Dr. Swetha Turlapati, Psychotherapist by experiential learning.

Masters of Counseling Psychology and a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) with a postgraduate degree. I am a trained and certified practitioner in mindfulness, narrative, and IMAGO (couple therapy) approaches. I’m informed by trauma in my sessions with clients. Other trainings I have engaged in throughout my practice have been queer affirmative counseling practice (QACP) and solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), Community Mental Health.

I believe that collaboration and presence are at the core of a therapeutic relationship. I consider it to be an essential part of the healing journey. When stories about culture and systemic oppression become present in my sessions, I lean toward sensitivity and curiosity. Vulnerability, making space for moment-to-moment emotions, and confronting the sneaky system are some key aspects that I hold in the therapy space. 

Co-learning spaces are what I look forward to in my journey as a therapist. I integrate ideas informed by the above approaches and client stories. To further ground them, I sit with them in my moments of reflection and supervision spaces. On the other hand, I use my learnings and experiences as a patient counselor to see the interactions between physical and mental health. I bring this knowledge to awareness when needed in my sessions with clients. I remind myself of being human enough to face adversities in life, make space for self-help, and ask for and receive help. 

Community mental health has always been an integral part of my work. Community space strengthens and reassures people who come together in a group with similar thoughts and concerns. It's always been meaningful to address problems that are part of the system and share stories and experiences through workshops. In my experience working with groups, some populations have been NGOs, hospitals, schools, colleges, and corporates. Some of the possible topics in group settings were stress management, mental health awareness, women's mental health, mindful living, and addressing some clinical aspects like anxiety, depression, medically unexplained symptoms, etc.

Developing a connection to the client's inner world that extends to the mind and body has always brought a sense of calmness to my practice. My constant willingness to learn and grow, along with the ability to perceive emotions in depth, have helped me become more empathetic and genuine. I believe that conversation with oneself and connection to oneself lead to one’s authentic, higher self.