How I work

Real change starts with noticing.

Together, we look at what lies beneath how you feel, think and act, at a pace that feels manageable.

My approach

My practice is integrative, drawing primarily on person-centred counselling, cognitive behavioural (CBT) techniques and Jungian-informed exploration, with creative and expressive tools & methods for younger groups. Rather than following a fixed method, I adapt what we do as we go, based on what you need and what's working for you.

Sessions are a collaboration. I'll listen closely, share what I notice and ask what's worth asking. You lead; I walk alongside.

Why counselling?

Sometimes we need a neutral person to help us process things. Perspective is everything, yet more often than we'd like to admit, we are unable to give ourselves the perspective we deserve.

Almost everyone goes through periods of feeling low, lost, lonely or anxious. It's part of being human, not a sign that something is wrong with you. Sometimes, though, these feelings become something more persistent, such as clinical depression or an anxiety disorder, and that deserves real care too. Either way, you don't have to work it out alone.

Self-awareness and emotional awareness are skills for life. I can't promise you'll never slip back into old ways; no honest therapist can. But intention, honesty with yourself and steady support (until you feel confident on your own) make for a stable path. And yes, this path could be yours for the taking, if you truly want it.

What brings people here

Emotional health

AnxietyDepressionGrief and lossTrauma

Relationships

Relationship patterns, attachment stylesPreparing for marriage

Life transitions and growth

Lifestyle realignmentPersonal development

If your needs fall outside my scope of practice, I'll recommend an appropriate referral. I don't prescribe medication; this is the role of a qualified practising psychiatrist.

Beyond counselling

For those who are interested, I also offer reflective, exploratory sessions in:

Spiritual exploration and meaning-making

PurposeBeliefWhat gives life meaning

Creative visualisation

Guided imageryImagining changeTapping into inner resources

Breathwork

Guided breathingDeep relaxationGrounding techniques

These practices are not scientific or clinical methods, and they aren't part of psychological counselling as we know it. They come from my own journey: some of these tools, conversations and practices have helped me immensely, and I felt a nudge to share them with the people I meet through my work. They are not a substitute for mental health treatment or religious instruction. Details are shared on enquiry.

Between sessions

The work doesn't stop when the hour ends. To help you carry insights into everyday life, sessions can be supported by:

Journaling and reflection prompts

Gentle questions and exercises to explore at your own pace, which we can pick up in the next session.

Voice-note check-ins

Short & quick updates to share a reflection or something that came up during the week. Had a win that you're itching to share? Please do! A little celebration goes a long way! Replies come within 12 hours on working days, often sooner.

Check-ins are a light touch between sessions, not a replacement for them, and they aren't monitored for emergencies. Please share only what you're comfortable sending as a message; deeper conversations are best kept for sessions. If you need urgent help, please see the note at the end of this page.

How sessions work

Format
Individual sessions, online on Google Meet (the link is shared once your session is confirmed) or in person at ECR, Chennai (the address is shared on confirmed booking)
Session length
About 60 minutes, give or take 15 minutes
Languages
English and Tamil
Fees
Shared on enquiry. Every situation is different, and I'm happy to find an arrangement that works for you. Support should never feel out of reach.
Payment
UPI or Google Pay to +91 95000 42923
Rescheduling
Online and in-person sessions can be rescheduled with at least 24 hours' notice. Sessions cancelled with less notice, or missed, may be charged in full, as that time has been set aside for you.
Your first session
We talk about what brings you here, what you'd like to change, and whether we're a good fit.
Once we start
We establish shared expectations and goals. The first session (sometimes two) focuses on your background, key relationships and significant life experiences.Subsequent sessions focus on clarity, emotional and behavioural patterns, self-awareness and, ultimately, coming home to yourself.

Book a session

Ready to take the first step?

You don't need all the answers. Just a space to talk, reflect and explore what's on your mind, at your own pace.

Your conversations are treated with care and kept confidential.

Book your first session

Not sure about a full session?

Let's start with an exploratory 10-minute call. Ask questions, get acquainted and see if you feel comfortable taking the next step.

Your privacy matters. Anything you share is treated with discretion.

The exploratory call is an introductory conversation, not a counselling session.

Emailquitehuman1@gmail.com
Time zoneIndian Standard Time (IST)
PaymentUPI or Google Pay

Scan to pay

UPI QR code for Gayatri Shanker, UPI ID gayatrishanker-1@okhdfcbank

Works with any UPI app. On your phone? Pay to +91 95000 42923 or UPI ID gayatrishanker-1@okhdfcbank instead. Please pay once your session is confirmed, and add your name in the note.

Lovely to hear from you!

Send me a quick hello, a brief introduction about yourself, and suggest a time that's convenient. I'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Thank you, I look forward to connecting

Prefer email? quitehuman1@gmail.com