Counselling

Students who come from far and wide to Pune for further studies – they often seek counselling support in areas such as: loneliness/homesickness, adjustment to a new culture, dealing with authority figures, handling money, sexual issues, issues of self-esteem and confidence, experimentation with alcohol, commitment in relationships, perceptions of ‘safe and unsafe’ behaviour, work/exam pressures, etc. I am able to provide not only an empathetic ear, but constructive suggestions and guidance. Having lived in various parts of the world and interacted with a range of nationalities, I am comfortable with all kinds of accents, which makes it that much easier for students to be understood and communicate freely.

Cases in which family members have for long been at logger-heads and have been urged to seek counseling by those around them. I have been able to help them identify the assumptions, misplaced expectations, poor communication and hidden agendas that have fuelled the deterioration of the relationship.

Single-parenting, transferring of values and upbringing, working on specific personality traits, working with young parents, adolescents, grandparents-grandchild relationships, parent-teacher issues, school and career choices. 

Couples who have basically sound marriages but are in a bad phase (related to children, infidelity, career issues, sex-related matters, in-laws etc). Also work with people who are in abusive marriages and are in the midst of divorce proceedings.

Cases where the person seeking counselling is part of a couple or family in which one person is being treated by a psychiatrist for schizophrenia, alcoholism, etc. The person coming to me for counselling is able to find ways of coping and providing positive support to the partner/family member under treatment.

In the case of men, usually relating to impending retirement or retrenchment; sexual ‘boredom’ and perceived non-responsiveness of the partner, loss of interest in work, search for more meaning, etc. In the case of women, ‘empty nest’ syndrome, work-fatigue, menopause, changing sexuality, etc. I have been able to help them come to terms with certain issues, take some hard decisions, deal with guilt, etc.

Work with the elderly – where the issues are loneliness, restricted mobility, disability, perceived loss of worth/respect/independence. Have been able to help in better adjustment to their changed life situation – in terms of finding new careers/hobbies, mending relationships, etc. Also worked with care-givers of the elderly, addressing their difficulties.

I conduct various workshops and small-group sessions in pre-marital counseling and self-awareness through creative writing. The workshops aim to help participants explore and express their life’s issues through the use of various writing formats. What lies unexpressed or unknown within us, controls and limits us. The process of ‘playing’ with various writing styles and forms and content helps participants shed new light on long-standing issues that have become impediments to growth. Participants grow in self-knowledge as well as empathy with the other.

I speak regularly at various Rotary Clubs in Pune and Mumbai, on stress and examinations; handling retirement; pre-marital communication; geriatric issues; family dynamics.