When I was 14 years old, I read a book called “Tell Me Your Dreams” which spoke about a mental health condition called “Dissociative Identity Disorder” (DID) also termed as Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD), which is essentially the personality of an individual splitting into pieces because of a Traumatic event. Each of these personalities had their own quirks and preferences and was born to protect the host. I was intrigued by the absolute brilliance of the human mind to cope with a situation so distressing, with a solution so innovative, that I decided to pursue the field and learn more about it.

Ever since, there has been no turning back. I have loved every part and aspect of being on this journey. Stories have always intrigued me, and stories of clients’ lives experiences, their bravery, decisions, contexts still continue to keep me inspired. This was the reason I chose the field and the reason I turn up for my clients everyday!

There is an overlap in the previous answer. I think human lived experiences inspire me tremendously! Just being there to witness the way humans experience emotions, circumstances and grow and blossom keeps me going everyday! Apart from the stories, it is the honour of being the witness to the growth of another person keeps excited.

In the first session and the few sessions after, I encourage my clients to explore the therapy space to make it their safe space. I firmly believe that just calling it a “Safe Space” is not enough. I would like my clients to also experience the same.

So many things!! :D But let me try to address the important points here:
1. Coming to therapy does not mean that you are broken/abnormal/not good enough/problematic. It just means that you are insightful enough to understand your concerns and brave enough to ask for help when you need it!

2. You do not have to be all put together to be attending a therapy session. You are welcome in therapy in the very state of mind you are!

3. You have Rights and Agency as a client! You are not at the mercy of the professional helping you. YOU get to take all the decisions!

4. You dont have to call your therapist ma’am/sir. It might seem trivial, but it creates a power dynamic, which is not what therapy is all about!

5. No problem is trivial, no question is stupid, no observation is discussion unworthy!

That would be an equal, non-authoritative, safe, transparent relationship, which would invite a two-way feedback process, because unless and until I do not know what works for you, I cannot provide you the assistance you deserve!

During my training as a psychologist, we learnt treatment plans which were very structured an linear. My training taught me that organised is beautiful, steps are great!, But, my clients taught me that healing is non-linear, sometimes goes in cycles, and every time you meet yourself at an overlap, you are a different version of yourself. Perhaps, it is non-linear so that you can see yourself at the overlap, being another version and be proud of all the versions and see how far you got!

1. Transparency: I am usually transparent about most things, unless I know that there is a raw nerve.
   2. Humour: Life is serious, healing should not be! I bring in a dose of awkward jokes, puns and my own exclusive funny expressions to the sessions with me!
   3. Congruity: I practice 70% of the things I talk about! Believe me, that’s a good number
   4. Boundaries: I set and assert strong boundaries so that there is as little confusion as possible and my clients and I know exactly what to expect.

Most of my free time is spent watching /reading interesting stories, travelling, exploring food/cooking, walking, dancing or watching cat videos

Narrative Therapy is at the foundation of most of the work I do. It essentially means that each one of us has a certain narrative of out life, which is mostly based on multiple factors such as exposure, conditioning, early childhood experiences, personal biases, self esteem, societal rules and so on. Sometimes, our narrative does not cover the holistic experiences we have had as humans and thereby might become more restrictive, outdated, unhelpful or ineffective in itself. Narrative therapy is a way to get out of these limitations and vision! Together, we will deconstruct relevant aspects of your life, open ourselves to more perspectives and create a more holistic and effective narrative which would reflect in words, action and relationships.

I have received comprehensive training in addressing the unique needs and concerns of the queer community. I make it a priority to stay informed by regularly engaging with the latest news, literature, and relevant courses. I approach my conversations with clients from a place of genuine curiosity, eager to understand their experiences and perspectives more deeply. Whenever I identify a knowledge gap, I proactively seek out additional resources and continue my learning to ensure I can offer the most informed and supportive guidance. Apart from that, I genuinely believe that advocacy is a huge part of being an affirmative therapist, which I do practice in my personal and professional life.