Frequently Asked Questions

Therapy is a confidential conversation with a trained professional about whatever is weighing on you. We look at your thoughts, feelings and habits, work out what is keeping the problem going, and try practical ways of dealing with it. People come for anxiety, low mood, burnout, relationship trouble, old pain, big life changes, or because something feels off and they can't say what.

No. You can book directly on the website, or contact me and I'll help you find a time. You don't need a diagnosis, a doctor's note or a clear reason.

Yes. You don't need the right words. Many people arrive feeling flat, overwhelmed or "off". Tell me what's happening and we'll work out where to start.

Mostly I listen. I'll ask what made you decide to book now, and you can tell it in any order. I'll also ask about your history and what you'd like to be different. You don't have to tell me everything in one go, and you can say "not yet" to anything. By the end we usually pick one or two things to work on, and I'll tell you plainly how I see them.

Both are common, and neither is a problem. We go at your pace. If something is too hard to say, we leave it for now. Often it becomes easier later.

Fit matters. After a session or two you'll have a sense of whether you can talk to me, and you're welcome to say if you don't. If I'm not the right person, or you need something I don't do, such as medication or IQ testing, I'll say so and point you in the right direction.

It varies. Some people need a few conversations. Others work with me for months. We agree what to work on and review how it's going regularly. You can stop at any time. There is no minimum number of sessions.

I can't promise a timeline or a result, and anyone who does is guessing. Some people feel relief from simply being heard in the first few sessions. Changing long-standing patterns takes longer. We check regularly whether what we're doing is working, and change it if it isn't.

Therapy and assessments are for adults, 18 and over.

I use a mix, depending on the person and the problem. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) catches the thought that sets off a feeling and tests whether it holds up. Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) spots the rules you live by ("I must never let anyone down") and loosens the ones that hurt. Mindfulness-based techniques help you notice a wave of anxiety without being carried off by it. Supportive therapy is steady company while you work out what you want. For couples I also draw on Emotionally Focused Therapy and the Gottman Method. For alcohol, tobacco and drug use, I use Motivational Interviewing and related short approaches.

I'm a clinical psychologist, registered with the Rehabilitation Council of India. I assess and treat with talking therapies and structured tools. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe medication. Some people need only therapy, some need medication, and some benefit from both.

No. I'm a psychologist, and prescribing is done by psychiatrists and other doctors. If I think medication could help, I'll say so and refer you.

Yes. Therapy and medication often work well together. Please don't stop or change medication without talking to your doctor, whatever we discuss in sessions.

Usually one small thing to try before we meet again, such as noticing when a spiral starts, or saying no to one thing. It's always your choice, and you can come back and say it didn't work. That's useful information.

Couples sessions are with both partners together. If only one of you wants to come, that person can start with individual sessions.

I can't make anyone come, and pushing rarely helps. You can come on your own to understand your part of the pattern and decide what you want. Sometimes a partner who said no agrees later, once they hear it isn't about blame.

No. I'll tell you what I see, including the part each of you plays. Couples therapy isn't about deciding who's right. It's about seeing the loop you're both in.

Yes. I see partners of any gender, whether dating, engaged or married.

Yes. Rebuilding after an affair or a breach of trust is a common reason couples come. You don't both have to be sure the relationship can be saved.

Yes. If one of you is leaning out and the other is leaning in, ordinary couples therapy can feel like pressure. Discernment counselling is a short, structured option, one to five sessions, for deciding whether to try to rebuild, separate, or stay as things are, without working on the relationship yet. See the Discernment Counselling page.

Couples therapy is not the right place if one of you is afraid of the other, or there has been violence or control. It can make things less safe. Please contact me on your own, or call 112 in an emergency. The Women Helpline is 181 and the National Commission for Women helpline is 14490.

An assessment answers a question: is this anxiety or something else, is this a bad patch or depression, why can't I focus? It combines a conversation, questionnaires chosen for your question, and a session where we go through the results. Therapy is ongoing work on a problem. You can have one without the other.

Start from your question. The Assessments page has one for depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, trauma, personality, alcohol use and nicotine. If you can't tell, I may start with a broad 23-question check across 13 areas, so you only fill in the forms that matter.

Short forms with questions about the past week, month or longer, depending on the form. You fill them in privately at home and send them back before we meet. You can skip any question, and we go through your answers together.

The questionnaires are screening aids, and no single score decides anything. They're one part of the picture, alongside our conversation.

No. If that's what you need, I'll say so and point you to someone who does it.

It depends on the assessment. Each assessment page gives the time where it applies.

No. Many people come unsure, or only to cut down. We start from where you are, and the decision stays with you.

No. Please don't come while intoxicated, because we won't be able to do much useful work. Otherwise, come as you are.

No. I provide therapy, not medical detox. If you drink heavily every day, or use sedatives, sleeping pills or opioids daily, stopping suddenly can be dangerous and needs a doctor. Tell me before you stop and we'll plan with medical support.

Yes. You can't make a person ready, but you can get support for yourself and learn what helps and what doesn't.

For many concerns, such as anxiety, low mood and relationship problems, studies suggest online therapy works well. It doesn't suit everyone. If you're in crisis, or you can't talk privately at home, tell me and we'll work out what to do next.

A phone, tablet or computer, a stable internet connection, and a quiet, private space. Headphones help with privacy. You'll get a video link by email before your session.

I use a secure video platform. You can help by choosing a room where no one can hear.

Use the Booking page to pick a date and time, or contact me and I'll help you find a slot. I'm available every day, Monday to Sunday, 10 am to 8 pm.

A session is 60 minutes. Discernment counselling runs longer: the first session is about 2 hours, and later ones about 90 minutes.

Individual therapy is ₹2,000 per 60-minute session. Couple therapy is ₹3,500, discernment counselling ₹3,500 and de-addiction therapy ₹2,000 per session. Psychological assessments start from ₹250. The Fees page has the full list.

UPI. If you'd prefer another way to pay, ask me when you book.

Please contact me and tell me your situation. I try to make care accessible where I can.

Please give at least 24 hours' notice. Cancellations with less notice may be charged a cancellation fee, and no-shows are charged the full session fee. To cancel or reschedule, contact me as soon as you can. The Cancellation Policy has the details.

Yes, within the limits of professional ethics and the law. What you tell me stays with me, and I don't share it with your family, employer or partner without your consent.

A few. If you or someone else is at serious risk of harm, or the law requires it, I may have to share what is necessary. I'll explain these limits in our first session, so you know them before you tell me anything.

Not from me. I'll contact you only in the way you choose, and I'll ask you what's safe: a phone call, a message, or email. If you share a phone or email with family, tell me and we'll plan around it.

No. Your information is never sold, traded or shared with third parties without your consent.

On the Privacy Policy page. If you have a question it doesn't answer, ask me.

No. I'm not available around the clock, and I can't respond to a crisis between sessions. If you're thinking about harming yourself, or someone is in danger, don't wait for an appointment. Use one of these.