Tanya Poonawala

Therapy is a space for you and about you. It’s a space to understand yourself, explore self-awareness and self-regulation, and navigate complex experiences. I am curious about you and your inner world – through communication and reflection, we build a space to uncover it. Being a queer Indian therapist allows me to comprehend balancing identities and moving between spaces that don’t always feel welcome. Self-compassion can be hard when social structures are not made for you. Your unique experiences are welcome here. We spend initial sessions understanding your story and building trust. 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. Through our work, we will attempt to build a more cohesive version of you that can find regulation and stability in different environments.

MA Psychodynamic Counselling & Psychotherapy

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. It’s taught me to straddle two very different worlds. Moving to the UK to study psychotherapy provided me with professional and lived experience of being a queer immigrant of colour. I draw on my experience to work extensively with queer and neurodiverse clients.

I was trained in psychodynamic therapy, where we explore how your past influences your present emotional and behavioural patterns. In my practice I believe that you are the expert on your own life and therapy helps you connect with your inner wisdom. Learning to talk to your self and inner-child helps open conversation with the vulnerable parts of you that need care. I’ve also found that healing comes with understanding how your relationships shape you. My aim is to create a safe therapeutic relationship to help you heal through connection and authenticity.

I have spent the last few years researching post-colonial power systems, racial identity & trauma, belonging and cultural identity. I’ve seen firsthand how cultural identity, race, and oppression merge with queer experiences. I find it really important to hold this in mind working with clients.

I typically work with trauma and abuse, issues around identity (gender/sexual/neurodiverse), & complex family backgrounds. I also specialise in immigrant and student experiences.