Friends and others around me often observed how easily I connect with people and that I have the ability to actively engage with them. I later noticed that I also loved listening to other people’s stories, and I would be quite fascinated by them. Hence, I was certain that I wanted to work in a profession that allows me to connect directly with people around me, and possibly also be in a position to be a facilitator of their emotional health. My attunement with the feelings of the people I converse with allowed me to easily connect with them, regardless of the age group they belonged to.

The connection I get to share with my clients is equally personal and professional at the same time is quite exciting for me. The mere fact that I get to speak with people of different age groups and collabratively work on their goals, witness their progress gives me a sense of fulfillment.

I prioritize creating a safe and non-judgmental space which can provide my clients the comfort to speak freely about their concerns and also feel hopeful as they work towards addressing them. Hence, it is quite crucial for me to build a strong rapport and connection that encourages open communication, emotional expression and vulnerability. Before the first session I offer a free consultation to gain a brief understanding of the prospective clients’ concerns and to determine if we are a good fit for each other.

I believe going for therapy can be a life changing experience and definitely a space to discover things about yourself. It’s a slow, gradual process and not a place to get solutions from, and hence patiently going through it and making room for curiosity can open you up to insightful perspectives. Counseling may perhaps not solve all of your problems but it definitely enables you to leave with better resources and perspectives to manage your concerns. It also enables learning about your triggers, being aware of skills that you already possess, coping mechanisms that you’ve been using - all of which can be employed to aid you in your healing.

I highly prioritize the therapeutic relationship between me and my clients and therefore, I emphasize upon the principles of equality and mutual respect in the relationship. This approach encourages a shift from an expert-centered stance to one that empowers the client and upholds their sense of agency and self-determination. I also believe in cultivating a safe environment within the relationship so that it creates space for different perspectives, openness, and compassion. I therefore, emphasize the importance of addressing challenging emotions, including anger towards the therapist, which I ultimately believe supports the client’s progress towards their goals.

There have been so many of them, but the ones that made a vast difference were the ones which allowed me to recognize the freedom of making mistakes and not showing up perfectly. Showing the courage to be vulnerable, acknowledging small slow changes and trying even if there are setbacks, and embracing the complexity of human relationships. These shifts in perspective have contributed to my growth as a counselor and have influenced how I show up in my personal life as well.

As a person, I openly express my emotions, without any constraints, not just verbally but also through facial expressions. This ability enables me to sit with the clients in their vulnerability, as well as to genuinely celebrate their achievements and moments of joy. I have also discovered that reframing client’s narratives by using metaphors and analogies or using examples of their own environment has often eased them into sharing their experiences with me. Lastly, my unwavering passion for this profession plays a significant role in my growth. It consistently motivates me to explore new therapeutic approaches, acquire new skills and knowledge, and learn new perspectives and unlearning biases I might have.

During my free time, I find pleasure in watching shows, particularly ones I’ve already seen unless I receive a recommendation for something new. I enjoy the visual storytelling aspect of shows and appreciate when the stories resonate with either my own life or the lives of those around me. Engaging in daily movement is important to me, whether it’s taking walks, dancing, or even doing chores like cleaning or organizing my wardrobe. I have a deep love for art and stationery, and I find joy in collecting and arranging stationery items. Although I find painting with acrylics or watercolors fascinating, I don’t engage in it as frequently as I would like. I am working on letting go of the need for perfection in my artwork and instead focusing on the process of creating it. I also value spending time with friends and indulging in good food, as I consider myself a foodie. I like to experience and try new cuisines, and enjoy the comfort that a good meal could bring.

My approach is client centered where the course and the pace of the session is directed by the client and not the therapist. I work from a trauma-informed lens, recognizing and addressing the impact of traumatic events in clients’ lives. This involves understanding triggers, exploring coping mechanisms, and fostering a sense of agency that promotes self-trust, emotional regulation, and a feeling of security. I also take into consideration the socio-cultural aspects - inequalities and oppression brought about due to discrimination based on caste, religion, gender and sexuality, as well as the conditioning a person’s been exposed to and all of this enables an understanding of how different experiences uniquely affect different groups of people. In my practice, I prioritize being queer-affirmative and actively refrain from adopting a neutral stance. In conclusion, I have a holistic approach that is person-centered, intersectional, queer-affirmative and incorporates a trauma-informed lens.

I believe that all practice should be affirmative and inclusive, and to create a safe space, I prioritize the use of inclusive language, refrain from making assumptions, remain mindful of my personal biases, and actively question the conditioning of a heteronormative lens. I understand that the concerns of queer and trans* clients are often stemming from systemic issues, that is, their non-acceptance by others, their denial, invisibility, and non-accessibility and limited knowledge among people in the society. Therefore, it is important to me that I maintain their respect and safety by using the appropriate pronouns and chosen names throughout the therapeutic journey and to the space we create together. I also firmly uphold confidentiality policies of all my clients that ensure safety and free expression without fear of judgment or harm. I am familiar with LGBTQ+ resources, support groups, inclusive and accessible spaces, and organizations that can provide valuable assistance to queer and trans individuals. Additionally, I take it upon myself to educate myself about gender identities, discrimination, violence, and ongoing systemic concerns, rather than placing the burden of education on the client.