Background & Training
As a practicing psychotherapist in India, I have experience in a range of settings, including community mental health organisations, schools, rehabilitation centers, and community-based youth centers, where I've served in diverse roles. I hold a MSc. in Counselling Psychology with a specialisation in Group and Couples/Family Therapy from Montfort Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru; complemented by an academic background in political science from University of Delhi.
To enhance my practice, I actively engage in ongoing professional development and training through weekly clinical supervision from Hank Nunn Institute. I'm also currently in the Foundation Year of the Group Analytic Psychotherapy training by Group Analysis India affiliated to the Institute of Group Analysis, UK.
In the past I have trained at Hank Nunn Institute, undergoing their 6 month practitioner training and have completed a diploma program in Anti-Caste Mental Health Practices by The Blue Dawn & Narrative Practices India.
I identify as queer and my cultural background is Bengali and Malayali. I speak English, Hindi, and Bengali.
Long-term Training
Trainee - Group Analytic Psychotherapy | Sep '24 - ongoing
Group Analysis India, affiliated to Institute of Group Analysis, UK
Convened by Dr. Farhad Dalal
A multi-year program integrating group therapy, theoretical study, and supervised practice to develop expertise in a social-relational therapeutic approach to groups.
Anti-Caste Mental Health Practices Diploma | Mar '24 - Oct '24
The Blue Dawn & Narrative Practices India Collective
Facilitated by Raviraj Shetty and Divya Kandukuri
Exploring the link between India's caste system, the politics of experience, and mental health, while addressing caste prejudice and developing anti-caste practices.
UNREAD - 6 Month Practitioner Training | Sep '21 - Feb '22
Hank Nunn Institute
Covered psychotherapy basics, developing a holistic and culturally congruent 'distress over diagnosis' framework informed by relational psychodynamic, Group Analysis, and Therapeutic Community principles.
Professional Experience
Private Practice
Counsellor | Jul '24 - Present
St. Joseph’s Girls High School & Pre University College
Counsellor | Sep '23 - Apr '24
Medico Pastoral Association, Halfway Home & Therapeutic Community
Trainee | May '23 - Jun '23
Makkala Jagriti
Counsellor, Yuva Jagriti Program | Apr '23 - May '23
Higher Power Foundation Rehabilitation Centre
Counsellor | Apr '23 - Jun '23
Hank Nunn Institute
Administration & Communications Manager | Jul '21 - Jul '23
Volunteer | Feb '21 - Jun '21
Short-term Training
Sexuality Academy / Jounatar Pathshala | Mar '24
Sappho for Equality
Learning about gender and sexuality by examining how they are shaped by a combination of historical and current factors such as caste, religion, the state, our bodies, disability, livelihood, and societal morals.
Workshop on Attachment - Families and Relationships | Mar '24
International Attachment Network India, in association with IAN UK
Facilitated by Dr. Mario Marrone, Dr. Javier Sempere and Claudio Fuenzalida
Training in clinical applications of the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI), Inter-family Therapy and Attachment in the context of sexuality.
Trauma Informed Approaches in Mental Health Care | Dec '23 - Jan '24
Banyan Academy of Leadership in Mental Health
Facilitated by Dr. Archana Padmakar, Dr. KV Kishore Kumar, Aditi Ghanekar, Varsha Vinod and Dr. Lakshmi Ravikanth
Training to understand and address trauma in global and local contexts, including vulnerable settings, and to facilitate post-traumatic growth.
Living Learning Experience - 3 day Transient Therapeutic Community | Jan '23 & Mar '25
Hank Nunn Institute
3-day residential, experiential learning for reflective practice and psychosocial growth, enhanced by community.
Mental Health Emergency Helpline Training | Jan '23
Vandrevala Foundation
3 day training in psychological counselling and crisis mediation for anyone who is experiencing distress through their crisis helpline.
Working with Trauma Webinar | May ‘22 - Jun ‘22
Hank Nunn Institute
Facilitated by Hena Faqurudheen
Working with trauma in individuals and communities to gain an understanding of trauma lens/perspective in mental healthcare work and practice.
Education
Montfort Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru | 2022 - 2024
MSc. in Counselling Psychology
Specialised in Couples/Family Therapy & Group Therapy
University of Delhi, India | 2018 - 2020
Masters in Political Science
Ramjas College, University of Delhi | 2015-2018
Bachelors (Hons) in Political Science