Get to know Prarthana.

City & Background

Prarthana Sham (They/Them) is a mental health counsellor from Bengaluru who practices online.

They're 29 years old, identify as Queer, and have been practicing since 7 years.

English, Hindi, and Tamil are some of the languages they know, and hourly fee is (₹) 1,800.

Education

They have the following qualifications: MA in Applied Psychology.

Why they became a therapist.

" Earlier on it was because I was curious to understand why people think or act the way they do. I was interested in how we as people tend to react to the same thing in different ways. As a teenager, I also enjoyed giving agony-aunt type advice to my friends and was quite surprised when it actually did help them in some way. I realized with time that it wasn’t actually my advice that helped as much as the act of talking and listening that gave …"

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

"In the first session I am primarily focused on two things - (1) is to understand the concerns and needs of the clients and (2) is to make sure that the client has some idea of what my work looks like. After the first session I am hoping for the client to have a clearer sense of what we’re getting into and my approach towards it. If the client is coming into therapy for the first time in general, then I also make sure to spend some time in …"

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

"As a queer person myself, I’ve spent time in deconstructing several assumptions and narratives we tend to have about love, our bodies and our politics. Fortunately, I’ve had the opportunity and experience in facilitating workshops and support groups for the community. I open up the therapeutic space to be one where clients can explore different aspects of their identity and sexuality. Doing so with my clients has been enriching and is an …"

Areas of concern they address in counselling.

"I primarily address psycho-social and emotional concerns of adults in my work. I have experience in working with trauma, sexual violence, substances, marginalization, interpersonal relationships, attachment and common mental health concerns. I work with individuals and couples as well. I also offer conjoint therapy for two people outside of romantic relationships as well (e.g., parent-child, queer-platonic, sibling relationships) "

A Quote Prarthana Resonates With.

"“Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.” ― Brené Brown,"