Abirami (Abi) Suthan
Abi’s therapeutic approach blends evidence-based care with a health psychology lens, emphasizing the connection between mind and body. She has supported individuals navigating learning differences, ADHD, brain injuries, and other cognitive challenges through both neuropsychological and psychological assessments. Her master’s thesis on suicide-related beliefs with South Asian Americans grounds her work in cultural sensitivity, inspiring her to create a space where all identities, experiences, and stories are fully welcome and supported. Guided by curiosity and collaboration, Abi strives to explore each individual’s unique experiences to understand who they are now and how that connects to where they want to be. Abi is certified to work with our therapy dog, Lexie, in animal-assisted therapy sessions.
Abi holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Anthropology from the University of Toronto, and recently earned her Masters degree in Clinical Health Psychology from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Abi works with children, teens, and adults, supporting them through periods of change, growth, and self-exploration. She specializes in helping clients navigate depression, anxiety, physical health concerns, substance use, stress, and burnout as well as times of change or uncertainty. She is especially passionate about working with individuals navigating life transitions, cultural or identity-based challenges, and the ongoing pressures of balancing personal, family, and community expectations.
Her experiences living in different cities—from her hometown in Dallas, Texas, to Toronto, and now Michigan—have given her a deep appreciation for people adjusting to new environments and navigating unfamiliar contexts. Abi’s experiences as a resident assistant and early education tutor gave her the opportunity to support children and young adults through important life transitions, helping them adapt to new learning environments, build independence, and grow with confidence.
During her practicum in a neuropsychology clinic, she worked with clients of all ages who experienced brain injuries, motor vehicle accidents, and other cognitive and emotional challenges, strengthening her ability to provide thoughtful, individualized support. Abi prioritizes a holistic approach informed by health psychology, as she considers the whole person—how thoughts, emotions, physical health, and life experiences interact. She tailors her support to each client’s unique goals and experiences, drawing on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and humanistic principles to help them navigate challenges in a way that feels authentic and fulfilling.
Outside the office, Abi loves long walks outside, reading thrillers, Facetime calls with friends and family across the country, and spending time with her cat, Leo!
Clinical Approach
Abi understands that starting therapy or going through testing can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s something new or not often talked about. The idea of sharing personal struggles or completing an evaluation can bring up uncertainty, worry, and sometimes fear of what the results might mean. Abi works to ease that process by creating a space that feels safe and welcoming where clients can move at a pace that feels comfortable. She approaches each person as an individual—not just a diagnosis or a set of symptoms—so that treatment feels collaborative and grounded in their experiences.
When providing psychological and neuropsychological testing, Abi emphasizes that the process is not about labeling, but about understanding. Her goal is to help testing feel less intimidating and more like a tool that can guide growth, learning, and self-understanding. Throughout the therapeutic and testing process, Abi integrates her humanistic and values-driven approach, grounded in ACT. She strives to create a space of curiosity and collaboration where clients can explore their strengths and work towards goals that are meaningful to them.
Credentials:
Temporary Limited Licensed Psychologist
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