Currently Virtual Services Only
My Educational Background:
I have been working in the field of social work for the past 10 years in a variety of different roles: from research to homeless shelter to survivors of gender based violence to youth mental health. For the past six years or so I have been directly working within clinical practice and doing individual therapy. Currently the population I work with includes youth, adults, racialized individuals, 2SLGBTQ+, and people with (dis)Abilities.
My Perspective On Mental Health:
My understanding of mental health struggles and mental illness (including trauma) are rooted in the belief that the current capitalist world along with other power structures such as racism, cis and heteronormativity, ableism, classism, and saneism impacts our mind, body, and soul. To take care of our wellbeing is direct resistance to these structures. While therapy and other management of mental health is not a cure, we can come to live a meaningful and fulfilling life.
I also tell my clients often that the world is created for specific bodies and minds, some of us are wired to function differently and it is because of a lack of good fit in the environment that can cause distress and struggles. So with neurodiverse people and those struggling with mental health I work to create an environment where they can function in sustainable ways.
Therapeutic Process:
I describe my approach as eclectic (meaning I pick from different types of therapy) and creative. The therapy is a vulnerable process so I want to make the space as safe, accessible, and transparents as possible for the clients. I want to keep the client informed through each process as such I will let them know why I am doing what I am doing. I bring in arts activities or other interests that clients might have into therapy. For example, in the past I have incorporated some aspects of gaming, or D&D, painting, drawing, origami, art journaling, and play writing.
Queer Space:
I also describe the process of my therapy is to “queer a space” with 2SLGBTQ+ clients. It’s an honour being able to work with and celebrate client’s gender or sexuality. As well as, I focus on moving toward affirming ways to exist in the world while supporting them to navigate barriers that they encounter within intrapersonal and interpersonal lives.
Fees:
In order to make therapy accessible to different financial capacities I offer a sliding scale and let clients decide how much they can afford between the range of $75-$150 based on many different factors. If you are able to offer full payment of $150 this does help in providing service to clients who would not be able to afford therapy.
How to Connect:
If you are interested in working with me you can email me at riti@krwellness.ca I offer free 30 min. Phone consultation.
More About Me:
As Bell Hooks puts it “I came to theory because I was hurting…. Wanting to comprehend—to grasp what was happening around and within me.” My lived experiences have led me to education in psychology and social work to pursue social justice both within and outside of therapeutic context.
As a first-generation racialized immigrant, I value making meaning of and working with the intersection of culture, racialization, gender, and mental health rooted in an anti-oppressive and anti-racist approach to therapy.
I have had my own share of struggles with depression and anxiety, I found solace in everyday management of mental health and healing through engagement in arts and cultural practices. I love to express and engage in my wellness through watercolor, embroidery, art journaling, paper making, book binding, lippan art, origami, Bollywood dancing, Kathak, gardening, and cooking traditional Indian dishes. I want to also learn from you as to how you exist in your world and harness activities that will sustain you.
I also love nature and animals which I will incorporate in my session if that is something the client can also relate to.
I also speak Gujarati and Hindi, and can provide therapy in those languages.