Dr. Sheetal A. Lakhani

Dr. Sheetal A. Lakhani is a therapist specializing in clinical psychology. With a Ph.D. from NIMHANS and an M.Phil. from IHBAS, she offers a wealth of academic training and practical experience. She has also practiced as a licensed clinical psychologist with the Indian Naval Hospital Ship Asvini, Mumbai for a year. She is a fellow in Adult Psychoanalysis at Washington Baltimore Center for Psychoanalysis and integrates various models such as psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy, interpersonal therapy, mentalization-based therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, mindfulness and others in her practice of therapy. She values a queer-affirmative, culturally sensitive, and non-judgmental approach, fostering a supportive environment for her clients’ well-being. She integrates the scientist-practitioner model into her practice, using evidence-based research to enhance therapeutic interventions. She is a member of Society for Psychotherapy Research, Europe (EU) chapter, Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists, and National Academy of Psychology, India.

As an Assistant Professor of Psychology, she also mentors students and contributes to research in the field, reflecting her dedication to advancing mental health care. She has published four scientific papers so far and presented various papers and workshops in conferences, corporate companies, universities and other settings. In 2022, she received a travel grant award from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR, Government of India) and the Society of Psychotherapy Research to present her work in Rome, Italy. Dr. Lakhani’s dedication extends beyond academia, as she advocates for mental health awareness through community outreach, workshops, podcasts, NGO volunteering, and media contributions.

Research interests: Reflective practice and experiential learning in psychotherapy, therapeutic relationship, alliance and ruptures, attachment and mentalization or social cognition in psychiatric disorders, arts-based interventions, and psychodynamic therapy.

What is therapy to me? 

To me, therapy is a medium and an end in itself. It is in fact just anything that motivates and results in change in life circumstances, or perspectives, or ways of being. Therapy is the platform that provides a safe space for a client to explore their world freely, unconditionally, and non-judgmentally.  I’ve observed that what is therapeutic for me may not be therapeutic for someone else, making therapy a highly personal experience. It is all about what works in making the complex and distinct world of each individual a better place to live in.

Therapeutic approach: My approach is need-based, flexible and collaborative. I work with my clients to understand their requirements and working styles. I am also open to careful experimentation based on client suggestions and needs.I view clients as fellow travellers on the journey of therapy, and my role is to understand and respond to their needs. I also believe in time-limited and short therapy focused on priority goals.Additionally, I hold that therapy is only effective when it is non-judgmental and culturally sensitive, taking into account the client’s social and political contexts as well as their individual experiences and life stories.

Areas of Expertise:

Common psychiatric disorders and personality disorders for adults. Individual therapy incorporating elements for psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioural, dialectical behavioural, mentalization, mindfulness-based and acceptance and commitment therapy. 

⁠Languages known: English, Hindi, Gujarati

⁠Rates for individual therapy: 

Clients in India: Rs. 3938 

Clients residing outside India:  Rs 6138