Get to know Akshata.

City & Background

Akshata Chonkar (She/They) is a mental health counsellor from Bengaluru who practices online.

They're 27 years old and have been practicing since over 4 years.

English, Hindi, and Marathi are some of the languages they know, and hourly fee is (₹) 1,200 - 1,500.

Education

They have the following qualifications: MSc Mental Health Studies (Children and Young People), The University of Edinburgh (2020),BA Psychology, English, Communications (Triple Major), Christ University (2019).

Additional qualifications:Integrated Mindfulness Based Practice Training (IMBPT) (2022).

Why they became a therapist.

"My experiences of finding safety in different communities made me realise that I want to be able to provide that to others as well. I find the space to be one where honesty, safety and accountability can be experienced through support and care."

What they'd like a client's first session to be like.

"I always wish to create a space where one can truly begin learning about themselves in safe and comforting ways. I aim to create a space of hopefulness and trust, where clients may feel acknowledged, held and witnessed for who they are and wish to be."

How they make their practice a safe and affirmative space for queer and trans* folx.

"My training in Queer-Affirmative practices has helped me learn tools and strategies to better support folks belonging to the queer-trans community. However, my work is influenced by my own experiences of learning, safety, resistance and care which I have received from my community, which involves many queer and trans individuals. I feel a deep sense of responsibility and gratefulness to belong to this community in small ways, and hold the …"

Areas of concern they address in counselling.

"I work with adolescents and young adults between the ages of 12-25, along with adults typically belonging to the ages 25-45 years. I work on issues related to mood such as depression and anxiety, and concerns regarding relationships, work, academic pressures and marriage. I have found that a majority of the clients I work with experience issues with self esteem and confidence, in very unique ways. I have worked extensively with folks belonging to …"

A Quote Akshata Resonates With.

"To tell the truth is to become beautiful, to begin to love yourself, value yourself. And thats political, in its most profound way. ~ June Jordon"