Get to know Puja.

City & Background

Puja Dedhia (She/Her) is a mental health counsellor from Mumbai who practices online and offline. They practice in Grant Road.

They're 28 years old and have been practicing since 3 years.

English, Gujarati, and Hindi are some of the languages they know, and hourly fee is (₹) 1,000 - 1,500.

Education

They have the following qualifications: MA (with specialization in Clinical Psychology).

Additional qualifications:Queer Affirmative Counselling Practices Course, MHI,30 Hours Experiential Course on Gestalt Therapy, PsychPhoenix.

Why they became a therapist.

"Pursuing a career in psychology was suggested to me early on in my career journey, and I simply followed suit. But, after going through therapy for my own mental health issues and experiencing the life-changing impact it had on my life, I decided that I would truly like to provide mental health support to others and make a meaningful difference in someone's life. As a result, I am now a mental health professional."

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

"In the initial session, I want my clients to feel heard and comfortable. They can anticipate a safe environment for them to bring up anything that feels right at that moment. All their thoughts, feelings, and emotions are welcome."

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

"My values of a non-discriminatory therapy space, irrespective of one’s gender or sexual identity, inform my practice. The Course on Queer Affirmative Practices by MHI has helped me gain an understanding of how a therapist can make their practice affirming. Conversations and interactions with individuals belonging to different gender and sexual identities outside of therapy space help me build and sharpen my perspective and worldview."

Areas of concern they address in counselling.

"I work with clients experiencing various concerns, like challenges in interpersonal relationships (family, friends, or intimate), anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem, and behavioural concerns, to name a few. I have experience working with clients ranging in age from seven years old to fifty years old."

A Quote Puja Resonates With.

"I know a girl from an island, she stands apart from the crowd. She loves the sea and her people, she makes her whole family proud. Sometimes the world seems against you. The journey may leave a scar. But scars can heal and reveal just where you are. The people you love will change you. The things you have learned will guide you. And nothing on Earth can silence, the quiet voice inside you. ~ I am Moana (Song of the Ancestors) by Rachel House"