Get to know Richa.

City & Background

Richa Vashista (she/they) is a mental health counsellor from Mumbai who practices online.

They're 33 years old, identify as Queer, and have been practicing since 11 years.

English, and Hindi are some of the languages they know, and hourly fee is (₹) 3,500 - 6,000.

Education

They have the following qualifications: M.A in Clinical Psychology from SNDT University, Mumbai, 2014.

Additional qualifications: Compassion & Resilience Fellowship, the Red Door Neurobiology of Trauma, NICABM Treating Complex Trauma With Internal Family Systems, PESI 2022.

Why they became a therapist.

"Back in school, I used to go about telling people that I want to be a Criminal Psychologist, mostly influenced by television. I was then convinced by my mother that I shouldn't take it up or I'll have stalkers around me all the time. Nevertheless, I took up Psychology as something drew me towards mental health and with time, I have a more nuanced understanding of what it means to me. "

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

"First sessions can induce anxiety or can feel daunting, since you are opening up to a complete stranger about yourself. I hope for my clients to leave the session feeling seen and heard with a hope that things are going to get better. We also discuss a sense of direction and pace that works for the clients, in their mental health journey. "

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

"I let everyone know, regardless of their gender or sexuality, that I am a queer person with mental health issues. It is a huge part of my identity that it's important that my client knows that about me. In my practice, I have always mentioned my pronouns, have questions around Gender & Sexuality in the intake form. As a queer person navigating therapy, your identity is most important and I make sure to make validate that. "

Areas of concern they address in counselling.

"LGBTQIA+, Perinatal Mental Health, Neurodivergence, Borderline Personality Disorder, Workplace Mental Health, Family systems & Relationships"

A Quote Richa Resonates With.

"In every breath, theres life ~ (Im more of a lyrics kind of a person over quotes.)"