Today we’d like to introduce you to Suruchi Saini.
Hi Suruchi, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
The Personal Story – A Foundation of Resilience
My journey into counseling began long before I earned my first degree. It started at sixteen,
when I lost my father to a sudden accident. He was my hero—a community leader who always
encouraged my dreams without ever pushing me. One moment I was an average student
dreaming of a career as a singer; the next, I was thrust into survival mode, supporting my mother
and younger sister navigate a world that felt suddenly unstable. On the other hand, I always looked up to my mother’s resilience as she stepped up to play an even bigger role after my father’s untimely departure.
During those formative years, an older friend introduced me to psychology. I became fascinated by why people behave the way they do—especially after seeing how some people withered away after my father’s untimely departure while others stepped up. I studied psychology for five years in India to understand these human connections and behaviors, and on the side kept singing at various events. During college, I met my then- boyfriend, now husband, my rock—who has been my steady support ever since.
The Professional Story – From Exploration to Innovation
When we moved to the United States, I found myself on a dependent visa, unable to work but eager to learn. I spent my days wandering the beautiful aisles of the library at University of Texas at San Antonio. A chance meeting with Dr. Paul Westmeyer changed everything. I shared my wish to help people with him. He guided me and encouraged me to take admission in Masters in Counseling. Initially transitioning to the American academic system was a challenge but with some support from Dr. Westmeyer and Dr Marcheta Evans I adapted quickly and did well. I earned my degree and later gained invaluable experience at Family Violence Prevention Services and Easter Seals at San Antonio.
Within few years, another life transition brought me to New Jersey which initially was a bit challenging. Over the next decade, I immersed myself in the field. I served as a program manager at Serv Behavioral Health; senior clinician at Rutgers, and as therapist at multiple group practices. I spent years networking at the conferences and volunteering at multiple non-profits. This period (2006–2014) was a season of massive personal and professional growth.
The Birth of Holistic Bonfire
In 2015, I went into a three-month partial hibernation to create Wellness based practice. I spent hrs meditating; reading; writing and reflecting on all challenges my family; my clients and I had faced in life until then. After a lot of exploration, I realized that traditional psychology alone was not enough. To truly help clients heal and thrive, I needed to bridge the gap between modern Psychology, Neuroscience and ancient healing practices. From that Holistic Bonfire was born. Since then, my practice integrates knowledge from evidence-based psychology and neuroscience and ancient science of Ayurveda and Mind-Yoga. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Trauma Professional, and Certified Yoga Teacher, I use blend of psychotherapy, Neuro informed care, mindfulness, basic Ayurveda principles and lifestyle changes to help clients from all walks of life. I love what I do, and today my practice thrives mostly on word-of-mouth. I am honored to help my clients to self-regulate, explore new possibilities and achieve their personal and professional goals.
Expanding the practice: As a therapist and speaker
After starting my practice, Holistic Bonfire, I began facilitating more stress reduction workshops that bridged the gap between evidence-based Psychology and neuroscience, and the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda and Mind -Yoga. This combination proved to be incredibly powerful. It led to invitations from major corporations and non-profits alike, including a rewarding six-year tenure with Dow Jones as therapist. During the last decade, I also deepened my expertise in couples counseling and family interventions. For the last three decades, my own solid relationship with my husband has been an additional source of
inspiration for this work. I firmly believe that if a healthy and supportive marriage is possible for me, it is possible for my clients, and I am honored to help them navigate the relational complexities and reconnect with their partners.
My Philosophy: Resilience and Partnership
Being a spiritual person, I have always believed in human resilience and multiple intelligences, though I recognize it manifests differently in everyone. My approach is deeply person-centered; I view the therapeutic relationship as an equal partnership. While I am a goal-oriented person, I provide ample space and time for my clients to process their emotions and lives in general. My role is to meet my clients wherever they are as each phase of life brings challenges, one can learn to face them with dignity and grace. It’s never too late to bounce back.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When I reflect on the challenges of my career, for the most part I have been incredibly fortunate as I met right people at the right time which gave me a lots of opportunities to learn and grow professionally with them. Over the years, my practice has grown organically with the word of mouth and through the trust of my community, which I am deeply grateful for.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Holistic Bonfire LLC?
Organization: Holistic Bonfire LLC
Website: Holisticbonfire.com
Expertise: Complete Holistic approach for Anxiety; Stress; Depression reduction, and relationship counseling
Sessions: Confidential virtual therapy and custom meditation sessions from the comfort of home and office:
Tuesday to Friday: 1 pm – 7 pm
Saturday: 10 am – 4pm
Insurance Accepted: Aetna, BCBS, out of network and self pay
Workshops: Conduct workshops virtually and on site as per organization’s invite
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Brain Maker – Dr. David Perlmutter
Multiple Intelligences – Howard Gardner
The Power of Habit – Charles Duhigg
Relaxation Revolution – Dr Howard Benson
Metahuman – Dr Deepak Chopra
You Are the Placebo – Dr. Joe Dispenza
Bhagavad Gita – Eknath Easwaran, Barbara Stoller Miller
Raja Yoga – Swami Vivekananda
Wings of Fire – A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
The Last Lecture – Randy Pausch
Voices to Verses – Monisha Wadhwani
Lincoln’s Sword – Douglas L. Wilson
Podcasts & app; Digital Mentors
Huberman Lab (Dr. Andrew Huberman)
The Diary of a CEO (Steven Bartlett)
Dr. David Perlmutter
Where to Connect:
Website: Holisticbonfire.com
Instagram | LinkedIn
Pricing:
- Insurances: Aetna, Blue cross Blue shield
- Out of network, self pay
- Indidvidual session : $150
- Couples/Family session: $175
- Custom Meditation session: $75
Contact Info:
- Website: https://holisticbonfire.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suruchilpc/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suruchisaini/
