Mrs Varsha Vashisthaw
Psychotherapist,
Online Counsellor
Odiham.
Services
What do I love the most of this career?
The relationship that you develop with another human being which is honest, respectful and maybe the best one that you and I have ever experienced.
What inspired me to start working for myself, was the fact that I realised that agencies that offer the jobs in counselling are not following the same ethos that I believe. For example, 1) I feel that there is too much pressure in meeting targets for some companies, instead of then thinking about the needs and well-being of the clients.
2) The number of sessions (which is normally six to eight) are not tailored for every person, some need six sessions, while others need more.
3) Another factor that gets forgotten is that agencies provide the next available counsellor, without letting the client have a choice to find out what therapist he/she feels comfortable to share with.
As I believe that we all are different and to get the benefit of the healing process, both parties need to feel comfortable.
What makes me different?
I can speak four languages: Spanish, English, Hindi, Sindhi. Because of my cultural background (being raised with Indian values) in a western world, in this case, Spain. when I was old enough, I followed the tradition of getting married in an arranging method. I came to live in the UK with my husband (now very happily, divorced!) And I have been in the UK for the past 26years.
I have the first-hand experience of breaking those rules that did not favor me as a person but by being a "Rebel", it allowed me to start living on my own terms.
I would like to say that I am down to earth and I know how difficult life can be sometimes. Having my own life experience,(not just the theory) has made me learn.
I had been a client myself in a therapy room and I found it really hard to overcome my own demons and clear the skeletons from the wardrobe. Trust me, it was really scary and I needed to be brave.
So when you and I decide to work together I will be able to empathize with you, as a client not as someone above you, because I am human like you
MY FEES:
- Please inquire
Online Consultation
- Online consultations offered
I AM FLUENT IN:
- English
- Hindi/Urdu
- Spanish
I WORK WITH:
- Adults
- Individuals
- Parents
CORE SERVICES:
- Awareness
- Counselling
- Mindfulness
- Online Counselling / Phone Therapy
- Psychotherapy
SCOPE OF PRACTICE:
- Abuse
- Adjusting to Change/Life Transitions
- Anxiety Disorderss (Panic)
- Bereavement and Loss
- Burnout
- Chronic Illness
- Chronic Pain
- Trauma Counselling
Approach
I work using the core values and skills of Person Centred Approach; Emphaty, Congruence (genuine), Unconditional Positive Regard (stands for that each client has the right to be accepted and valued without any judgment or criticism, regardless of their thoughts, feelings, or behaviors).
I am a therapist who is Existential too, which means it get you to look @ these questions:
- Who Am I??
- What is my purpose in life??
- Freedom VS Responsabilities
- Getting old and death
- Loneliness
I work tailoring what the client requires, so I will use: *Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: Which really helps you to inderstand why do get those intrusive thoughts? how can you change the perception to a more anxiety free life and behaviour
* Transactional Analisys: Which helps you to inderstand your relationships, how to make sense of why are you repeating some patterns and avoid mind games and toxic people
* Attachment theory: Looks how you relate, trust people relationships, your treatment from childhood from you care givers and how it affected you (not Psychodynamic, which focusses more deeply to the past)
* Narrative therapy: Which is writting your life story as the best book written, movie or song and how you overcame challenges, how is your present and what type of future you will like to achieve
Homework in therapy
As sometimes the best way to understand is to watch a certain video to help you to grasp an idea, that could be your home work.
I might sometimes require you to fill handouts or worksheets. They are your personal tools, not an obligation, just give them a try, if you don't like it, we don't have to force it.
How long should therapy last?
I will always say that the therapy is your choice but to get any effect, it is always a good idea to have minimum of 6-8 sessions, weekly.
After that we can review to have sessions once every 10 days or 15 days, some of my clients want once a month
How to choose a therapist
There is not a one size that fits all concept in knowing what therapist is right for you.
The only thing I will say is that I am quite direct, I am fair and gentle. But not every one likes that way of working and that is totally ok. So please let me know, I won't get offended.
But I want you to know that I am not your friend neither your enemy, neither I am above you or below you in knowledge, wisdom or power; I am a mirror that reflects back to you.
I am always going to be honest with you and I expect the same back, of course at your time and your way.
I do this job because I am good at it, and the reason for it, is because I DON'T wear a fake "professional mask", it is who I am and it is the purpose of my life, not to rescue you, but to empower you by recognising your strenghts, qualities, your human rights, your own worth, not anyone else, but for YOU
How often will we meet?
Once a week please @ least for 6 to 8 sessions. Then we can review if to continue every 10 days or 15 days
Book with Mrs Varsha Vashisthaw
