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Therapy, Counseling,
and Consultation Services

We strive to create an inclusive, non-judgmental, safe, and supportive space within the therapeutic relationship. Whether you’re embarking on a significant transition or simply seeking to integrate mental healthcare into your routine, at Sunnyside Therapy, you have a place where reflection, healing, and growth converge.

Sungun Malhotra

Psychotherapist and Founder

About Us

Welcome to Sunnyside Therapy where we are dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and providing mental health care. At Sunnyside Therapy, we believe in illuminating the path towards personal growth, inner knowing and healing. Our name embodies the essence of our approach to therapy, where we focus on helping you to discover the bright side of life and adopt a more empowering mindset.

Our primary goal is to increase mental health accessibility and decrease the stigma associated with seeking mental health care. We firmly believe that seeking therapy is a powerful way to cope with life's challenges and foster lasting change. By helping to build strong and authentic relationships, promoting holistic healing, and providing psychoeducation, we aim to empower individuals toward psychological well-being.

  • Our Purpose

    At Sunnyside Therapy we strive to nurture healthy mindsets, encourage individuals to seek help, and engage in problem-solving by tapping into their inherent strengths and beliefs, and developing new ones. By creating a holistic environment that promotes compassion and care, we aim to help individuals live in resolve, at peace, and be healed.
  • Our Mission

    Our mission is to increase mental health awareness and contribute to the overall consciousness of individuals and, ultimately, the planet. By nurturing self-care and helping people access their higher selves, we aim to positively impact not only our clients but also their communities.
  • Our Values

    We hold a deep belief in the innate strengths each person possesses. We recognize the power of increased mental health awareness and the potential for personal growth by accessing and discussing emotional and mental states. In addition, we value and practice, advocacy, mindfulness, conscious living, and education.
  • Our Vision

    We envision a world that embraces holistic care, where mental health is viewed as a centerpiece of strength and resilience. We envision a future where seeking therapy is a common practice and healthy coping strategies become the norm.

    Therapist & Their Approach

    Hello and Welcome to Sunnyside Therapy!

    I’m Sungun Malhotra, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, based in Chicago, US. Sunnyside Therapy is my mental health private practice where I intend to serve a diverse clientele in the US and India.

    Since 2017, I have practiced psychotherapy in clinical and community mental health settings, working with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds in terms of culture, gender, religion, and life experiences. These interactions have expanded my understanding of multicultural perspectives, values, belief systems, and a broad spectrum of mental health problems making me culturally sensitive and attuned to the unique needs of each individual. Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, general physicians, social workers and other therapists, I address a wide range of issues, from general mental health to complex trauma, including systemic and multigenerational trauma, war, immigration, intimate partner violence, and adverse childhood events. My focus is on understanding the intricate effects of trauma on individuals across physical, mental, emotional, and social levels, and empowering them with resources for holistic healing and resilience-building.

    My therapeutic approach integrates person-centered, parts and systems, attachment, acceptance and commitment, relational, spirituality, and somatic-based frameworks. The therapeutic interventions include techniques from practice areas of somatic experiencing, breathwork, cognitive behavioral, mindfulness, gestalt, emotional freedom technique, dialectical behavioral, and more. I value building a strong therapeutic relationship with my clients - one where the clients feel supported, understood, accepted, and safe. I help individuals navigate through challenging situations by cultivating strength, resilience, and emotional regulation.

    If you are seeking mental health support, reach out for a free consultation to determine if we would be a good fit. I’d be honored to know your story and be with you on your journey of healing. To know more about how I can help you, please email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or fill out the form below.

    Sungun Malhotra

    Licensed clinical professional counselor

    Areas of Care

    Difficult experiences when left unaddressed or unprocessed can create turmoil in our inner world and our interactions with the world around us. In therapy, you will learn to process experiences, feel your emotions, and learn strategies to regulate yourself, helping you to create greater alignment within. My goal is to empower individuals, provide psychoeducation, and foster self-awareness, ultimately contributing to their overall well-being and a more meaningful life.

