When I look back, I think the idea was just to be in a helping profession. Choosing psychology wasn’t a conscious choice, I became drawn and inclined as I walked the path ahead. Resonating with the work, intention and core values. The field chose me and then I chose to embody it. As I learned about psychology and counselling, I saw the work closer to what I stand for- which is authenticity in relationship with self and others, having meaningful connections and capacity to be vulnerable.

The therapy journey indeed, which is so unique, uncertain, empowering and discomforting and all is welcomed. I sit with my clients’ as a learner. Being a therapist, I get a sneak-peak into a person’s world, a small world with so many stories, a rainbow of emotions and walking their journey with them, visiting spaces that are dark, finding wisdom along the way. My horizon as a person expands with each client, each story shared, each lesson learned. Overall, the unknowingness of this space, navigating and learning the virtues, values and wisdom along the way, excites me as a counsellor.

I think the feeling of, “I can give it a shot!” Or I felt “warm, accepted and understood.” For many the 1st session could be new, strange, anxiety-provoking or overwhelming (not the case always but yeah, those jitters, apprehensions are all okay!) and if after the first session, they feel at ease with sharing 50 minutes with me, I think it’s a job well done. Besides, I’d like them to have some understanding of the work that I do, how the process with me is going to look like and how therapy is a shared space and the work may be long term anchored on the therapeutic relationship between me and my client.

I see you, you’ve thought of this space and it’s a brave choice you are planning to take. Reach out, because it is okay to seek help sometimes. We can do it alone ( I absolutely believe in your ability to manage your life concerns without me or any other therapist) but you don’t necessarily have to do it alone, as humans, we are not meant to be alone in times of need, in times of crisis, in times of challenges. We are relational beings and together we navigate life situations with a much broader perspective, more possibilities and if we’re stuck, we are in it together. My idea as a therapist is to empower you, with the skill set, techniques (of course) but also bring you closer to yourself.

The autonomy is all yours, at any given time you wish to discontinue, you can let me know. You need another therapist, you let me know. You need a break, you let me know. You feel upset or disappointed, you let me know. You need to know, that you can let me know and it will be taken care of and its all okay.

I think what I intentionally try and practice in sessions and in my personal life is being authentic and intentional in my work and relationships. That is also how I would prefer my therapeutic relationship with my clients to be. Where we show up for each other, believe in one another’s intention to support and grow backed by trust and safeness. How the relationship for me looks like is- there is mutual respect and regard for one another, we may disagree and disagree without feeling inferior or attacked, where we can be our raw selves, where we can be not-so-perfect humans and be okay with that, where we can own up our mistakes and work towards repair with genuineness.

As a practitioner, I think I fall back on how much I co-learn with my clients. I am not significant, my client is and I am always amused by their innate strength, abilities and wisdom. It doesn’t take a lot of techniques to live life, techniques are catalysts, but what I keep reminding myself is that I am born a human and I need to be just that to hold my client.
Interactions with my client have also ground me, see the silver lining in some scary truths of life like death, uncertainty, loneliness and impermanence. I am able to hold space for both ideas- how insignificant I am in my larger universe and how much value and significance I carry with my presence in spaces I occupy and in my own life. It gives me strength to float from not being ok to sailing through life challenges holding onto hope, faith, trust and belief in self. I thrive on lived experiences, sharing meaningful connections and doing deep work and my learnings reside in these.

I value in me, the intentional approach that I have towards life. My intention of being authentic, a value-laden person guides me professionally and personally. I am somebody who is growth oriented, open to learning, perspectives and expanding my world view as I experience life. What I sit with as a therapist, is my innate wisdom and intuition, I trust myself to support clients’ with learning from life experiences, skills and knowledge.

In my free time, I enjoy dancing, painting and travelling-they allow me to express myself creatively and recharge. I value moments of solitude, whether it’s going for walks or simply reflecting and introspecting. I’m also curious about financial investments and enjoy learning about them. Music is a constant companion and I deeply cherish connecting with friends and family. Besides that stand-up comedy has my interest.

My approach to therapy is grounded in creating a space where you feel safer, seen and supported-just as you are. I believe that each person’s story is unique and healing looks different for everyone.

I work in a way that is trauma-informed and sensitive to grief, which means I understand how past experiences, losses or overwhelming emotions can shape how we think, feel and relate to others. I take care not to rush you or judge you-I move at your pace, with compassion and care.

At the heart of my work is a humanistic approach, which means I see you as the expert of your life. I’m here to walk alongside you, helping you explore your thoughts and emotions, strengthen your inner voice, and reconnect with what matters to you.

I integrate a range of tools and techniques based on what best supports you. This includes helping you notice and shift unhelpful thought patterns (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), building emotional awareness and healthier coping strategies with Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and gently exploring the different parts of yourself that may hold pain, offer protection or seek growth-drawing from Internal Family Systems (IFS). I also use body-based (somatic) and mindfulness practices to help you feel more grounded and safer in your body and bring presence into your daily life.

You don’t need to know any of these names or methods-I’ll meet you where you are, and we’ll figure out together what feels most supportive for you. Therapy with me is about building trust, working gently through difficult emotions and helping you move toward a life that feels more aligned and meaningful.

I actively engage in ongoing learning and unlearning. I regularly attend workshops, courses and training programs focused on queer-affirmative practices. I remain conscious of my own privileges, hold space for continuous self-reflection and challenge any internalized biases I may hold. I’m also supported in this work by my supervisor, Ms. Kajal Makwana, who is trained in QACP Counselling and consistently guides me in strengthening this lens in my practice. Furthermore, I stay open to feedback and regularly check in with my clients on their therapy experience.