As a child, I was always fragile, with complex needs and sensitivities. The adults around me took me to the best of doctors and did every possible test under the sun to get me help; but I always knew, there was some anxiety hiding behind every stomach ache, some grief behind the headaches, and a ball of stress in my throat. Somehow, no one else was talking about this complex interconnection of mind and body, while even without the vocabulary to explain it, I understood it clearly. I think I was 10 when I first felt frustrated that no one was addressing this. As i grew up, I started seeing that others too go through similar things, and it was not just me. I saw so many people around me try, in vain, to treat the “symptoms” without dealing at all with the root of the issue. I was inspired from a very young age to change this, to work in this direction to help people get in touch with their psychological worlds, not for its own sake, but in order to explore the wealth of treasures and gifts it holds. The same sensitivity that allows us to feel sad, also allows us to experience joy, empathy and connection. The same imagination that causes anxiety, can also allow for creativity and innovation. And I want to help people find their own agency, shift and expand perspectives, and most importantly, embrace their humanness.

As a counsellor, working with people, there is NO end to learning and growth. Each individual is unique and different, and therefore has a unique set of needs. This challenges me to be on my toes, be attentive, be present and empathetic at all times. There is no “one size fits all”. The constant opportunities to learn and expand my consciousness, to connect with people and make them feel seen, heard and secure; to help them find their own inner power and authenticity, and to help impact change in the world are just a few of the things that excite me about my work!

First sessions can be filled with all sorts of mixed emotions. While there is the relief of trying something to help yourself, there is also the nervousness and stress of opening up to a stranger, and the vulnerability that comes with that.

In the first session, I hope to ease all of these feelings that my clients may be going through, so that the next time is just a little bit easier on them. I believe that it is not just the first session, but many more after, which will allow us to enter into a smooth therapeutic relationship, characterised by trust and openness, however, the first session does set the tone for the process and I hope to make the client feel secure and safe by allowing them to lead in a way - allowing them to let me know what they need, allowing them to control the pace of the session, not asking questions that might pressure them to unpack more than they are comfortable with at this initial stage.

Therapy is a collaborative process, of exploring together with a trained professional, your inner world. Being in therapy does not mean something is “wrong” with you. Therapy is not an attempt to “fix” something, rather it is a process of embracing your own agency. Of learning to recognize patterns, learn and unlearn, in order to build yourself. It is a process of developing more autonomy as you gain more insight and awareness of how things function in your psychological world. The intent to begin counselling itself is a big step, and a courageous and inspiring one at that.

I would like to build a collaborative and warm relationship with my clients wherein there is a sense of us as being a team that works together in the best interest of the client. I would like to cultivate a relationship where all subjects may be discussed and explored with a sense of safety, openness, trust, non judgement and kindness. With a sense of wonder and curiosity in my approach, I hope to also build a relationship where any misunderstandings or challenges can be openly addressed without defensiveness or feelings of insecurity.

Any person that is trying to work on themselves, and really look in the dark corners and crevices of their inner world - is highly inspiring. it takes a lot of courage and daring, to see oneself as one is, and to accept the audacious task of bringing about change. My biggest learning apart from being extremely inspired by my clients, is that we all already hold within us the wisdom we need. If the question arises within us, the answer also will. All that is needed is the right push, the right process, to bring out that which lies dormant within.

Over the years, some things i have really come to appreciate about myself are the need to remain in forward movement. whether it is in terms of constantly educating myself, or working on my own patterns and prejudice. I am embracing my humanness which allows me to stay humble and connect more closely with those i work with. In my practice, i have found a way to use stories, metaphors, and imagery; along with humor which help to ease difficult and painful conversations.

I enjoy reading, singing, listening to music, swimming; and am a student of Philosophy!

I use a humanistic approach to therapy. The central belief is that each person is whole in themselves, and capable of charting their own path. Every person is unique and capable of making good choices for themselves. The role of the counselor is to help the client explore and embrace their highest potential by creating a safe, non judgemental environment. The counsellor uses questions as a tool to gain insight into the clients experiences and provides a safe trustworthy space for the exploration of their thoughts, emotions and vibrant inner world - which will bring them closer to uncovering their unique strengths and values.

we live in a society that has conditioned ALL of us to a greater or lesser extent, to be heteronormative. I try to remain humble and constantly challenge my own prejudice. To be affirmative doesnt mean to be untouched by prejudice, but rather, to be willing to see it and change it when you do.

I try my best not to assume. not to assume someones preferred pronouns, instead - to ask. Not to assume how important their “queerness” is in the scheme of their global identity - for some it may be what makes them who they are, and for others it may be just one part of themselves which doesnt deserve/need the stage at all times.