Deciding whether you need therapy is a personal and sometimes challenging decision. There are no hard and fast rules, but several signs and considerations can help you determine if therapy might be beneficial for you: 1. Emotional Distress: If you're experiencing persistent or intense emotions such as sadness, anxiety, anger, or guilt that are interfering with your daily life, relationships, or overall well-being, therapy can help you manage and understand these feelings. 2. Difficulty Coping: If you find it hard to cope with stress, major life changes, or traumatic events, therapy can provide you with the tools to better manage these challenges. 3. Relationship Problems: Struggles in personal relationships, whether with a partner, family members, or friends, can benefit from therapy. It can help you navigate conflicts, improve communication, and foster healthier connections. 4. Low Self-Esteem: If you have a negative self-image, struggle with self-worth, or frequently experience self-doubt, therapy can help you build self-esteem and confidence. 5. Behavioral Issues: Persistent or damaging behaviors like substance abuse, self-harm, or disordered eating can be addressed through therapy. 6. Major Life Changes: Significant life events such as a divorce, loss of a loved one, job loss, or relocation can trigger emotional distress. Therapy can assist you in adapting to these changes. 7. Unresolved Past Trauma: If you have experienced trauma, such as abuse or a life-threatening event, therapy can help you process and heal from these experiences. 8. Feeling Stuck: If you feel stuck in life, uncertain about your goals, or dissatisfied with your direction, therapy can help you explore your options and develop a clearer path forward. 9. Physical Symptoms: Sometimes, mental health issues can manifest as physical symptoms, such as unexplained aches and pains. If you've ruled out a medical cause, these symptoms may be related to stress and emotions that therapy can address. 10. Loss of Interest: A loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed or a general feeling of apathy can be signs of depression or other mental health issues. 11. Overwhelming Worry: Excessive worry, racing thoughts, or chronic anxiety can be debilitating. Therapy can provide strategies to manage anxiety and gain perspective. 12. Difficulty Making Decisions: Struggles with making even small decisions or a lack of confidence in your choices can be a sign of underlying emotional issues. 13. Self-Harming Thoughts: If you experience thoughts of self-harm or suicide, it's crucial to seek help immediately. Therapy and crisis intervention can provide the support you need. Remember that seeking therapy is a proactive step toward self-improvement and mental well-being. You don't have to wait until you're in crisis to benefit from therapy. Therapy can help you explore your concerns, develop coping strategies, and work toward personal growth and healing. If you're uncertain, it's perfectly acceptable to reach out to a mental health professional for an initial consultation to discuss your concerns and determine whether therapy is appropriate for your situation.

My fees are variable depending upon the nature of engagement. Based on a brief preliminary introductory call (10-15 minutes), which is offered complimentary, we agree upon an amount that honors mutual needs and which also appropriately appreciates my skills and our time together. Sliding scale may be considered on a need and availability basis. The monetary amount is only a partial, but an important representation of the invaluable, sacred exchange this process entails.

I work with a wide range of life circumstances across age groups--teenagers, young adults, senior citizens as well as with NRI clients (having lived in different parts of the world myself). Some of the areas where my clients have benefited from taking these sessions -- Anxiety, Loneliness and Depression Marriage and Family Counseling Stress and Trauma Career re-design and life-choices Grief Counseling Technology & Addiction Relational Harmony Family Mediation and Reconciliation Increasing well-being and self-care Having a difficult conversation with someone Setting boundaries Self-esteem and confidence Quieting the inner critic Create and cultivate a new habit Redefining what success means Balancing work and personal life Breaking through limiting beliefs Increasing self-awareness Productivity and time management Reconnecting with the inner-child

Basic mindfulness practices that they can do on their own A sense of safety and trust in our relational space A sense of positive self-regard and hope

1. This is not a ‘quick fix’ or ‘silver bullet’ . 2. It needs time, consistency and commitment to the self-process 3. I am not here to advise you or to ‘problem-solve’, however, I am fully committed to your wellbeing during this journey that we walk together 4. I trust in your innate wisdom and wholeness and we are in this together. Anything you wish to share in this safe space is welcome, to the degree you feel comfortable. It is held confidential and honored without any judgements.

Compassionate, grounded, calm presence Intuitive, creative and spontaneous approach Friendliness and warm-heartedness My genuine, wholehearted, attentive presence is the greatest gift I bring to my counseling practice.

To the degree that I have worked on myself (inner-work), is the degree to which I am able to hold a supportive space for my clients. When I am fully attuned with my client’s presence and sharing, holding it with deep empathy, we meet each other on the common ground of our humanity. In moments of deep connection, the universality of our beingness comes alive. My clients often remind me of the power of vulnerability and the magnanimity of human resilience.

