Get to know Mehar.

City & Background

Mehar Makkar (She/Her) is a mental health counsellor from Mumbai who practices online.

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

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

Education

They have the following qualifications: M.A. in Applied Psychology- Specialization in Clinical Psychology, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (2018-20).

Additional qualifications:Queer Affirmative Counseling Practice (QACP), Certified by Mariwala Health Initiative (December 2020),South Asian Diploma in Narrative Practices, Narrative Practices India (January 2022– October 2022).

Why they became a therapist.

"Being a therapist was as much a professional choice as a personal one. Through the years of studying psychology and engaging with professionals in the field, I experienced my own personal growth and found meaning through the work, and that was a big part of what drove me to be a therapist. Further, I also came to see therapy as a space with potential not just for personal change but also for empowerment and advocacy, which was a big part of my …"

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

"After a first session with me, I hope that clients take away a feeling of being heard, feeling safe and not judged; as well as a sense of hope regarding the concerns that brought them to therapy."

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

"By recognising that being queer-affirmative goes beyond being queer-friendly, it means actively creating space for my client’s identity, recognising their unique life stressors, and bringing in conversations about the systems that marginalize and harm queer people. In the same attempt, I try to educate myself and constantly update myself on the concerns of the community through reading and trainings that align with these values, introspect on my …"

Areas of concern they address in counselling.

"I worked with young adults and adults on a wide variety of concerns which include but are not limited to self-image, emotional regulation, relationship issues, depression, trauma, abuse, as well as gender and sexuality. I also have experience working with clients experiencing suicidal and self-harm thoughts. While I work with a variety of populations, I have specialized training in working with queer individuals. I also work well with clients …"

A Quote Mehar Resonates With.

"Rarely, if ever, are any of us healed in isolation. Healing is an act of communion. – Bell Hooks"