Through her life's experiences, my grandmother Parbati Shripat thought me about resilience, tenacity and coping.
Read MoreInveni Te Ipsum
(Lat. Find Yourself)
Individual, Couples & Family Counseling.
About
Find yourself, re-frame your perspective & live the best version of your life.
Sometimes in life we are tested beyond the point of what we can cope with or manage comfortably. Life isn’t always easy and it can be downright hard most times, but speaking with a professional can help.
Inveni te Ipsum provides that help in a confidential, safe, and non-judgmental space. I am certain that our work together will equip you with the tools to help you overcome your challenges.
our philosophy
Inveni te Ipsum, translated from Latin means ‘find yourself’. It doesn’t mean that you don’t know who you are or that you are lost in some way. Rather, it’s about rediscovering yourself through your daily experiences, understanding what you feel, figuring out what drives you, harnessing your natural abilities, uncovering your purpose and developing a clearer perception of your personality.
Together, we will work through the difficulties you are experiencing and help you develop the skills that will aid in managing them. We will also work together to uncover your true potential, help you reframe your perspective and support you in living the best version of your life.
Services
INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING
Individual counseling helps to improve overall well-being and resolve personal and relationship problems.
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COUPLES
Making a relationship work is not about how compatible you are or the similarities you share. It’s about how you deal with your differences.
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FAMILY
Family therapy can help members improve their understanding of each other, learn to support each other, work through difficult situations, provide skills to cope with challenges and help the family to achieve an increased sense of togetherness.
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TEENS
Counseling provides a safe space for teens to help them understand and develop strategies to cope with, and work through their difficulties.
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Divorce Recovery
If you are going through the challenging process of a divorce, you don’t have to handle it alone. Divorce recovery counseling can be beneficial to anyone involved in the breakdown of a marriage, including both adults and children.
Learn Moretherapy at a glance
I like to think of counseling as an adventure: an exciting journey into self-discovery, if you will. On this journey, you learn new thinks about yourself, explore novel interests and develop skills that will help you cope with future challenges.
The therapeutic relationship also provides a rich opportunity for self-growth and continued self-development. My work with you involves helping you create strategies to overcome obstacles and personal challenges. It also involves supporting and empowering you to accomplish your mental health, wellness, education and career goals.
No two individuals are the same, so our sessions together are tailored to address challenges that are unique to you. Unconditional support can relieve some of the burden and help you find a new perspective, explore a deeper self-awareness and move toward change. The time spent in counseling is up to you and treatment is based on your needs and the work you want to do. Counseling sessions are also designed to harness your strengths, reinforce your self-confidence & support you in the healing process.
The therapeutic relationship also provides a rich opportunity for self-growth and continued self-development. My work with you involves helping you create strategies to overcome obstacles and personal challenges. It also involves supporting and empowering you to accomplish your mental health, wellness, education and career goals.
No two individuals are the same, so our sessions together are tailored to address challenges that are unique to you. Unconditional support can relieve some of the burden and help you find a new perspective, explore a deeper self-awareness and move toward change. The time spent in counseling is up to you and treatment is based on your needs and the work you want to do. Counseling sessions are also designed to harness your strengths, reinforce your self-confidence & support you in the healing process.
F.A.Q
How can counseling help me?
A counselor can provide support and help you develop problem-solving skills and coping strategies. Speaking with a professional counselor is different from talking to a friend or family member because a counselor can provide you with a non-biased, experiential and educated perspective on a difficult problem you may have, or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how much you put into the process and practice what you learn.
Some of the benefits of therapy include:
In working with you, I will rely on your resourcefulness, strengths and values so that in the healing process we will use what you have to make what you need. I will also teach you how to empower yourself, so that you can move on from surviving to thriving.
Some of the benefits of therapy include:
- attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals & values
- improving your self-esteem and lifting your confidence
- developing skills for improving your relationships
- finding resolution to the issues that led you to seek help
- learning healthy new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
- managing grief, anger and other emotional pressures
- changing old patterns of behavior and developing new ones
- discovering new ways to solve problems with your partner, family member or work colleague.
In working with you, I will rely on your resourcefulness, strengths and values so that in the healing process we will use what you have to make what you need. I will also teach you how to empower yourself, so that you can move on from surviving to thriving.
How long does counseling last & how often would I need sessions?
Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time the counseling process takes varies for each client. This depends on the issues you are working on, your desire for personal development, commitment to the process and the accomplishment of your therapeutic goals.
I prefer to see clients on a weekly basis for the first few sessions so that I can accurately assess their therapeutic needs. This will allow me to formulate a treatment plan to address your unique situation, which will guide our work together. Your progress will be measured by monitoring the intensity of the symptoms you experience and how well you practice the skills learnt during our sessions. Once progress is observed, sessions are reduced to fortnightly or monthly. Counseling is terminated when your presenting problem becomes more manageable, or is resolved.
I prefer to see clients on a weekly basis for the first few sessions so that I can accurately assess their therapeutic needs. This will allow me to formulate a treatment plan to address your unique situation, which will guide our work together. Your progress will be measured by monitoring the intensity of the symptoms you experience and how well you practice the skills learnt during our sessions. Once progress is observed, sessions are reduced to fortnightly or monthly. Counseling is terminated when your presenting problem becomes more manageable, or is resolved.
