Shalaka Gupte

Shalaka Gupte

M.A., LPC, ACS, PMH-C

About Shalaka Gupte

My path to counseling wasn't a straight line — and I think that's exactly what makes me a better therapist. I began my career in the corporate world, but over time I felt drawn toward something more meaningful: understanding people, their stories, and what helps them grow. That transition was one of the best decisions I've ever made, and it shapes how I show up for every client.

For over 20 years, I've worked with adolescents, adults, and families from remarkably diverse backgrounds. Much of my work centers on experiences tied to identity, relationships, and life transitions — including the emotional and physical upheaval of pregnancy, postpartum, and the perinatal journey, as well as the often-overlooked transitions of perimenopause and menopause. I also have a deep passion for working with men, who often carry tremendous weight in silence and deserve a space that meets them where they are — without judgment, without pressure, just honest and practical support. These aren't just clinical categories to me. They're moments and experiences that can quietly — or not so quietly — reshape who you are and how you show up in the world. I hold space for all of that.

As a PMH-C certified clinician and part of Beautiful Journey's Reproductive & Perinatal team, I bring both specialized training and genuine personal investment to this work. I also serve as Executive Director of the practice, which means I understand the full picture of what families and individuals need — not just in the therapy room, but in navigating the system around it.

I'm a lifelong learner in every sense. I love to travel, immerse myself in different cultures, and have a perpetually growing stack of books on my nightstand. As a self-described extrovert, I genuinely love meeting new people and hearing their stories. You'll probably find me either on a yoga mat or trying — key word: trying — to hit 10,000 steps a day.

Shalaka Gupte’s Approach To Therapy

I believe therapy works best when it starts with trust. Before we dive into goals or strategies, my first priority is building a relationship where you feel truly safe and genuinely heard — especially if you're navigating something as tender and personal as a pregnancy loss, postpartum anxiety, or the emotional fog that can come with hormonal shifts in midlife.

I approach every client through a cultural, holistic, and systems lens — whether you're a woman navigating the tender complexities of the perinatal journey or menopause, or a man who's ready to finally have a space that takes your inner life seriously. Because who you are can't be separated from where you came from or what you're carrying right now. We'll look at the full picture: your relationships, your physical health, your sleep, your social world, and the values and worldview that shape how you experience everything. For women in perinatal or menopausal transitions, that means taking seriously how hormonal, physical, and emotional changes intersect. For men, it means cutting through the noise and getting to what actually matters — practical tools, honest conversation, and real progress.

Together we'll identify goals that feel meaningful to you — sometimes big, sometimes small — and build a practical path toward them. I see my role as guide and teacher. I'll equip you with skills and insights you can carry well beyond our sessions, because therapy isn't just about surviving a hard season — it's about growing into the person you want to be on the other side of it.

Education

  • Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology – Texas Woman’s University
  • Bachelor of Business Administration – The University of Texas at Austin

Credentials

  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
  • Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS)
  • Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C)

Ready to Take the First Step?

Today, you’re taking an important step on your path toward growth and healing. Whether you’re looking for extra support during a challenging situation or ready to move in a new direction in life, we’re here to help you get there.