    While you don’t need to have a specific reason to seek therapy, many individuals who visit me often do so for the following reasons:

    Depression / loneliness
    Anxiety / Persistent worry
    Burnout / Stress
    Trauma / Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
    Parenting / Postnatal stress
    Mood disorders / Bipolar
    Substance dependence
    Relationship issues / divorce
    Domestic or Intimate Partner Violence
    Issues related to LGBTQ+
    ADHD and related problems
    Pain management
    Stress due to Co-Occurring Medical Conditions
    Suicidal and Self-Harm Behavior
    Adjustment Issues
    Caregiver Stress
    Life Transitions such as career change, immgiration, etc.
    Grief and Loss
    Mental Health First Aid and Crisis Intervention

    Services

    Bringing quality therapy to you, through the convenience of teletherapy

    Therapy

    Individual Therapy is a dynamic partnership between the therapist and the client, custom-tailored to address the unique needs of each individual. During these sessions, clients have a safe and nonjudgmental space to explore their thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and life experiences. Therapy sessions are regularly scheduled—either weekly or biweekly—to allow consistent progress. Together with your therapist, you’ll identify goals, navigate challenges, and develop effective strategies for personal growth and positive transformation. Therapy is profound work—it’s a journey toward healing and self-discovery.”

    Therapy is usually long-term treatment, addressing a broader range of issues and complex problems.

    Counseling

    While there is an overlap between counseling and therapy - here at Sunnyside, counseling would focus on more immediate concerns, ongoing issues, problem-solving, life transitions such as career choices, marriage, divorce, stress burnout, or managing symptoms of mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, Bipolar. Clients learn coping techniques, engage in problem-solving, and work collaboratively with the counselor. For holistic care, counselors may involve family members to provide comprehensive support.

    Counseling is typically short-term, solution-focused, and goal-oriented addressing specific problems.

    Consulting

    Mental Health Consulting is a personalized guidance service that caters to specific needs. Whether you’re an individual seeking advice, an organization navigating mental health challenges, or a family member or caregiver supporting someone with a disability or experiencing a mental health crisis, our consulting services are here to assist you. You’ll be provided expert advice, and guidance, to help you identify the next steps in your mental health journey.

    This can be a single session or multiple sessions, as needed.

    Regardless of the service we determine for you, the therapeutic relationship functions as the foundation for effective treatment. A robust therapeutic alliance significantly contributes to successful outcomes. That’s why finding a therapist who aligns with your unique needs is crucial. Consider taking advantage of the free initial consultation to determine if the therapist is a good fit for you.

    Guidance / FAQs

    Which demographic do you cater to?
    I have the privilege of working with a diverse range of populations from different genders, cultures, religions, age groups, and socio-economic backgrounds. My services are suitable for everyone, from young adults to those in their golden years. If you're a caretaker or parent seeking counseling for your adolescent, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. We can have a conversation and explore how I can be of assistance to you.
    What qualifications does the therapist have?
    I started my journey with a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Psychology from Panjab University, Chandigarh, India, followed by a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Amity University, India. I continued through my Master of Science in Rehabilitation and Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, US. I hold a clinical license LCPC and have been a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. In my initial years of practice, I received rigorous training under clinical supervision to aptly diagnose, apply therapeutic modalities, and provide crisis interventions. Being a therapist is a lifelong learning journey, I continue getting further training in the field of trauma, healing, and recovery.
    How much does therapy cost?

    Individual session: INR 3000

    Bundle of 12 sessions: INR 30,000

    The cost of therapy is determined independently by the service provider. Please note that you are paying the cost for professional mental health services that are evidence-based treatments delivered by a qualified professional.

    At Sunnyside, we understand the financial hurdles individuals may encounter. Our commitment to equity in services drives us to make mental health care accessible to everyone. We offer sliding fee scales and flexible payment plans to ensure quality services without constraints. During your initial consultation, feel free to discuss your situation with the therapist—we’ll work together to find the best solution. Please don’t hesitate to seek help.

    If you are living in the US or Canada, please talk to the therapist to know the cost of service.

    Do you prescribe medication?
    I do not prescribe medication; that is the role of psychiatrists. However, I am knowledgeable about psychiatric medications and can assist you in determining whether you should seek psychiatric help. Additionally, I can help you understand the effects and potential side effects of your medication. As your therapist or counselor, I am willing to collaborate with your psychiatrist to provide comprehensive care.
    Do you provide a diagnosis?
    As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the US, I’m qualified to provide mental health diagnoses. Having a diagnosis can assist individuals in accessing appropriate treatment, validating and understanding their symptoms, empowering them to take control of their mental health, manage their condition effectively, and make informed choices. While a diagnosis can help in receiving accommodations in work and school settings, in therapy, understanding the symptoms is more important than the diagnosis itself. To enhance my awareness as a counselor, I use diagnostic criteria from DSM V and standardized self-report measures to identify the diagnosis.
    How long are the therapy sessions?

