It is a field I stumbled upon in my journey to understand the WHY of what was I feeling and the curiosity kept me hooked. The journey has been slow, steady and insightful. I learnt along the way the importance of mental health and how it is central to the very concept of HEALTH. This led me to study Psychology and therapy on a more specialised level. Carl Rogers asks : “Am I living in a way which is deeply satisfying to me, and which truly expresses me?”. I seem to have found my answer in a meaningful way in my work as a therapist.

In an uber wired, fast paced world I see therapy as a place to dial down and listen to oneself. This is a place where emotions and authenticity gets seen and received with compassion. Being a therapist reflects a core part of me that enjoys getting to know people at a real level. This is a space where we share tears, laughter, anecdotes and some amazing insights on life and its many facets!

The feeling that all parts of the client are seen and heard in this therapeutic space without judgment and prejudice. The feeling of being listened as well as a felt sense of safety. The feeling that the client is treated as an equal and has a say and choice in the therapy space that is valued and appreciated.

Going for therapy does not need a big reason. Seeking therapy is a routine and preventive form of healthcare and does not always need a diagnosis or a big reason to try it out. Therapy is about emotional health which holds good for all of us humans. Therapy is a resource to get a better understanding of self.

Some words that I often use in the therapeutic space are ’noticing, allowing, friendly curiosity’ which to some extent sums up the kind of therapeutic relationship I hope to build: one which acknowledges the humanness of all parts of self. I hold the vulnerability that the client brings into the session with compassion and respect and is something I do not take lightly. It is crucial to be present and attuned to the client and a key component of therapy is for the client to feel seen and heard consistently. Therapy for me is a collaborative space which rests on a strong bond of trust, respect and transparent communication.

The ability to be present and listen well is far more important than thinking of clever things to say. Also simple expressions and words are far more powerful and don’t distract us with too many words to attend to and understand.

I believe my genuineness, friendly curiosity in the client’s inner experience and the authenticity that I bring into the therapeutic space are my key strengths.I don’t show up as a know all expert but as a fellow human who has her flaws as well as strengths and is comfortable owning up when a mistake happens.

Gardening, baking, reading books

I believe that one size cannot fit all and have an eclectic approach to therapy. My work is non directive, collaborative and my specialised training aids me to provide compassionate ‘here and now’ presence in the therapeutic alliance. In the therapeutic space I bring in components of embodied listening and grounded presence which helps me to stay present and deeply listen to the experience of the client. My approach borrows from a bunch of modalities like attachment pattern, mindfulness, interactions and relationships between parts of self, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy(CBT).

I use inclusive language and take personal responsibility to educate myself about queer and trans related stressors and the basics of affirmative practise.