Antara · the work within
A calm, steady place to make sense of what you’re carrying.
I’m Amit — a therapist who arrived at this work by a winding path, from physics and years of research and teaching at Harvard to clinical social work. I help students and adults move through anxiety, low moods, academic and life stress, and hard transitions — with warmth, honesty, and tools you can actually use.
In-person & online across Massachusetts Sessions in English, Hindi & Gujarati
Amit Solanki, MSW
My journey
From understanding the world to understanding people
My path hasn’t been a straight line — and that’s part of what I bring to the room. Science taught me structure and steadiness; this work asks for empathy and presence. I’ve come to believe the two belong together.
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The early years
A foundation in science
I trained as a physicist and spent over a decade in research and teaching at Harvard, where I also guided and mentored students. Those years gave me patience, precision, and a deep respect for how complex systems really work — and a habit of staying calm and curious in the face of hard problems.
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A turning point
A deliberate turn toward people
Over time, my question widened. It was no longer only “how does this work?” but “how do people heal, grow, and carry what they’ve been through?” I completed a Master of Social Work with a focus on clinical practice and trauma, moving from understanding systems to understanding people.
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Now
Clinical work, grounded in care
Today I practice psychotherapy under the supervision of a licensed clinician as I complete my licensure. My work blends evidence-based methods — CBT, ACT, Motivational Interviewing — with mindfulness; I trained as an MBCT teacher through the Cambridge Health Alliance Center for Mindfulness and Compassion. Alongside therapy, I continue research at Harvard on aging, technology, and human connection.
“Healing begins with being genuinely seen and heard.”
How I work
Warm, honest, and grounded
My style is warm but direct. I take an active role — offering honest feedback and gently challenging the thoughts that keep you stuck — while keeping the work supportive and never overwhelming.
Listening that makes you feel heard
I give you room to speak and reflect back what I hear, so you feel genuinely received — not rushed, judged, or fixed.
Calm, grounded presence
I stay steady in hard moments. That calm becomes something you can borrow when things feel overwhelming.
Insight through reflection & metaphor
I often use examples, images, and gentle reframing to help you see an experience from a new angle and understand yourself more clearly.
Practical, evidence-based tools
I draw on CBT, ACT, Motivational Interviewing, and mindfulness — and you’ll usually leave with something concrete to try during the week.
Respect for your pace
We move at a speed that feels safe. Some weeks call for skills and structure; others ask for space to simply be heard.
Meaning, not just symptoms
Beyond easing what hurts, we make sense of what it means — so change feels like yours and lasts beyond our work together.
Who I help
Where we might begin
I work with older teens (16+) and adults — and I have a special understanding of students and anyone navigating the weight of academic and high-achieving environments.
Anxiety & panic
Worry that won’t switch off, racing thoughts, panic, and the physical toll of being on edge.
Depression & low mood
Heaviness, low motivation, and the sense that you’re going through the motions.
Academic & student stress
Deadlines, impostor feelings, fear of failing, and the pressure of high expectations.
Perfectionism & burnout
Self-criticism, never-enough, and the exhaustion of holding everything together.
Life transitions & identity
New cities, new roles, loss, and the big questions about who you are and what matters.
Trauma & hard experiences
Making sense of painful experiences at a pace that feels safe and steady.
Substance use & recovery
Non-judgmental support with ambivalence, triggers, and staying connected to your reasons for change.
Relationships & communication
Conflict, boundaries, and navigating difficult dynamics with the people who matter.
Why “Antara”
Antara (अंतर) is a Sanskrit word for the inner — the space within.
Therapy, to me, is inner work: turning toward what lives beneath the surface with patience and care. The name also carries my own roots. I work in English, Hindi, and Gujarati, and I welcome clients from every background — especially those who rarely see their culture reflected in the therapy room.
Love first, and peace follows.
What working together looks like
Starting is simpler than it feels
A free 15-minute call
We talk about what’s bringing you in and whether I’m the right fit — no commitment, no pressure. You can ask me anything.
A first session
We get to know each other and gently map what matters most. You set the direction; I help you find clear, meaningful goals.
Ongoing work, together
We move between making sense of what you’re feeling and building real skills — adjusting as we go, at a pace that fits you.
Fees & insurance
Straightforward and transparent
A free first step
Every new client starts with a free 15-minute consultation — a no-pressure way to see if we’re a good fit.
Clear, honest fees
We’ll go over session fees on our call. A limited number of reduced-fee spots are available — please just ask.
Insurance & superbills
If I’m out-of-network for your plan, I can provide a superbill you can submit for possible reimbursement.
Questions
A few things you might be wondering
Do I need to be in crisis to start therapy?
Do you meet in person or online?
What languages do you offer therapy in?
How often would we meet, and for how long?
Are you a licensed therapist?
Is what I share kept private?
Reach out
Let’s see if we’re a good fit
If anything here resonated, I’d love to hear from you. Reaching out is often the hardest part — and the fact that you’ve read this far means part of you is ready. There’s nothing to decide on the spot.
Prefer email? Write to hello@antaratherapy.org.