The Real Talk Friend Therapy Therapist Guide

Looking for a therapist who understands the emotional ups and downs of adult friendship and modern life? You’re not alone. If starting therapy—or finding the right mental health professional—is on your to-do list this year, you’re in the right place. This curated guide features all the licensed therapists and healing professionals we've spotlighted on Real Talk Friend Therapy, so you can confidently take your next step toward better mental health.

Below you will find their bio, what episode(s) they have been featured on and how to get in touch if they sound like they’d be a good fit.

 
 

Calix Vu-Bui, lmft

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Calix Vu-Bui is a licensed therapist with 18 years of clinical experience and a specialization supporting marginalized communities with trauma, anxiety, and depression.

Having worked in uniquely diverse mental health settings, Calix uses a compassionate, client-centered approach to promote emotional well-being, employing techniques that help patients deconstruct aspects of their mental health as it relates to social media, modern day work and personal relationships, and living through the collective trauma of a pandemic.

In her free time, Calix enjoys powerlifting, traveling the Global South, and moonlighting as a comedienne. She is well-known for having both a warm and optimistic presence, as well as a direct, no nonsense way of working with patients. Her most repeated phrase in therapy: “The only way through emotional pain is to let yourself be in emotional pain. To sit in it. You gotta feel your feelings."

To connect with Calix:

IG: yourbestlife.calix

 
 

Sharmishtha Gupta

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Sharmishtha Gupta is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (NY) with over nine years of experience supporting adolescents and adults. Currently based in Singapore, her practice serves local and expatriate communities in Singapore as well as clients online in New York and across Asia.

As an adult Third Culture Kid (ATCK), her journey to develop her own sense of self has shaped her calling to help clients navigate cultural identity, adjustment, assimilation, and family dynamics. She aims to create a safe and supportive space for clients to fully unravel the layers of their individual experiences and find connection, meaning, and belonging in this ever-so-complicated world.

Outside of work (and sometimes in between sessions!), Sharmishtha enjoys naps and cuddles with her partner and two kitties, cozy gaming, and singing endless amounts of karaoke.

To connect with Sharmishtha:

IG: @odyssey_wellness

LinkedIn: Sharmishtha Gupta

Website: https://www.odysseywellness.co/

 
 

Aaliyah Nurideen

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Aaliyah Nurideen, LCSW, LCSW-C is a multi-passionate licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, healing justice advocate, and owner of Ashé Mental Health & Wellness Space. With 10 years of experience in community mental health, psychotherapy, and organizational leadership, Aaliyah brings a dynamic and compassionate approach to creating spaces where mental health and creativity intersect. Her career has been dedicated to fostering environments of care, safety, and authenticity, particularly for Black and Indigenous communities. Aaliyah’s expertise lies in building systems that prioritize mental wellness and empower individuals to thrive. She is also the creator of Connections Cards™ and the brand Therapy is Not a Bad Word™, both of which reflect her commitment to making mental health accessible, engaging, and culturally grounded.

To connect with Aaliyah:

Bri Angele, lpcc

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Brianna Angele, or Bri, has worked in the helping professions for over a decade and is now a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (aka a mental health therapist) specializing in working with religious trauma, neurodivergence, queer/poly folx, those in the helping professions, and teenagers.

She helps clients form a healthy self image, strengthen their relationships, and heal from/ cope with chronic stressors. Ever curious, Bri doesn’t just talk to clients about these things, but reflects on them in her off time, researching topics relevant to her life and those she loves. She isn’t just a psych nerd though, she loves learning about healing across cultures and history.

To unwind, Bri does things she loves with people she loves, everything from traveling and board game nights to water polo and watch parties. Bri has been with her partner and husband Jeff for 4 years, and her Besties for anywhere from 5 years to almost 33 years. Bri and Jeff parent two fur babies, cats Loki and Artemis.

To connect with Bri:

IG: @hoomantherapist

TikTok @hoomantherapist

 
 

Kaity Rodriguez, LCSW

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Kaity Rodriguez, LCSW, is a psychotherapist, author, and media expert with a passion for educating and inspiring women and minorities to live amazing lives. Her private practice, The Houston Relationship Counseling Center, specializes in treating couples, individuals with relationship challenges, and women struggling with confidence and self-esteem.

Kaity is a former Miss New Jersey USA and the author of “The Confidence Project Journal: 52 Journal Prompts to uncover personal strength and stop self doubt”, as well as “Welcome to the Couch: a Beginner’s Guide to Therapy.” She has been featured on outlets such as FOX News, News 12 NJ, and NBC. Kaity values living an adventurous, purpose filled life, and equips other women to do the same.   She recently completed a year and a half as a digital nomad, working remotely while exploring international locations such as Panama, Ghana, and Europe.

To Connect with Kaity:

IG: @kaitybrodriguez

TikTok: @kaitybrodriguez

Website: https://www.kaitybrodriguez.com/

 
 

Dannyell Rasco

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Dannyell Rasco is a wife, mom and therapist who believes in keeping it real while supporting people through life’s toughest moments. As a true girls' girl, she’s passionate about helping others navigate life, relationships, parenting, and personal growth with honesty and grace. With a deep love for opening minds and shifting perspectives, she reminds people that while life can be hard, it won’t always feel this way—and sometimes, all we need is a little support to realize that everything will eventually be okay.

To connect with Dannyell:

IG: @Dannyellxo + @IdWantToKnow

Email: dannyellrasco@gmail.com

Email List: https://blue-flower-82495.myflodesk.com/o43oya84bn

 

More therapists to come…

Make sure you are keeping up with Real Talk Friend Therapy to discover new mental health counselors to help you live your best life!

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Daysha VeronicaReal Talk Friend Therapy, Therapy, Therapist, Interpersonal RelationshipsComment