Type: Therapist, Therapy, Psychologist (Currently on leave):
Tanya Ginwala Picture

Tanya (She/Her) is a mental health therapist from Dharamshala who practices online and offline.

Tanya is 33 years old, with at least 5 years of experience.

Not taking sessions.Accepts Enquiries via Email.

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  • Practicing Since: 5 years
  • Appointments Via: Phone Call, Email, WhatsApp
  • City: Dharamshala
  • Medium:
    • 🌐 Online
    • 📌 Offline
  • Qualifications:
    • MA (Clinical Psychology)
  • Additional Qualifications:
    • Narrative Practices Mental Health Training Program at Ummeed CDC
    • Somatic Trauma Training by the Somatic Wilderness Therapy Institute
    • Certificate in Applied Buddhist Psychology and Ethics
    • Diploma in Experiential Education
    • India Representative at the International Adventure Therapy Committee
    • NOLS Wilderness First Responder
    • UIAA Certified Mountain Leader
  • Languages Known: English, and Hindi (English might be their primary language for therapy)
  • Hourly Fee (₹): 1,000 - 2,000
  • Payments Via: Bank Transfer, UPI
  • Available On: Saturday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
  • Notes: For Persons with Disability - Pay as You Can, 40% of my slots are on a sliding scale of Rs. 1000- Rs. 2000. And the rest are at a fixed rate of Rs. 1500 per session.
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  • Why did you choose to become a counsellor?

    I have always found human beings fascinatingly complex, intriguing and resilient. As a kid I loved reading ‘real life’ stories about other human beings from far away lands.

    Growing up, I witnessed how my mental health impacted my overall well being, and resonated strongly with the fact that our mental, physical, social and emotional health are inter-connected. I experienced how having an empathetic witness during challenging times could make a world of a difference, and support healing in powerful ways.

    I decided that I wanted to equip myself with the skills to hold safe spaces for people to share their stories and connect with preferred parts of their identities. It has been the most beautiful journey, and I could not be more grateful to have the opportunity to do this work

  • What excites you about your work as a counsellor?

    I get to connect with the most wonderfully diverse bunch of human beings and spend time in nature with them.

    How cool is that!

    Building a relationship with my clients where they feel cared for and safe to truly be themselves is exciting.

    I also enjoy deconstructing patriarchy, capitalism, ableism and other dominant ideas floating around in society with my clients, to uncover the impact these are having on their mental health and well being. Thus supporting clients to restore agency in their lives, stop blaming themselves for the challenges they are facing and allow for self-compassion.

    I love celebrating little sparkling moments and hearing stories of resilience, creativity and hope.

  • What do you hope for your clients to experience after their first session with you?

    After our first session, I hope clients will go away feeling safe and SEEN for how they are showing up in life despite what the problem tries to convince them of. I love hearing about how they managed to get themselves to therapy, despite the odds. I usually spend the first session discovering my clients’ resources and I hope this makes visible many different ways of responding in their lives.

    The primary goal of the first session is really just to feel into each other’s presence and support me to understand my client’s lives and the hopes they are coming to therapy with.

  • What would you wish to tell a client who is thinking about seeking counselling?
    Therapy can seem daunting at first. It can feel strange to talk to a complete stranger about the intimate details of your life, and that’s completely understandable. Trust the process, but also listen to your instinct. If something feels off or you feel like your needs are not being met, please address it with your therapist. This space is about and for YOU! A good therapist will not take feedback personally and will be receptive when you speak your mind. You deserve a safe space to be yourself and receive support, and you don’t have to navigate this alone.
  • Describe the relationship that you would wish to build with your client in counselling.

    I value my clients’ (and my own) lived experience more than anything I could learn from a book or an ‘expert’, and rely on it to guide the therapeutic process. I am aware of not wanting to impose my way of thinking and being onto my clients, as I believe that they are the experts of their own lives. I am genuinely curious about them and enjoy learning from them.

    I encourage clients to share resources that have helped them in the past (which helps me learn about what works for them) and send them a range of resources to support them between sessions. I am vulnerable and engage in appropriate self-disclosure to normalize certain issues they may be facing, in the hope that it supports them to embrace their human-ness and feel safe and accepted for who they are.

  • In your counselling work so far, what has been your greatest learning from your clients?
    My greatest learning has been that human beings are resilient and adaptive beyond our imagination, and that hope exists in the darkest places. People find so many beautiful and unique ways of surviving the most challenging situations!
  • What are some of your strengths as a counsellor that you value and appreciate?

    I enjoy working with adolescents, young adults and adults. I also run a support group for people with physical disabilities, and offer 1-on-1 therapy for people from the disability community on a pay-as-you-can basis.

    I am trauma-informed in my approach, and work with people struggling with - anxiety, depression, grief and loss, past traumas, emotional difficulties, psychosomatic health conditions and navigating relationships.

  • What are some of the things you like to do in your free time?
    In my free time I enjoy going for walks with my dog, spending time in the forest, hiking, reading, napping, listening to music/podcasts, hanging out with my friends and doing nothing ☺
  • What are the areas of concern you address in counselling? Do you work with specific populations?

    I enjoy working with adolescents, young adults and adults. I also run a support group for people with physical disabilities, and offer 1-on-1 therapy for people from the disability community on a pay-as-you-can basis.

    I am trauma-informed in my approach, and work with people struggling with - anxiety, depression, grief and loss, past traumas, emotional difficulties, psychosomatic health conditions and navigating relationships.

  • What is the therapeutic approach you use? How would you describe it to someone who wants to consult you for therapy?

    My therapeutic approach is predominantly influenced by Narrative practices, Somatic approaches, the field of Trauma studies, Mahayana Buddhism and Adventure & Nature based Therapy. I enjoy working with clients outdoors individually (walk and talk therapy, hiking, nature based therapeutic interventions) and in groups (Forest healing walks, backpacking, hiking). I have extensive experience leading inclusive outdoor adventures for people with disabilities and non-disabled folks, with the aim of fostering social inclusion and personal growth. I believe the outdoors are for everyone and that many of the problems we face stem from our disconnection with nature. I see nature as my co-therapist and believe that connecting with her facilitates deep transformation and healing.

    I tailor my approach for each client once I get to know them and understand their needs better.

  • How do you make your therapeutic practice a safe and affirmative space for queer and trans* folx?
    As an ally, I take the responsibility of educating myself by learning from the lived experiences of the queer and trans folx in my life/in the online space, and reading and watching as much material as I can on the subject. Being vocal about issues affecting the community. I also plan to attend a queer affirmative therapy training program to ensure my practice is a safe and affirmative space for queer and trans folx.
  • The Quote Tanya Resonates With

    And the day came, when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.

    AnaĂŻs Nin

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