    Typically, a session lasts for 50- 60 minutes. However, if there comes a day when you need more time to process your situation, I don’t impose a strict limit of 60 minutes. I am committed to respecting ethical boundaries while allowing you the necessary time.

    The intake session after the initial consultation call is for 90 minutes, allowing us to review the history of your problems.

    What to expect in the initial consultation call?

    You’ll briefly discuss your problem and concerns with the therapist in this call. The therapist will help you identify your needs and discuss the service you would benefit from. Expect discussions about session scheduling, payment plans, and any other practical aspects to suit your needs.

    Whenever you feel you are ready to start, you reach out to the therapist requesting a session. You will start seeing the therapist at the soonest spot available in their schedule. Before starting the sessions, you will have to complete intake documentation and sign informed consent for therapy.

    How would I know if we're a good fit?

    "Being a good fit" is a commonly used term in the field of therapy and counseling - It refers to the compatibility between a therapist and a client. It’s fair for you to wonder what it means for you as a potential client to find a therapist who is a good fit.

    Therapy is a collaborative effort. The therapeutic relationship plays a crucial role in the treatment outcome. When you feel safe, understood, and respected by your therapist, positive changes are more likely to occur. A good fit means that you find it easy to talk to your therapist, feel heard, and experience empathy. Trust and rapport are essential.

    Ultimately, only you can determine if a therapist is a good fit for you. Pay attention to how you feel during sessions. Do you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and emotions? Do you feel understood?

    From a therapist's standpoint, it's essential to assess if a client's needs align with their expertise. Ethically, therapists evaluate whether they can provide effective solutions for the client's specific issues. If a therapist believes their services aren't the best fit for you, they should guide you toward more suitable resources. This might include referrals or additional support.

    Effective communication is key to finding a therapist who serves your needs -Share your needs, preferences, and any concerns with your therapist. The more you communicate, the better they can tailor their approach to your unique situation.

    Remember that different therapists may be better suited for different stages or goals in your life - hence finding the right therapist is essential for your well-being.

    Is Virtual Therapy helpful?
    Studies and my own practice of teletherapy since the COVID-19 have demonstrated that online therapy, or teletherapy, can be equally as beneficial as face-to-face sessions. The advantages of virtual therapy include its ease and adaptability, enabling people to receive therapy in a setting where they feel at ease. Majority of clients consider online therapy to be efficient in terms of both time and expense. Additionally, it offers advantages for those who are dealing with the societal stigma associated with mental health issues.

    Benefits of Therapy

    Therapy is a process of self-exploration and growth that can help individuals overcome various mental health challenges and improve their quality of life. It is a collaborative effort between a therapist and a client, aimed at exploring and addressing emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal issues. Therapy can help individuals gain a better understanding of themselves and their life experiences, develop coping skills, and improve their relationships with themselves and others. Through therapy, individuals can learn to identify and change negative patterns of thinking and behavior and develop healthier ways of coping with stress and difficult emotions.

    Therapy offers numerous benefits for individuals seeking psychological support. Some of the advantages include:

    Enhanced Emotional Wellbeing

    Therapy provides a safe space to express emotions, gain insights, and develop healthy coping mechanisms, leading to improved emotional well-being and reduced distress.

    Improved Relationships

    Therapy can help you navigate interpersonal challenges, improve communication skills, and foster healthier relationships with loved ones.

    Stress Management

    Therapists provide techniques to manage stress, develop relaxation skills, and promote a balanced lifestyle, enabling you to better cope with life's demands.

    Self-Discovery and Personal Growth

    Therapy facilitates self-reflection, self-awareness, and personal growth, helping you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and make positive changes in your life.

    Increased Resilience

    Therapy equips you with tools to build resilience, overcome adversity, and bounce back stronger from life's setbacks.

    Mental Health Maintenance

    Regular therapy sessions can help maintain mental health, prevent relapse, and provide ongoing support for long-term well-being.

    Get Started

    Request An Initial Consultation

    Join us on this journey toward a brighter, more fulfilling life. Let Sunnyside Therapy be your guiding light for mental health well-being, self-awareness, and an empowering mindset.

    Welcome to our community – where the sun always shines.

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