


I am a COSCA (Counselling and Psychotherapy in Scotland) qualified and BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy) registered psychotherapist and group therapist. I have a diverse background of experience working with adolescents and adults with a range of psychological vulnerabilities. In my practise, I adhere closely to the ethical frameworks laid out by COSCA and BACP.
I understand therapy as a voyage embarked upon by the client and therapist into a sea of deeper exploration and emotional awareness. The therapist supports the client to explore the depths of their inner world and trauma in an empathic, caring, safe and holding space. I am a passionate, ethical and reflective practitioner and work within the dialogue of the psychodynamic and person-centred theoretical orientations.
My primary research and therapeutic interests take a qualitative, psychosocial stance. They intend to critically inquire how the dynamics of our socio-political past and present, diversity, difference and power are all interwoven into complex narratives, seeping into our inner world and influencing our relationships with ourselves and others. I therefore also view therapy as a space for healing systemic wounds and undoing hegemonic trauma, using a social justice framework to contextualise equality and power.





Educational background:
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PhD student in Counselling Studies at the University of Edinburgh (2022-2026)
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Master of Counselling (Interpersonal Dialogue) : University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
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Bachelor of Arts- Psychology: St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, India
Further Educational/Professional Qualifications:
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Group Analysis - Intermediate Year (2021-2022): Institute of Group Analysis (UK) & Hank Nunn Institute, Bangalore
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Group Analysis - Foundation year (2020-2021): IGA (UK) & Hank Nunn Institute, Bangalore.
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Postgraduate Certificate in Attachment Theory (2021): International Attachment Network (UK)
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Certificate in Queer Affirmative Counselling Practice (2020) : Mariwala Health Initiative
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Postgraduate Certificate in Couple and Family Therapy (2019): Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, India.
Continued Professional Development:
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Scholar's Program Award (2022): Issued by the Society for Psychoanalysis and Psychoanalytic Psychology (SPPP; Division 39 of American Psychological Association)
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By Us For Us Beyond Cultural Competence: Decolonizing Clinical Constructs: New Perspective Psychological Services, USA (2021)
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The Unconscious and Everyday Life Conference 2020: The Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies at the University of Essex
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Mentalization-Based Therapy and Borderline Personality Disorder: International Attachment Network, India (2020)
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On Bereavement - An Attachment Perspective: International Attachment Network, India (2020)
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An introduction to Interfamily Therapy: International Attachment Network, India (2020)
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Dog-Assisted Therapy : International Attachment Network, India (2020)
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Introduction to Attachment Theory, On Reflective Dialogue & Intergenerational Transmission of Attachment: Lecture series by the International Attachment Network (2020)
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Body work in Psychotherapy (2020) : Hank Nunn Institute (Online)
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6 lecture series on Couple Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy (2020) - Tavistock Relationships, London
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Psychosexual studies - Sexual dysfunctions: Female disorders (2019) - Tavistock Relationships, London
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All India Psychoanalytic Conference - 'Changing World: Inside & Outside' (2019) - Indian Psychoanalytic Society (Mumbai)
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Self Harm and Attachment (2016) - Scottish Association of Psychodynamic Counselling (UK)
Work experience:
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Chairperson of the Indian Chapter of the International Attachment Network (2020 - 2022)
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Visiting Faculty - St. Xavier's College, Postgraduate Department of Psychology (2019 - Present)
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Trainee Student Counsellor - Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, UK (2016)
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Trainee Psychotherapist - Hope Park Counselling Centre, Edinburgh, UK (2014-2016)
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Volunteer - Samaritans (Suicide Prevention Helpline), Mumbai, India (2013-2014)
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Clinical Psychology Intern - Masina Hospital, Mumbai, India (2013)
Professional memberships:
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British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP) - Registered Member
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Association of Psychosocial Studies (APS) - Honorary Membership Secretary
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International Attachment Network (IAN) - Technical Director (Chairperson of IAN India from 2020-22)
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American Psychological Association (APA) - International Affiliate Member
Publications:
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Rhea S. Gandhi (2021) Being brown: An autoethnographic exploration of internalised colonisation, Psychodynamic Practice, DOI: 10.1080/14753634.2021.1893211
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The Language of Traffic in LiveWire by The Wire: https://livewire.thewire.in/personal/the-language-of-traffic/
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When I Tell a White Person What They Said Is Racist in The Mighty: https://themighty.com/2020/07/calling-out-racism-white-people/
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