Rate Aaradhya Srivastava

Feeling alone and disconnected – whether it’s from yourself or others – can be very difficult. Many of us carry wounds from feeling unheard, unseen or like we don’t fit neatly into society’s assumptions and expectations. It can be overwhelming to think about things that may be causing stress and anxiety, or make sense of painful memories and past experiences that still show up in the present. I believe that therapy begins with connection – with building a relationship in an environment that is safe enough to show up just as you are, even with the parts of yourself that feel messy, uncomfortable, and hard to name.

In therapy, I offer a supportive space to explore and understand what is going on beneath the surface in a non-judgmental and empathetic environment. You can be curious about yourself and why you react and respond to people and situations in the way you do, as we gently explore the experiences that may be shaping how you move through the world.

Wanting to understand what is weighing on you can be daunting but it is a meaningful first step in your journey of feeling better, more grounded and more like your authentic self. Together, we can make sense of the shapes you've been moulded into by your experiences, and explore the authentic shapes you aspire to embody.

I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, sexual violence and abuse, caring responsibilities, workplace issues, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes.

My work at the Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre (ERCC) with survivors of sexual violence has particularly been deeply impactful in my understanding of how important it can be to just be heard and acknowledged within your experiences and feelings. And further to receive support while gaining an understanding of how these remain in your mind and body, and alter your views of yourself, others and the world.

About my practice:

My approach is primarily psychodynamic, relational, and trauma-informed.

Psychodynamic: We work together to understand how past experiences and unconscious dynamics shape your present-day feelings, behaviours, and challenges.

Relational: Our therapeutic relationship becomes a key space for exploring how you relate to yourself, others and the world.

Trauma-Informed: I remain sensitive to how trauma can affect every aspect of a person’s life. I try to create a safe enough environment for working through its effects, recognising your embodied and emotional responses to it, and identifying ways in which you have learnt to cope.

Every individual's journey in therapy is unique. My approach to therapy is collaborative and the counselling process progresses at a pace that feels comfortable for you. I tailor my approach to meet each client's needs in a compassionate and confidential environment.

I am credentialed in the United Kingdom. I am a member of the BACP and a COSCA-qualified psychotherapist with:

• A Master of Counselling (Interpersonal Dialogue) from the University of Edinburgh

• An MSc in Counselling Studies from the University of Edinburgh

My training integrates both person-centred and psychodynamic approaches, though I gravitate toward the psychodynamic framework based on client needs.