Why did you choose to become a counsellor?
I love to connect with people. Since my childhood, deep and meaningful conversations have given me a lot of joy and purpose. My life’s journey has seen struggles, and I have had quite a many day wishing there would just be someone who would see me as me, and be okay with it. This understanding about myself, and my personal healing journey have been a motivation to be a therapist and to help other people look at themselves with acceptance and pride.
What does a first session with you look like?
“Hello, I’m Padma. How’re you doing?”, a warm smile and vivid curiosity are what you will usually get from me first. The first session is usually an exploration into 3 main aspects - a little about you, a little about what you expect in therapy with me, and a little about how we broadly can plan to do it together.
What would you wish to tell a client who is thinking about taking counselling?
I’d first congratulate my client for showing courage to take this step for themselves. I’d tell them that they aren’t alone, I am willing to travel with them into places they are scared of walking into alone. I’d request them to trust in themselves, and me; to commit to continuous growth. I’d also let them know that the journey is not all downhill from here, it is bound to be a roller-coaster ride, but together, and committed, we can do it.
How would you describe your therapeutic approach to someone in a simple language?
It’s like cleaning stuff in an old house.. At first it seems too much, too dirty, too overwhelming. Because they’re trying to do it all at once, and alone. But when they can have my space too, there’s extra place to take out old stuff one by one, deal with it together, decide what you want and what you don’t, and do with it what you want to… Then it is not so overwhelming at all. Eventually, we can be Okay with what is, and what is not meant to be.
What has been an important learning of being a therapist?
To have courage to take the first step, to be committed enough to take baby steps everyday, to be kind when I falter, and to be proud of myself.
How do you make your practice safe for queer and trans folks?
You are Enough!!! That’s my core belief. I have, in my personal life as well, been very comfortable and gender-inclusive. When I feel experiencially comfortable, I believe it makes the therapy space organically safe for my client as well.
Is there a quote/book or song you deeply resonate with?
Have courage and Be Kind!!!
