| Whether it’s a planet’s retrograde motion, the universe throwing curveballs, or the weight of the unknown, I’ll meet you where you are. Paralanguage becomes crucial when a session is being conducted online. I tune into and pick-up on micro-expressions and rely on active questioning to ensure that my clients feel heard during a telehealth session. I like to tune into the stories the clients are telling themselves about their life which shapes their approach to it as well. I will help the clients bring these subconscious narratives to the forefront and become aware of how they may or may not be serving them. (Narrative Approach). I use value based mindfulness approaches (ACT) to facilitate a deeper understanding of self. I like to collaborate with my clients to come up with intervention techniques that they feel motivated to engage in. I don’t believe in dismissing a client’s belief systems. Be it a client’s faith-based beliefs or a lack thereof, I am able to take on my client’s perspective authentically. As therapists, we challenge our client’s unhelpful beliefs and thoughts. I like to have a candid therapeutic relationship where clients can challenge my approaches or established norms within the mental health field. I have worked in India, Bali, and the USA. I have experience working with individuals suffering from dementia, schizophrenia and clients navigating incorporating physical activity in their life even with a disability. Apart from these populations, I enjoy working with adolescents who find themselves overwhelmed with finding an identity as their bodies go through a surge of hormonal and physical changes. I have my master’s on counseling psychology, and I have successfully taken my LPC exam. I am license eligible and in the process of applying for my LPC license. I have completed trainings in CBT, mindfulness, and transactional analysis. I try to maintain a fluid balance between emotions and rationality. Clients tend to oscillate between needing a reality check one moment to requiring a grounding pause the next. I meet my client’s where they are without losing sight of where they could be. I like to take an insightful, compassionate and grounded approach while gently pushing my client towards self-reliance. I have had a quite a full life. I have had a tumultuous relationship with my faith and self-discovery. Even though I come from a traditional Indian Muslim family I was able to pursue my interests and travel solo for an international volunteering opportunity. I engage in a variety of activities for fun ranging from enjoying a home cooked meal or bbq with my family, to traveling with my friends for concerts and vibes. |