Get to know Richa.

City & Background

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

They're 31 years old, identify as Queer, and have been practicing since 9 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 Clinical Psychology from SNDT University, Mumbai, 2014.

Additional qualifications: Treating Complex Trauma With Internal Family Systems, PESI 2022 Suicide First Responder Training, IAPP and Safe Space, 2021 Competencies for LGBTQ Affirmative Counseling, American Counseling Association, 2020.

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"

The Quote Richa Vashista Resonates With

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