About Me

Hi, I’m Ruki Panjwani (she/her), a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate and the founder of Amala Counseling, practicing under the supervision of Toni La’Zurs, LPC-S. I work with individuals, couples, and families both virtually and in person from my practice in Houston, TX.

I hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University, which is CACREP accredited and psychodynamic focused—an approach that helps clients explore the deeper roots of their emotional and relational struggles. Psychodynamic work doesn’t just focus on surface level changes and coping strategies—it focuses on critical understanding of how things came to ‘be.’ As I often share with clients, psychodynamic therapy doesn’t just ask “what happened to you?”—it also asks “what world did you grow up in?” Culture isn’t just a backdrop—it’s part of how we form our worldview, attachments, process emotions, and develop our sense of self. This deeper work leads to insight, relief, and lasting change—not just quick fixes.

You won’t find one-size-fits-all solutions here. My work goes deeper—because real healing means understanding the roots, not just managing the symptoms. I help you explore how your past experiences, relationships, and cultural background have shaped your beliefs, emotions, and patterns. We’ll look at the “why” behind the “what”—so you can finally break cycles that no longer serve you.

In addition to being a Certified Trauma Practitioner (CTP), a neurodivergent specialist, and a Level Two PET-C practitioner (Pragmatic Experiential Therapy for Couples), I’m trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Martha Beck Life Coaching. I also bring the lived experience of being a wife, a parent to neurodivergent children, and a second-generation immigrant—perspectives that help me connect with the layers of your story that may have been misunderstood or unseen.

I have an eclectic approach to therapy so the work we do is attuned to your unique needs and focuses on bringing satisfaction in your relationships - not just with others but more importantly the one you have with yourself.