Conveying to your family that you're seeking therapy can be a sensitive and sometimes challenging conversation, but it's an important step toward gaining the support you may need. Here are some steps to help you communicate this decision effectively: Choose the Right Time and Place: Find a quiet, comfortable, and private space to have this conversation. Make sure you have enough time to talk without interruptions. Be Honest and Open: Begin the conversation by expressing your feelings honestly. Let your family know that you've been struggling and that you believe therapy is the right step for you. Emphasize It's About You, Not Them: Make it clear that your decision to seek therapy is about your own well-being and personal growth, not a judgment of your family or their actions. Explain Your Reasons: Share the reasons why you want to go to therapy. Discuss the specific challenges or issues you hope to address. Being concrete about your goals can help your family understand your needs. Normalize Therapy: Mention that many people seek therapy at various points in their lives, and it's a healthy and productive way to work through difficulties. Highlight that it's a sign of strength to seek help. Reassure Them: Reassure your family that this doesn't mean you're cutting them out or distancing yourself. You can stress that you value their support and that you see therapy as a way to strengthen your relationships. Ask for Their Support: Let your family know how they can support you. This might include practical things like transportation or childcare, but also emotional support in terms of understanding and encouragement. Be Prepared for Reactions: Understand that your family members may have various reactions. Some might be supportive and understanding, while others could be surprised, skeptical, or even resistant. Be patient and empathetic with their responses. Provide Information: If your family has misconceptions about therapy, you can offer information about how it works, the benefits, and how the process typically unfolds. You can share resources or suggest that they learn more about it if they're interested. Involve a Professional: If your family is resistant or has concerns, you can suggest involving a mental health professional in the conversation. A therapist or counselor can help explain the process, answer questions, and address concerns. Set Boundaries: While seeking support from your family is important, it's also essential to establish boundaries to protect your privacy and ensure that the therapy process is effective. Follow Through: If your family is supportive, keep them updated on your progress. Share your insights and experiences if you're comfortable doing so, as this can help them better understand the positive impact of therapy. Remember that everyone's family dynamic is different, and their reactions may vary. Focus on your own well-being and growth, and seek support from those who are willing to provide it. If your family's response is negative or unsupportive, it's essential to continue seeking therapy and support from friends or other trusted individuals. Your mental health is a priority, and seeking therapy is a courageous step in taking care of yourself.

I find a natural inclination towards alleviating human suffering and enabling human potential to thrive. In my own journey of reclaiming my mental wellbeing, counseling / therapy has played an important role. I am constantly amazed by the unique beauty and complexity of human mind and heart, the immense potential for each human being to tap into their innate wisdom. It is truly a privilege to hold this sacred, safe, intimate and a brave space for my clients, to be a ‘witness’ & a ‘mirror’ in which we both can begin to see ourselves more clearly.

With my clients, I intend to cultivate a relationship of trust, openness, respect, clear professional & ethical boundaries, genuine care and compassion. I am committed to their wellbeing and safety. I see my role as a companion, a witness and a compassionate presence in their own journey of self exploration. The process is client-led for the most part. I am constantly checking with them what is arising moment-to-moment–what they need and what is comfortable/uncomfortable for them etc. their preference and openness to a mindfulness practice is honored, clients usually take back with them a weekly / bi-weekly task/intention/practice/assignment/experiment that they choose to take on until our next session and that we review together when they come back. I often send 'Metta' - Loving Kindness to all my clients and hold space for them with 'unconditional positive regard'.

Counseling sessions are usually held once a week for around 45 minutes to 60 minutes. Together we can determine the time needed for your sessions and the frequency of sessions. The initial set of sessions will also be determined by you and your counselor. Usually we suggest six to eight sessions to begin with. The process of counseling and therapy requires at least a certain number of sessions for the effects to be noticed, felt and integrated in your life. After the initial set of sessions, you and your counselor can determine the length and frequency of therapy or counseling that is required. The counseling space is a collaborative one between the counselor and you.

My approach to counseling is termed as ‘Mindfulness and Presence-Oriented Psychotherapy’. It is a non-directive, integral process which draws from universal human values such as Compassion, Empathy, Gratitude, Kindness and Mindfulness. The fundamental belief in this approach is that each individual human being is ‘whole’ and that our innate wisdom is guiding us. By creating a safe, deep-listening, therapeutic relational space, we allow this wisdom to reveal itself fully with greater ease. Somatic awareness, Yoga & bodily movement, Art, Journaling, reflections, action-based experiments, Nature Therapy, role-plays, affirmations, visualizations, Mindfulness and grounding practices are brought in as and when appropriate and supportive. Mindfulness and Presence-Orientation approach to psychotherapy draws from interpersonal neurobiology, neuroscience, attachment theory, somatic and energy psychology, trauma resolution principles and mindfulness-based cognitive behavioural work. This work is also informed by key principles from Buddhist Psychology, Yogic philosophy and other wisdom traditions. My daily practice of Vipassana Meditation greatly supports in holding a therapeutic space for my clients.

