Get to know Apeksha.

City & Background

Apeksha M (She/Her) is a mental health counsellor from Bengaluru who practices online. They practice in Central Bengaluru.

They're 27 years old, identify as Queer, and have been practicing since 4 years.

Hindi, Kannada, and English are some of the languages they know, and hourly fee is (₹) 2,000 - 2,300.

Education

They have the following qualifications: Master of Science in Counselling Psychology, Sampurna Institute of Advanced Studies, Bangalore.

Additional qualifications:Gestalt Psychotherapy - Accredited Certificate, Udemy - May 6th 2021,Certificate Course in Counselling at the Intersections of Marginalization and Tech-Assisted Counselling - The Alt/Ernative Story.

Why they became a therapist.

"Honestly, I have always been drawn to people and their narratives and stories and witnessing and empathising with each narrative, irrespective of them having reasons or not -this is something which has come quite naturally to me since I was a child. I couldn't think of opting for any other profession apart from psychotherapy, because this is something that comes quite naturally, genuinely, passionately and easily to me - supporting folx and …"

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

"The first session would be an opportunity for me and the client to get to know each other to some extent and to speak about their narrative, definitely, and also about expectations from therapy. This would also give them an idea about what sessions with me would be like. Take back after the first session, well, I will be speaking about my practice, approach and style of working, how I show up in sessions and outside, and give a realistic idea …"

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

"By believing your narrative, to begin with. Followed by being inclusive, open and curious about your narrative. Being queer myself and my experiences have been resonant with folx. I start by asking for name, gender and pronouns of every person who I work with, irrespective of their gender and sexual identity. You are allowed and open to talk to me about your experiences and be assured that I will not be discounting or dismissing any of them, …"

Areas of concern they address in counselling.

"I am a trauma informed, queer affirmative, neurodivergence inclusive therapist. I work with clients living with grief, trauma, neurodiversity, abuse / violence, crisis narratives, interpersonal / relational difficulties, family or marital concerns, anxiety, depression, psychological distress and other mental health concerns. I predominantly work with young adults, adults and adolescents."

A Quote Apeksha Resonates With.

"We might not be able to understand some experiences of others and that is alright, the least we can do is respect it."