Meet Dhara - Past Intern and Current Clinician

This profile was originally published in our March 2021 Newsletter which can be read here. Since doing this interview Dhara has finished her practicum and joined our team as a clinician!

Could you tell us more about your work/interest in hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is one of my favourite modalities to practice. I went to my first hypnotherapy training when I was 19 as a student. Since then, I've been hooked. Not only does it have a very interesting history, it also has proven to be extremely effective. Clients have shown impeccable results in less than 4 sessions. My goal is to promote hypnotherapy as an effective modality in the clinical world. 

Tell us about your background and what led you to join Growth & Wellness?

I have a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from India and worked as a psychologist performing assessments and diagnosis along with psychotherapeutic work. I'm currently pursuing a Bridging Program called BREM to become licensed to practice in Ontario. As I was searching for practicum opportunities, I came across Growth and Wellness Therapy Centre and immediately decided to apply. I resonated with the holistic approach of the clinic and was intrigued by the experience and background of the clinicians at the centre. I couldn't be more grateful to be a part of Growth & Wellness! It has already had an immense impact on my journey as a clinician in Canada.

What modalities influence your therapy practice?

The beauty of the human mind and human behaviour is that it's so complex. There is no one modality or approach that works for everyone. So I draw from different modalities and see what the client responds to. My main modalities of practice are CBT, Hypnotherapy, Emotional Freedom Technique, Mindfulness, DBT and somatic techniques like movement and Yoga. 

Do you have a regular wellness practice that promotes balance in your life?

Absolutely! My regular wellness practice is what keeps me going. I practice Yoga and meditation almost every day, eat clean, become a couch potato when my body and mind ask for it (it's self-care!) and snuggle with my cats. I'm a big fan of affirmations and I like to hype myself up regularly (You're doing so well, Dhara! You deserve everything wonderful!)

Where did your interest in therapy come from?

At around age 13, I told my mom  "I’m gonna be a psychologist when I grow up!" My curiosity in mental health was piqued by my desire to understand why we do what we do as human beings. I wanted to know how the mind works, especially in the context of criminal behaviour. I took every opportunity to study all that I could which solidified my path. As I was finishing my Masters degree, I had the opportunity to interact with individuals involved in criminal behaviour at the criminal ward of a mental institution. It was then I realized that getting into the mental health field was the best decision I’ve ever made! It felt like coming full circle.