Seleni Spotlight: Dr. Hila Sachs
October 2021 - Seleni is excited to announce that Dr. Hila Sachs will be joining our team next month. Dr. Sachs was born in South Africa and immigrated to the United States to pursue her career of becoming a clinician. Dr. Sachs has a special interest in women’s mental health, and is specifically passionate about increasing access to culturally-sensitive and high quality mental health care for women. She earned her masters and doctorate in Clinical Psychology from PGSP-Stanford.
What are your specialty areas? Why do you find these areas particularly important?
My area of interest lies in perinatal period. In the beginning of my training, my initial area of focus was child development however, after being exposed to Drs. John and Julie Gottman’s research, I found my passion shift to realm of parenthood and couples work. From there, I recognized the importance of a mother’s mental health when it comes to the well-being of her children.
What excites you most about being part of the Seleni family?
In my second year of my doctoral training I came across the Seleni Institute and knew that I had to eventually end up working there. While there is a lot I am excited for when I join the Seleni family, I feel most enthusiastic about being a part of a phenomenally talented team that is dedicated to increasing access to mental health for women, whether it’s by treating, training, supporting, or advocating for them and their families.
How do you practice self-care?
I feel most calm and at peace when on my yoga mat. While training for my 200 hour yoga teacher certification, I learned multiple forms of meditation and pranayama which have helped me tremendously. While every day looks different for me, I try incorporate a little of my practice to help keep me grounded.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
Jon Kabat-Zinn has inspired me a lot and one of my favorite quotes by him is “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” I think it goes hand in hand with something my father has always stressed, which is to focus your energy on what you can control in life. When your focus is turned internally, you’ll find that you have the skills to help you overcome whatever comes your way, and thrive!
Learn more about Dr. Hila Sachs here.
