About me - Counselling with Vaishnavi

Hi, I’m Vaishnavi — a therapist with over eight years of experience across different settings both in India and Canada. I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals through some of life’s most difficult chapters, and what I’ve learned is this: healing happens best in a space where you feel truly safe, seen, and not alone.

My path to this work has been shaped by two countries, two degrees, and a deep belief that every person carries within them the capacity to heal — they just need the right space and support to do so.

Credentials

Masters in Applied Psychology (Clinical), Mumbai University, India
Masters in Counselling Psychology, Adler University, Canada
Formerly Registered Clinical Counsellor, BC Association of Clinical Counsellors

My Journey

My path in mental health has been anything but linear — and I think that’s what makes it rich. It began in Mumbai, where I completed my Masters in Clinical Psychology and interned across hospital settings. I then joined a private practice under an esteemed psychologist, where I assisted with psychological assessments, support groups, and workshops — work that taught me early on how much context and relationship matter in healing.
From there, I moved into school counselling, working in an inclusive setup and supporting children with special needs and their families. That chapter deepened my understanding of how early experiences shape the way we move through the world — a thread that runs through everything I do today.

Wanting to deepen my training, I moved to Canada to pursue my Masters in Counselling Psychology at Adler University. I interned, worked in private practice, and went on to earn my license as a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors.
I have now relocated to the United States and am on my path to securing my counselling license in New Jersey — bringing with me eight years of experience and a deep commitment to this work.

Throughout all of this, I have maintained a private practice serving clients in India — supporting adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, life transitions, and relationship challenges. I offer virtual sessions in English, Hindi, and Tamil, because healing should feel close, not distant. My intention going forward is to specialise in trauma counselling — work that sits at the intersection of the personal, the relational, and the deeply human.

“What helped most was having someone who could hear and validate my thoughts, while also gently pointing out when I was too deep in a negative spiral. I’m still a work in progress — but I’ve learned to catch myself from catastrophizing and take things one step at a time instead of jumping to worst-case scenarios. The experience was warm, professional, and genuinely encouraging. Vaishnavi was my first counsellor, and she’s made me want to keep paying attention to my mental health.”

“What stands out most is Vaishnavi’s ability to challenge my thought patterns while remaining deeply compassionate. She gave me practical tools — grounding techniques, boundary-setting, communication strategies — and helped me build healthier attachment patterns. I noticed real shifts: less spiraling, more self-awareness, calmer relationships. I feel more secure and confident than I ever have. I would wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone struggling with anxiety, attachment, or relationship patterns they can’t seem to break on their own.”

“Few sessions I had with Vaishnavi have taught me a lot about a lot of things in life and myself too! I’m so grateful for her careful attention always. Her advice and guidance helped me think through the situation. And me feel confident about myself !”