Growing up, I could see that people around me were struggling (including me). The pain was not the same. Pain meant different things to different people. Their coping techniques were different. When sharing those stories of pain, I saw rigidity in how other people viewed those stories. Living with those wounds and suffering bought about feeling of shame, guilt, and helplessness. Those stories and experiences made me view those wounds with acceptance and kindness.

What truly excites me as a counsellor is the opportunity to witness stories of hope, dreams, vulnerability, and resilience. It warms my heart when I witness stories of strength co-existing with stories of suffering.

Sharing those moments of pain and suffering can be overwhelming and can make one feel exposed and vulnerable, I would hope my clients to feel seen, understood and held after their first session. Additionally, I would want my clients to feel safe to explore their wounds and be their authentic self.

If you are reading this, I am glad that you are taking tiny steps towards helping yourself. Being unsure about what to speak about and how to go about therapy is understandable as it is a new experience. Exploring these vulnerable parts of yourself can be scary and its okay to take it slow. What usually helps is to take a small risk and begin the process, notice what feels right for you.
Your hopes and intention from this space will be clearer once you begin the process. Communicating your needs, feelings, doubts and boundaries can help you as well as your therapist to navigate this space with you.

I would want my clients to perceive this space of therapy as a space of warmth, acceptance, and empathy. Clients can bring in what feels comfortable and safe for them to explore in the sessions. I would respect it if they do not want to share certain experiences and set boundaries. If there comes a time, they feel ready, they can choose to bring in stories that makes them feel vulnerable and fearful to explore. I believe in exploring wounded parts of ourself with dignity and kindness.

Witnessing stories of resilience and strength amid stories of pain and suffering has been my greatest learning from my clients.

I like to believe that I am drawn towards the goodness that everyone holds. It helps me reflect on the greyness of life and acceptance of another human being.

In my free time you will find me taking care of my plants, driving around alone late at night, listening to music, doodling, playing with strays and connecting with friends.

My approach is mostly eclectic in nature which would mean that I tailor my approach according to the client’s needs. I borrow from Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Trauma Focused Psychotherapy and Transactional Analysis. My work is trauma informed and queer affirmative. I believe that navigating larger social systems and understanding its impacts. Additionally, I make use of art and mindfulness to safety navigate client’s experiences.

I communicate my views of anti-oppression stance in my sessions by using inclusive language, inclusive listening and asking questions regarding their preferences. I educate and train myself through literature and community engagements to use the lens of inclusivity in my sessions.