I have always been fascinated with the inner world of individuals. This was the reason that as soon as I learned to read, I have been an avid reader of books. As I grew older, I understood that misery is an inevitable part of all our lives and human connection is one of the most important antidote to it. When I learned that counselors are professionals who train in how to make use of this connection to support people through their distress, I knew that this is what I wanted to do. After spending all these years in the field, I am glad that I chose this profession.

I like meeting my clients and supporting them on their journey. I feel honored that my clients chose to share their vulnerabilities with me and trust me to help them. I am amazed at the courage and resilience of the human spirit.

I would like them to know that our time together is a non-judgemental empathetic space for them. I would want them to know that I am curious and very interested in listening to what they have to say to me, that I will try my best to understand their experience and that I want them to feel better.

It gets easier. The process of looking for a therapist and going for your first session might be daunting, but with each step, it gets easier. It is okay to feel slightly hesitant or nervous. Your comfort with the process will gradually build.

Counselors/therapists are well versed with the limitations of our context. We understand that sometimes getting much needed support (even if we have close friends or family) can be difficult. We also understand that regardless of the increasing awareness, seeking therapy is still a taboo for many people. I keep this in mind when I work with my clients. I try to build a safe space for you where you feel comfortable to share your experience.

It is okay to take time to finally identify a therapist and book your first session.

If you are looking for a therapist, it obviously means that you or a loved one is in distress. Hard times can be painfully slow. But help is available if you ask for it. Either we help you to problem solve the situation you are struggling with or if it an unchangeable situation, we support you in the process of dealing with it the best you can. Either way, I am here to support you in making life less difficult.

I have a collaborative approach as a therapist. This means that you are consulted at each step in this process. What concern or topic you bring to the session is entirely your choice. Once you begin to share what is on your mind, I try my best to ensure that both of us reach a mutual understanding of the problems you would like to tackle and the kind of goals you wish to set. Soon after, I provide you with options of how you wish to address your concerns. We use the method you choose.

I have learned from my clients that even in our lowest, all of us have it in us to overcome obstacles in our life, with sustained support.

My patience, curiosity and respect for other people’s lives.

I really like walks in the park. Being around greenery is calming for me and so is moving my body. I like to cook simple meals or bake. I like to paint and draw too. I like to read. And of course, binge watch shows or movies.

I use person centered, CBT and narrative therapy. This means that I use an approach that considers the client an expert in their lives. Your autonomy and choices are respected. I would let you guide the direction of our sessions most of the time.

How to share your experience, what to share, how much to share and when to share in a session are all decided by you. I am a respectful sensitive listener to your sharing of your story. I believe that many of us are not able to achieve our personal, social and professional goals because we have not received the required support for it. Thus, my focus is on providing you the kind of support you need.

There are times when the problem in someone’s life is because they do not have the resources to deal with their stressors. So I help you to build the necessary coping skills.

Our lives are connected to the lives of others around us and to the institutions we may be associated with. When required, I also encourage a discussion about these connections so that we can address the problems that arise from these associations.

I have ensured that the people I have collaborated with for providing me clinic space are queer affirmative themselves, along with a basic sensitivity of the staff in the clinic. Unfortunately, for now, we don’t have any visual representation in terms of the display of the pride flag or relevant literature in the clinic.

I have understood that language really matters. Using the correct pronouns while talking to or referring to someone in a conversation is really important. Not assuming anyone’s gender or sexuality, unless made abundantly explicit by that person is important. Centering client welfare and well being while talking about any other topic they bring up is equally important.

I believe it also helps to state at the outset, that I am queer affirmative so that the client does not have to ask.

Having said that, I believe that safety is never something that can be established once and for all. It is something that needs to be persistently built. Clients also continue to assess their therapists vis-a-vis safety for a considerable period of time. My commitment to building this safety is steadfast.

Several queer or trans clients seek therapy because of the distress they face due to alienation from the society and there are clients who seek therapy for entirely different reasons. People can be at different stages in their journey or may have varying kinds/levels of support when they seek therapy. I am careful to not connect anything or everything to their sexuality or gender while keeping in mind, that a lot of distress/suffering is caused due to lack of affirmative spaces in our context. This means that while conceptualizing their concerns and planning a relevant intervention for them, I ensure to keep the psycho-social framework in mind and not blame the client for their problems.

Social constructionism and intersectional feminism inform my approach. I understand the value of community care. Thus, prioritising a support network is an intrinsic part of any therapeutic endeavour. If the client doesn’t have an existing network, then I try to suggest spaces that may allow them to build that.

I go back to the basics of queer affirmative counseling we learned in college often. I keep updating myself with what resources I can add to my skill set to provide better services to my clients.