How does counseling work & what do I do in sessions?
I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs, and no two sessions are alike. In general, you can expect to discuss the current happenings in your life, your personal history relevant to your issue, learn skills to help you manage your distress and report progress or any new insights gained, from the previous therapy session or outside of your session. I like to utilize research, exercises, books, and other resources in our session and I usually have you work on these skills outside of therapy. By the time our journey together is completed, you will have learnt skills to help you cope with and manage any issues that may crop up in the future.
How do I know if I should pursue individual or couples therapy?
The American Counseling Association’s Code of Ethics states that it is not ethical for a therapist to see a client for both individual and couples therapy at the same time. This is because of potential breaches of confidentiality and other ethical considerations which undermine the therapeutic relationship and quality of treatment administered. Therefore, when beginning treatment with me, it is recommended that you choose between individual or couples therapy.
If you are interested in couple’s therapy and your partner is also willing to attend, I will ask to see couples together for the first session. This will allow each partner an opportunity to share their perspective and decide if couples therapy is a good fit for them. I will also be able to assess the role of each partner in the relationship dynamic, clarify goals, and then we can address relationship concerns in individual therapy, if you choose to do so.
If you are interested in couple’s therapy and your partner is also willing to attend, I will ask to see couples together for the first session. This will allow each partner an opportunity to share their perspective and decide if couples therapy is a good fit for them. I will also be able to assess the role of each partner in the relationship dynamic, clarify goals, and then we can address relationship concerns in individual therapy, if you choose to do so.
Not sure if your relationship can work?
I work with a lot of couples who both have strong personalities, have different ideas about what their relationship should be like, and who haven’t been able to communicate with each other for a long time. To be completely honest with you, not every relationship is salvageable and what you may need right now is clarity about what to do next. Especially if there are children involved, you’ll need a guide who can help you navigate the situation in a way that will give you some relief and help you move forward.
therapist bio
I believe that everyone has the ability to live meaningful and satisfying lives in spite of their circumstances & that people have the innate ability to heal themselves from the curve balls that life throws their way. I have a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology with a specialization in marriage and family therapy from the University of the Southern Caribbean (Trinidad & Tobago) and prior to that I obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Sciences from Andrews University (Michigan). I am a Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider and have also done extensive work in suicide assessment & intervention, LGBTQ+ issues and trauma. I see value in many therapeutic traditions and tend to utilize a unique and eclectic combination of humanistic, cognitive and transpersonal therapies in my practice. My work is also informed by the Code of Ethics of the American Counseling Association, of which I am a professional member.
the Kalyaan Blog
Kalyaan (कल्याण) means wellness in Hindi. In this blog, we'll look at the various aspects of mental health & wellness.
Getting counseling is not a signal that the relationship is failing, and many couples find it helpful to address difficult issues before conflict arises.
Read MoreWhen that persistent sadness or anxiousness starts affecting the quality of your life, it's ok to get help.
Read MoreWatching a loved one suffer needlessly can make you feel powerless, but empowering yourself with the right information will enable you to help them.
Read MoreRATES
Please Note: In order to flatten the Covid-19 curve and as a precautionary measure, I have transitioned to online therapy with secure video sessions. Due to the ongoing pandemic, an avenue for online sessions was created because clients should be afforded the opportunity to receive help at a convenient time and in a safe, comfortable environment. This client-centered approach benefits you in getting your needs met, and on your terms. I am still happy to take on new clients so feel free to reach out if you need to.
Fees
$250.00 TTD per (60 minute) individual session*
$400.00 TTD per (120 minute) couples & family sessions*
Finding a counselor who is the best fit for you is an essential component of successful therapy and I offer you a 15 minute phone consultation, at no cost. This time together provides the space for you to get a sense of the fit because I want you to feel comfortable with whom you’ll be working with.
*Contact me about payment plan options.
Payment
Fees are due at the time of the appointment. Prior to your session, payment information will be sent to you.
Cancellation Policy
If you are unable to attend a session, please make sure you cancel at least 24 hours beforehand. Otherwise, you will be charged for the full rate of the session.
Booking considerations
Some mental health concerns are more effectively dealt with when therapy is combined with medications etc. I am always happy to consult with your primary care doctor or psychiatrist to ensure that you receive the best care.
Fees
$250.00 TTD per (60 minute) individual session*
$400.00 TTD per (120 minute) couples & family sessions*
Finding a counselor who is the best fit for you is an essential component of successful therapy and I offer you a 15 minute phone consultation, at no cost. This time together provides the space for you to get a sense of the fit because I want you to feel comfortable with whom you’ll be working with.
*Contact me about payment plan options.
Payment
Fees are due at the time of the appointment. Prior to your session, payment information will be sent to you.
Cancellation Policy
If you are unable to attend a session, please make sure you cancel at least 24 hours beforehand. Otherwise, you will be charged for the full rate of the session.
Booking considerations
Some mental health concerns are more effectively dealt with when therapy is combined with medications etc. I am always happy to consult with your primary care doctor or psychiatrist to ensure that you receive the best care.
Contact
- Couva, Trinidad and Tobago
How can I help? Give me a call, send an email or leave a message and we can talk about the possibilities.