Tanya Poonawala

I have been in the field of mental health for 7 years, providing group therapy and one-on-one therapy both in India and the UK. I've learned what it feels like, as a queer person of colour, to straddle two very different worlds. I come with the awareness that the queer experience is often about moving between spaces, balancing identities, and finding belonging in places that may not always feel welcoming. 

Psychodynamic therapy, my specialty, is where we explore how your past shapes your present. We also explore the unconscious influences that drive current patterns of behaviour and emotions. I also practice person-centred therapy, which values your autonomy and means I believe that you are the expert on your own life. I use relational therapy to deepen your self-awareness through connection. Healing comes through knowledge of how your relationships, including ours, shape your sense of self and way of operating.

I work with people who struggle with trauma and abuse, issues around identity, and complex family dynamics. We spend initial sessions understanding your story and building a sound relationship. Though healing is not linear, most of my clients experience small shifts and improvements in well-being in 6 weeks. I incorporate art, music, play, mindfulness, and somatic practices where needed. We can explore different approaches that feel right for you.