Ever since I was 14, I have been drawn towards understanding and connecting with people. I have seen individuals struggle under the weight of ‘Mental Illness’ on some days, but very capably reduce its influence on their lives on some others. In all of this witnessing, a belief about people became more visible to me - that each individual could create a world for themselves and their loved ones where the problem does not define them. I chose to become a counsellor to be influential in co-creating this little world for them. It’s humbling and fills me with a lot of hope.

Getting to know the people behind the problems they present is what excites me the most in my work. It is a feeling of sheer privilege to hold space for people in my therapeutic conversations as they share their fears, problems, intentions, hopes, values, and what they hold most important.

After the first session with me, I hope for my clients to feel understood and listened to, to feel hopeful, to feel safe, and to take back with them the beginnings to discovering their personal agency.

Seeking counselling is part of taking care of yourself. If you feel scared, awkward, confused, or anything else while thinking about counselling, reach out to a counsellor and have a conversation about it. It is okay to ask questions. It is okay to feel however you are feeling. It is okay to ask for help. You are important and you are not alone in this.

A relationship of equals that is rich in respect, trust, honesty, care, solidarity, and partnership. I would wish to build a relationship that becomes a safe space for my clients.

I think one of my greatest learnings from my clients’ stories is the knowledge that courage and vulnerability can co-exist. My clients often say sentences that are such gems! I have begun to value staying close to a person’s language and my notes are mostly filled with their words. It’s beautiful how every time I re-read them, a new learning stands out.

My ability to listen well, to stay attuned to what people are feeling, my patience, having a warm presence, and a genuine desire to make connections with people.

I love to read, explore new genres of music, watch movies, and spend time with my close friends’ pets (while hoping and dreaming of adopting one of my own soon!). Sometimes I like to laze around and watch re-runs of my favourite TV shows. Making terrariums is a potential hobby of mine. It was really fun to learn and the ambivert in me basically found its spirit object.