Get to know Ishita.

City & Background

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

They're 29 years old, identify as Queer, and have been practicing since 6 years.

English, Hindi, and Bengali are some of the languages they know, and hourly fee is (₹) 2,000 - 2,500.

Education

They have the following qualifications: MSc Gender (Sexuality), London School of Economics and Political Science, 2022,MSc Neuropsychology, Gujarat Forensic Sciences University, 2018,B.A Psychology, Mumbai University 2016.

Additional qualifications:Trauma Informed Care Training - AltStory.

Why they became a therapist.

"When I started doing my degree in Neuropsychology, my plan was originally to go into academia, but as a part of an internship I was required to do a number of clinical hours at a deaddiction clinic, and CBT interventions were a part of my role there. I fell in love with the interactions I had with my clients there, who I got the sense were being seen as a list of symptoms, and seemingly for the first time were having a real conversation with a …"

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

"I hope for them to think that I will be a person who can facilitate safe, comfortable sharing with of their thoughts, regardless of how odd or embarrassing or nonsensical they may feel. While I don't want them to think of me as a friend, I do want them to think of me as a friendly person who they can approach. Lastly, I want them to also see me as a human being with my own needs of space, boundaries, rest and financial resources."

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

"I start by establishing to clients that I am part of the queer community myself and introduce my pronouns, and then ask for theirs. If they are unfamiliar with the concept of pronouns I briefly explain how they work, what some common pronouns look like and let them know that any time they would like to change them during the therapy process they are welcome to do so. I am also very mindful of not assuming that queer clients have different …"

Areas of concern they address in counselling.

"I work mostly with young adults who are either queer or women. I specialise in trauma counselling with marginalised folks, so while I do have my share of cis het and male clients, a majority of my clientele talk about their experiences (and struggles) sexuality and gender identity. I also specialise in therapy for people who have experienced intimate partner violence, and gender based violence. Since 2022, I have also built a niche for myself in …"

A Quote Ishita Resonates With.

"The master’s tool will never dismantle the master’s house. ~ Audre Lorde"