Nikita had an acute sense of awareness about others’ emotional states even before developing the capacity to adequately describe how she was able to empathize with others. She knew she was a ‘people’ person way back when maths and science were the popular and accepted paths to achievement. It was no surprise when she gravitated toward psychology and clung to it after realizing she could listen and talk to people for a living. She has since explored her way through the vast landscape of mental health, situating herself in the lives of individuals young and old, listening to stories unfolding across various mental health settings.

Appreciating the importance of evolving and constantly becoming, Nikita has since integrated her learnings in her practice, both as a student and now as a privately practicing clinician (although she still considers herself a student). She primarily uses an exploratory approach that is guided by a personal belief about mental health being a continuous journey wherein the process of uncovering, accepting and healing require openness and patience. She strongly believes that coming for the first session is the bravest step and choosing to stay in therapy is the hardest, and more often than not, rewarding step. She nurtures her therapeutic alliances, believing them to be at the core of any future outcomes more than any therapeutic modalities or techniques. Nikita works mostly with clients who are willing to give themselves the time to explore, discover and withstand setbacks. Nikita also values choice as part of the differing expressions of mental health, which for some can and does involve more structured, short-term, problem-solving work as part of their individually tailored goals.

Therapeutic modalities used: Supportive, Person-Centered, Cognitive Behavioural, Acceptance Commitment, Trauma Informed, Somatic Experiencing, Dialectical Behavioural

Past experience: Has worked extensively with autistic children and other individuals (children, teenagers, young adults and adults) with varying mental health conditions in schools, smaller educational organizations, private and government hospitals (in-patient, out-patient, rehabilitation) e-counseling platforms and helplines, as well as with caregivers supporting loved ones overwhelmed with mental health experiences.

Current areas of interest: Lie in working with older adolescents and young adults who struggle with difficulties stemming from low mood, loneliness, low self-worth, difficulties with procrastination and emotional regulation along with management of varying levels of anxiety growing out of the workplace or interpersonal spaces.