You may wish to explore this website for further inspiration, ideas and Gap Year opportunities: https://medium.com/khoj https://www.multiversities.net/

The reasons and motivations for taking a Gap Year can be different for each individual. Here are broad perspectives on the benefits of a taking a Gap Year-- ● A year off the routine track--from our personal, professional, academic life can renew, rejuvenate and refresh yourself by helping us gain new skills, perspectives, ideas and inspirations. Our mind, body and spirit can benefit from a nourishing, nurturing space and time of leisure and passionate pursuits. ● During phases of uncertainty and transition, it can offer more clarity, a sense of purpose and direction with regards to our next steps. ● By doing something out of the ordinary, by breaking out of predefined moulds, we invite ourselves to step into the unknown, out of our comfort zone--which holds tremendous potential for new possibilities to emerge, for growth and transformation.

The answer really lies within you! In order to find out--you may wish to deeply reflect and ask yourself--whether your heart and mind are desirous of a wholly different way of being? Am I willing to walk on a path that is not predefined? Does my life, as it is at the moment, inspire me--if yes, what might it be needing to further continue building on that inspiration? Am I willing to step out of my comfort zone and try out something different? Do I have the motivation and capacity to take charge of my learning and living? Am I willing to trust the process of emergence and unknown challenges and discoveries?

We hope and believe that finances should not and would not pose major constraints for taking a Gap Year--and that taking a Gap Year should not be a luxury reserved for limited few. Having said that, we also understand that there may be different circumstances for each individual. Thankfully, there are many creative ways of approaching a Gap Year in a way that it doesn’t become financially burdensome. Many spaces, organizations, individuals continue to be supportive and even encouraging of taking a Gap Year. With a clear understanding of mutual needs and offerings, often an arrangement can be worked out such that it benefits everyone! Gift economies, work-exchanges, internships, volunteering, low-budget travel, crowdfunding, fellowships and scholarships etc. are but a few ideas to begin to think about a financially wholesome Gap Year. Skillfully planning and managing one’s finances can itself be a great learning opportunity for any young person who steps out into the world during his/her Gap Year.

Family often plays an important role before taking on and during the Gap Year process. The concerns and questions raised by family members and close relatives/friends, are often coming from a genuine place of concern. If one is able to assuage the fears around safety, security (financial, academic, career, social etc.) Towards that end following may be some helpful strategies: ● Holding clear intentions and purpose for your Gap Year. Being able to articulate it well to your family (writing it down before communication might be helpful!). ● Planning your Gap Year--with specific goals and objectives, timelines, mentors and resources (even if they may change or evolve as you go further along into your Gap Year). ● Facilitating a conversation between your family and people who have taken a Gap Year/programs or organizations who endorse and support Gap Years. ● Finally, and most importantly, being fully convinced of the importance of taking a Gap-Year at this point in your journey!

The possibilities for what you can do during a Gap Year are infinite--it is like having a blank canvas for you to paint on--depending upon your purpose, intention, needs and dreams, the availability of resources, opportunities, the ecosystem of support etc. One can go on solo-travels, take a retreat for inner-discovery and wisdom, join one of the many Fellowship programs, pursue internships/volunteering opportunities in one’s field of interest, experiment with initiating or contributing in a social/entrepreneurial initiative, apprentice with experts and learn new skills (on & offline), or simply ‘Just Be’ without any rigid plan/agenda. Here are some ideas for you to consider: https://medium.com/khoj https://wendiyan.com/gap-ideas

It can be an exciting and challenging process to self-design a Gap Year. Some of the things and questions which may be helpful to keep in mind: --What are my intentions, goals and learning / doing / non-doing objectives from this Gap Year? What would I like to achieve at the end of it? --What is the desirable and possible duration for my Gap Year? --What would I like to learn in terms of new skills, knowledge, ideas? --Where would i like to spend my Gap Year (it can be multiple places/involving extensive travel as well)? --How much budget is required to meet the needs of this Gap Year? What are the potential sources of financial support/funding? --Who are my mentors, support system during this Gap Year? --What does my timeline look like--when do I start, how do I plan and allocate my time (daily/weekly/monthly) etc.? --What is the scope for flexibility, uncertainty and emergence--how much ‘planning’ and ‘un-planning’ am i feeling comfortable with at this point? --Would i like to capture, document, reflect upon, internalize my learning and key takeaways from this Gap Year--would i like to share it with others? --What potential risks, challenges to anticipate and what back-up options/contingency plans would I like to make? --Anything else I wish to think about?

A Gap Year does not necessarily have to be year long in duration. It could even be a few gap-months, gap weeks or even gap days from the ordinary routine of life. The idea behind a ‘Gap Year’ is to try out something new, different, explore something anew, with a beginner’s mind, curious heart, conscious intention and purposeful engagement--which can happen even for a few hours or even a few minutes everyday! However, for a deep immersive and radically transformative journey--spaciousness in terms of time and commitment can be greatly helpful.