Sambhavanayein mental health logo

About Palak

I began my journey in the field of mental health while pursuing BA Hons in Psychology and volunteering in different organisations during that time. I followed my interest in counselling with a formal training of MSc Counselling Psychology from CHRIST deemed to be University, Bengaluru. I worked with children, adolescents in school settings and charity organizations and with adults in de-addiction center. I worked with underprivileged communities for two years while incorporating art as a medium of expression in therapy. Eventually, I pursued a MA in Art Psychotherapy to deepen my knowledge and understanding of using arts in and as therapy.

My background is in adult and young people's mental health in NHS and charity settings. I use art as a medium to help adults and young people experiencing mental health difficulties reconnect with themselves, work through challenges, and uncover the innate wisdom. Employing an eclectic approach, I draw upon Psychodynamic and Person Centered theories.

As a registered Health Care Professional Council art psychotherapist, I adhere to their code of ethics. My practice offers online sessions integrating art, somatic and talk therapy.

Outside of therapy, I enjoy traveling and watching movies. At present, I'm reading more about race and nervous system so that I can offer more informed and holistic care to my clients.

therapist session

Education and Certifications

  • M.A. Art Psychotherapy -2023
    University of Roehampton
  • MSc Counselling Psychology - 2019
    CHRIST University, Bengaluru
  • BA Honors Psychology- 2017
    Rajasthan University, Jaipur
  • Queer Affirmative Counselling Practices- 2021
    Mariwala Health Initiative, Mumbai
  • Somatic Stress Release- 2021
    Scott Lyons, The Embody Lab
  • Trauma Informed Expressive Arts Therapy Level One Webinar Series 2021
    Cathy Malchiodi and Emily Johnson, Trauma-Informed Practices & Expressive Arts Therapy Institute
  • Transformational Systemic Therapy Level 1 - 2019
    Satir Institute of Pacific and CHRIST University
  • Foundations in the Therapeutic Value of Art - 2019
    Artsphere, Pune
  • Certificate course in Dance Movement Therapy-2017
    CHRIST (Deemed to be) University, Bengaluru

Past Work Experience

  • Private Practitioner (Provide therapy, create content for social media to initiate and normalize conversations around seeking mental health services, curate workshops, marketing, accounting, networking, note-taking, stressing and destressing) Sambhaavnayein, India and UK (2019- ongoing)
  • Art Therapist
    NHS Trust, London (2023- Ongoing)
  • Trainee Art Therapist
    NHS Trust, London (2022-23)
    SENCO School, London (2021-22)
  • Consultant Psychologist
    Vishakha Sanstha, Jaipur (2020)
  • Social Emotional Learning Facilitator
    Saturday Art Class, Online (2020)
    Saturday Art Class, Mumbai (2019-20)
  • Counselling Psychologist
    Salaam Baalak Trust, Mumbai (2019-2020)

Formal Presence

  • Registered Art Therapist - ASO18346, Health Care Professional Council (2023-Ongoing)
  • Professional Member, British Association of Art Therapists (2023-ongoing)
  • Committee Member, South Asian Narratives Group under Black African Asian Therapist Network (BAATN) (2023- Ongoing)
  • Professional Member, BAATN (2024- Ongoing)
  • Committee Member, Indian Association of Dance Movement Therapy (IADMT) (2020-21)
  • Conference Presentations and Workshops:
    • Trainee and Newly Qualified Arts Therapists Conference by East London NHS Trust (2023) - 'Therapists Making Art in Sessions: A scoping review with Thematic Analysis'
    • Black African Asian Therapist Network (BAATN) Annual Online Conference (2024)- 'Arriving in Our Bodies'
    • Black African Asian Therapist Network (BAATN) Annual In-person Conference (2024)- 'Taking Up Space'
  • Panel Speaker
    • Black African Asian Therapist Network (BAATN) Annual Online Conference (2024)
    • Being Safe Spaces at Yuva Samvaad by Share a Smile Foundation India (2021)

Continued Professional Development

  • The Child Within: Separation and Loss (2025)
    BAATN Annual Conference, Milton Keynes
  • Decolonising: Empowering Ourselves and our Communities (2024)
    BAATN Annual Conference, Milton Keynes
  • The culturegram in clinical practice and supervision (2024)
    Dr Renee Singh
  • Mutual care, art making and wellbeing (2024)
    Richa Okhandiar- MacDougall
  • The Transformative Power of Joy (2024)
    BAATN Annual In-Person Conference, Milton Keynes
  • Developing cultural competencies in clinical supervision (2024)
    Prof. Margo Ononaiye, Bespoke Mental Health
  • Supervision Training Two Days (2024)
    British Association of Art Therapists
  • Celebrating Diverse Practice: Spirit, Mind and Body (2023)
    BAATN Annual Online Conference, Milton Keynes
  • Knowledge and Understanding Framework 3-Day Multiagency Awareness Training (2023)
    West London NHS Trust, Anna Freud National Centre for Children & Families and University College London
  • Introduction to Expressive Arts Therapy (2020)
    Brinda Jacob-Janvrin, Studio for Movement Arts and Therapies, Bengaluru