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Alpana Pal

Alpana Pal

As a counsellor in private practice for the past 9 years, I have had the opportunity to work on various therapeutic issues with children, youth and adults on issues such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, trauma and other challenges that affect their functioning and mental health.

I believe that individuals have an inner capacity to overcome their difficult moments and that cultivating a therapeutic relationship based on respect, trust and care helps them provide a safe space to explore themselves.

I employ an integrative approach to therapy tailored to individual needs, drawing from various modalities such as CBT, SFBT, ACT, Schema Therapy and Narrative Therapy.

Profession

Counsellor/Psychotherapist

Specialities

ANXIETY AND PANIC DISORDERS
DEPRESSION
GENERAL RELATIONSHIP CHALLENGES (FAMILY, FRIENDS, CO-WORKERS)
TRAUMA AND POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)
PERSONAL GROWTH AND SELF-ESTEEM
ADDICTION AND SUBSTANCE MISUSE
LIFE TRANSITIONS
GRIEF AND LOSS
EATING DISORDERS AND BODY IMAGE
OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER
SELF-HARM AND SUICIDAL FEELINGS

Finances

Sliding Scale Fees

Training

  • Masters in Counselling

What kinds of treatment or therapy do you provide?

  • Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy
  • Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
  • Interpersonal Therapy
  • Family Therapy
  • Couple Therapy
  • Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS)
  • Children & Youth Counselling
  • Behavioural Activation

What language can you conduct the session in?

English, Hindi

What is the greatest challenge in being a counsellor for the queer community?

My ability to understanding their individual needs and providing the right kind of help.

What was your path to becoming a therapist?

I think the profession chose me. I did not know where I was going until my very first practicum. I just knew then that I was on the right path.

What are you most excited about within the evolving mental health landscape?

There is always something new to learn

What do you do to continue learning and building competencies as a provider?

Continued education every two years and short courses throughout the year.

What advice would you give to someone who is hesitant to try therapy?

You won't know unless you try. Just go for one session and see how it goes.

What kind of training have you had in working with the LGBTQ population?

I took up a workshop with Oogachaga, it is mostly my experience with working with individuals in this population.

What should someone know about working with you?

I love books. I am very openminded.

How do your own core values shape your approach to therapy?

My core values of commitment, authenticity and respect help foster a non judgmental environment for clients to explore their concerns, which is necessary for the effectiveness of the therapy