Question 1

What types of issues do you work with in your practice?

Accepted Answer

I specialize in helping clients navigate a range of challenges, including:
Anxiety and stress management
Depression and mood disorders
Relational Trauma 
Self-esteem and personal growth
Work-life balance
Navigating relationships difficulties 
Building self-confidence
Finding balance in your daily life
Coping with grief and loss
Exploring your identity, including coming out
Understanding and embracing neurodiversity
We'll work as a team to find strategies that fit your unique situation. Whether you're facing a specific challenge or just want to feel more authentic, we'll create a supportive space where you can grow and thrive. 
Remember, you're the expert on your own life. My role is to create a secure base  so you can explore yourself as we work together towards your goals.

Question 2

What is the initial consultation and intake process?

Accepted Answer

The initial consultation and intake process is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and determine if we're a good fit. Here's what you can expect:
First contact: You can reach me via WhatsApp, phone,  email or fill in the form on the site for me to connect with you. 
Brief phone consultation: We'll set up a 15 min phone call to discuss your current concerns and what you're looking for in therapy. You can ask any questions you have about my approach or experience.
Scheduling: If we both feel it's a good match, we'll schedule your first full session. 
Paperwork: I'll send you intake forms to complete before our first meeting. These cover your background, current concerns, goals for therapy and informed consent that includes all the boundaries and policies of our work together .
First session: This 60-minute meeting allows us to dive deeper into your history and concerns. It’s an opportunity for us to understand each other and develop our working relationship. 
Assessment: Typically the first 2-4 sessions are important to develop trust and understanding in our relationship, as we continue to explore your needs and refine our approach.
Ongoing therapy: We'll typically meet weekly, adjusting the frequency as needed based on your progress and goals.
Remember, this process is collaborative. You're encouraged to ask questions and share any concerns throughout. Our goal is to create a comfortable, supportive environment for your growth and healing.

Question 3

What should I expect in my first therapy session?

Accepted Answer

The first session is all about getting to know one another. I'll ask about your background, what brings you in, and what goals you'd like to work toward. You can share as much or as little as feels comfortable. We'll discuss logistics like session frequency. Most importantly, it's an opportunity to see if we're a good fit and for you to get a sense of my style and approach.

When it comes to therapy there are no quick fixes and so its important to feel compfotable with your therapist before you can start healing. Usually its good to have a minimum 3- 6 sessions explore your therapeutic relationship. This is unless you find  your therapist to be unethical or hurtful in the prior sessions.

Question 4

How long does therapy usually take?

Accepted Answer

The length can vary considerably based on your unique needs and goals. Some people benefit from short-term solution-focused therapy of just a few months. Others may find ongoing therapy helpful for developing deeper self-awareness and creating lasting change, which could span a year or more. We'll regularly review and re-evaluate progress and the choice of discontinuing at any time, lies with you. It is your process and is the space is there to support you as long as you need it.

Question 5

How do you protect my confidentiality and privacy?

Accepted Answer

Therapist-client confidentiality is a core ethical principle I uphold and that is integral to any therapeutic relationship.  My practice is aligned with the ethical guidelines of the BACP  and so nothing you disclose will be shared without your written consent, except in extremely rare situations like immediate threat of harm. Session notes are securely stored. You can feel safe being fully open and honest in our sessions.

Question 6

What should I do if I have an emergency outside of session times?

Accepted Answer

If you're experiencing a mental health crisis and need immediate support, you can call emergency crisis lines anytime, day or night (available in resources). For non-emergencies, you can leave me a message and I'll get back to you as soon as possible, usually within one business day. We'll discuss an emergency protocol so you know what to do.

Question 7

How do I prepare for a therapy session?

Accepted Answer

Simply show up with an open mind! You may want to jot down anything you'd like to discuss so you don't forget. But don't put pressure on yourself to have everything perfectly planned out. Part of my role is guiding you through an authentic process of self-exploration. Dress comfortably and be ready for a safe, judgment-free space.

Question 8

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

24-hour notice: Please provide at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment.
Late cancellations or No Shows : If you cancel with less than 24 hours' notice or miss a session without any notification, you will be charged the full session fee
Emergencies: I understand that genuine emergencies happen. In case of a serious illness or unforeseen emergency, the cancellation fee may be waived at my discretion.
Frequent cancellations: If you frequently cancel or reschedule appointments, we'll discuss how this impacts our therapeutic process and explore how what you need going forward.

I'm committed to your care and growth, and regular attendance is crucial for progress in therapy. If you're having difficulty attending sessions, please let me know so we can address any obstacles and ensure you're getting the support you need.

Question 9

Do you offer online or teletherapy sessions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, online therapy is available and it makes for a convenient option for many of my clients, both across India and abroad.
I do offer tele-therapy sessions, however, this is more in the capacity of an alternative if the video in our online session fails or if a client is unable to access our other modes of therapy for safety and security reasons. I believe that seeing each other and feeling in the presence of the other is important for healing and support. Above all, our aim is to find the best way to make support accessible to all our clients.
I am available to work with clients globally, which means that regardless of your location, we can connect and work together. This is particularly beneficial for those who may not have easy access to culturally competent therapists in their local area.
As a South Asian therapist, I am especially equipped to work with experiences common to South Asian individuals, including family dynamic-related issues, identity challenges, and emotional difficulties arising from immigrating to predominantly white cultures. My background and expertise allow me to provide culturally sensitive support for those navigating the complexities of balancing multiple cultural identities, managing intergenerational conflicts, and addressing the unique stressors that come with being a person of color in a new cultural context.
Online therapy allows us to bridge geographical gaps and provides a flexible solution for those with busy schedules or mobility constraints.

Frequently asked questions