-Based Emotionally Focused Therapy, Solution-Focused, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Satir and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) which I tailor to each client’s needs. I work alongside individuals and couples to navigate life transitions, relational challenges, and identity development. In my practice, I aim to create a compassionate space where clients feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Clinical Interests:

My clinical interests include working with challenges like stress, anxiety, depression, abuse and trauma, PTSD, transition and adjustment difficulties, and ADHD.

In relational work, I am passionate about working with couples to address challenges like relationship distress, intimacy, communication and conflict resolution, infidelity, separation and/or divorce, developmental transitions and adjustment difficulties, and premarital therapy.

Human beings are social creatures, and we don’t live in a vacuum, hence, throughout therapy, I strive to integrate clients' sociocultural contexts into our work together.

Education and Training:

I hold a Master of Science in Couple and Family Therapy from Kansas State University, United States (August 2025) and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from the University of Mumbai, India (May 2022). Through my training in the United States and India, I have worked in a university counseling clinic, and private & group practice settings with a focus on systemic, and trauma-informed frameworks. During my time in India, I have also conducted workshops on various topics like assertiveness skills, peer pressure management, and parenting styles to foster awareness and importance of engaging in healthy approaches. I am passionate about creating a difference for the immigrant and BIPOC population as they navigate their identities in this multicultural landscape. Due to my multilingual background, I hold experience of conducting and making therapy accessible in English, Hindi and Marathi.

3 Things I love:

Dancing (especially Kathak!), Chicken biryani, Connecting with nature through beaches or hikes!

Saakshi can be contacted at: saakshi@amandaatkinschicago.com.