Meet Shivani Solanki

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shivani Solanki and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shivani, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor in my success as a therapist has been the ability to show up authentically in my work. For me, authenticity isn’t just a value—it’s a guiding principle. It means being fully present, honest, and grounded in who I am, which creates a safe and trusting space for my clients. When I bring my true self into the therapeutic relationship, it invites clients to do the same. That mutual openness is where real healing and growth happen.
At the core of my work is a deep desire to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Every person I meet in therapy has a unique story, and it’s a privilege to walk alongside them as they navigate challenges and discover their own strengths. I believe that being genuine allows me to build strong connections, and ultimately, that connection is what fosters change. Success, to me, is measured not by titles or numbers, but by the trust I earn and the lives I help transform.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up surrounded by Bollywood songs and bhajans, which sparked my early love for music. That passion led me to join choir in high school and continue singing through college.

One of the most impactful experiences I had was volunteering at a week-long camp for adults with medical disabilities. The camper I was paired with was nonverbal, and one of the few times I saw them truly light up was during music therapy sessions. That moment deeply moved me and inspired me to explore music therapy as part of my undergraduate studies.

Today, I offer music therapy services because I believe music is a powerful, creative, and healing outlet. It offers a unique way for people to connect and express themselves—especially for those who may feel overwhelmed by the pressure of traditional talk therapy.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting Dallas for a week, I’d make sure we hit all the best spots for food, fun, and relaxation. We’d start with tacos at Taco Deli, then shop at NorthPark and grab fresh ingredients from Eataly for a cozy night in. The next day, we’d head out for coffee at Summer Moon, followed by a visit to the Dallas Museum of Art to take in some culture. For lunch, we’d enjoy a flavorful meal at Si Tapas, where we’d definitely indulge in their crema catalana— the perfect end to the meal! Afterward, we’d spend the afternoon relaxing at the Dallas Arboretum. For dinner, we’d enjoy sushi at Uchi and then grab cocktails at Bar Collette. One day, we’d brunch at Il Bracco, then unwind with a trip to World Springs for a day of relaxation in their luxurious hot springs. Later, we’d enjoy dinner at Jeng Chi, known for its delicious dumplings. To mix in some adventure, we’d visit Activate, an interactive gaming experience. We’d spend one last morning grabbing coffee at Arwa Coffee and exploring Bishop Arts District before ending the week with a final round of drinks at Coupes!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to give a heartfelt shoutout to my parents who instilled in me the importance of giving back to the community from a young age. Whether it was volunteering at local shelters or simply showing up for those in need, they consistently modeled what it means to serve others with compassion.
As a South Asian family, my parents also broke cultural norms by encouraging me to go to therapy. At a time when mental health wasn’t widely discussed in our community, they never saw seeking support as a weakness—instead, they believed it was something everyone could benefit from. Their example laid the foundation for my passion for mental health and ultimately inspired me to become a therapist.

Website: https://www.intentionaltherapypllc.com/shivanisolanki

Instagram: shivani.counseling