Archana Jajodia, Ph.D.

Founder of Mindful Psychotherapy

Licensed Psychologist
(California and Oregon)

My name is pronounced UR-chuh-nah (Archana) jah-JOH-di-yah (Jajodia). You can call me Dr. J if it is too hard for you to say. I am a clinical psychologist licensed in the state of California (California License PSY23133). I started my career as a software engineer but soon recognized that psychotherapy and helping others was my true calling. I have experienced depression and anxiety myself and consider struggles with psychological problems a normal part of human existence. A regular practice of meditation and mindfulness has helped me in my own life and I encourage my clients to try meditation and mindfulness too.

Indian, Immigrant, and Asian Clients are Welcome: I enjoy working with Indians, Asians and people of minority cultures on issues related to being an immigrant, adjustment to the majority culture and/or retaining your cultural identity. I also enjoy working with African Americans, Latinos, and people from the LGBT community. I am fluent in Hindi and Urdu as well as English.

TRAINING and EDUCATION

Ph.D. and Masters in Clinical Psychology from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles with a specialization in treating adults
Completed an internship from UCSD/San Diego VA
Post-Doctoral Training at USC in Los Angeles
Former Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) 2009-2013
Four years experience with veterans at the Veterans Affairs (VA) in San Diego
Experience working with students, women, older adults/seniors, LGBT, people from Indian / Asian and other minority cultures, as well as other therapists and mental health practitioners
Extensive training in ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), Mindfulness, and CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Completed Level II training and Certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy)
B.S. in Computer Engineering from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IIT Delhi)

ACADEMIC and RESEARCH CAREER

I was full-time faculty at UCSD in the Department of Psychiatry from 2009 to 2013. I have published psychological research articles on topics of depression and memory, rumination (negative repetitive thoughts), alcohol use, genetics of alcoholism, etc. Links to a few of these articles are available on the Research Articles tab.

Laura Proctor, Ph.D.

Licensed Psychologist at Mindful Psychotherapy

Dr. J and I came together out of a shared belief in the power of therapy to alleviate suffering and create lasting personal change. I am a licensed clinical psychologist (California License PSY29141). Before I studied psychology, I worked for many years as a journalist and grant writer in Guatemala and Mexico. I integrate evidence-based principles of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness within a collaborative therapeutic relationship. With this approach, I aim to assist my clients in their ongoing journey to gain self knowledge, increase self acceptance, and navigate transitions. I welcome clients from all backgrounds and communities. I am fluent in Spanish as well as English.