Avani R. K. Sihra, PsyD

As a psychology postdoctoral fellow, my work centers on supporting families in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) as they navigate one of the most challenging experiences of their lives. I specialize in NICU-based consultation/liaison services, helping parents and families understand and cope with the impact of the NICU on themselves and their family dynamics. My focus includes guiding mothers through postpartum identity shifts, exploring the psychological impacts on fathers and partners, and serving as a liaison between medical staff and patients to bridge communication. 
 
I view every patient and family through the lens of the Liberation Health model, placing diversity, intersectionality, and cross-cultural awareness at the center of my work. My philosophy is rooted in the truth that 'everything is connected' - that individual experiences are deeply tied to larger societal structures, power dynamics, and cultural systems. Whether working with families from different backgrounds in the US or in global, cross-cultural contexts, I strive to honor each person's unique story and perspective. 
 
Outside of work, I love spending time with friends, reading, watching (many!) TV series, catching live music and practicing yoga. Solo travel is a big part of my life as well - exploring the world has taught me to actively check my own cultural assumptions and actively educates me on the countless ways people make meaning across the globe. For me, travel is about exploration and adventure and is also about expanding how I understand our shared reality.