Geetika Malhotra

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Geetika Malhotra

Geetika is an empathetic, experienced and professional psychotherapist practicing since 2015 with deep educational foundations (3 masters degrees followed by deeper specialisations in therapeutic techniques from US/UK) and diverse experiences. She is tri-lingual, has lived and worked in multiple countries (Singapore, UK, India, and Switzerland) and helped her global clients with a wide range of mental health issues. Areas of focus and success include couples and family therapy (including cross-cultural couples), support for employees with workplace issues and trauma, teenagers, pre-marital counselling and victim support for abuse and domestic violence. In the UK she worked at the wellness centre at the University of Roehampton, and in Singapore with various homes for the aged. Besides getting additional training and certifications to stay up to date, Geetika is currently also working with Afghan refugees and underprivileged clients. She has also been invited as a speaker for multiple podcasts and conferences/physical events focused on mental health. Google reviews of her work can be found at this link.

Profession

Psychotherapist & Counsellor

Specialities

ANXIETY AND PANIC DISORDERS
DEPRESSION
GENERAL RELATIONSHIP CHALLENGES (FAMILY, FRIENDS, CO-WORKERS)
LGBTQIA+
GENDER DYSPHORIA
TRAUMA AND POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)
PERSONAL GROWTH AND SELF-ESTEEM
PERSONALITY DISORDERS
ADHD/ADD
LIFE TRANSITIONS
MARRIAGE AND PARTNERSHIPS
DOMESTIC ABUSE AND VIOLENCE
PARENTING
GENERAL MENTAL HEALTH
WOMEN’S MENTAL HEALTH (PREGNANCY, INFERTILITY, AND POST-PARTUM)
MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH
GRIEF AND LOSS
RACE AND ETHNICITY
EATING DISORDERS AND BODY IMAGE
SEX AND INTIMACY
CHILDREN & YOUTH
OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER
SELF-HARM AND SUICIDAL FEELINGS
FAMILY THERAPY
NATURE ASSISTED THERAPY
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Finances

Training

MA (Advanced) in Psychotherapy & Counselling (SG/Australia)
PG Certificate in Integrative Psychotherapy & Counselling (London)

What kinds of treatment or therapy do you provide?

Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
Interpersonal Therapy
Psychodynamic Therapy
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)
Family Therapy
Couple Therapy
Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS)
Children & Youth Counselling
Gender Therapy
Behavioural Activation
Inner Child
Humanistic Psychotherapy
Existential Psychotherapy

What language can you conduct the session in?

English and Hindi

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

Gender and sexual identity is a relatively new area in the public eye, even if present in society for centuries. I empathise with what my clients are going through in their own minds but also in relationships with their family, workplaces or broader society. Helping them find a way through these obstacles and lead a more positive, self-accepting and balanced life is the greatest source of reward for me.

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

There are a few challenges here including the desire of clients to ensure absolute privacy, which we can offer unless there is danger of harm to self or others. The journey in these cases can also take longer as the hurt that they have experienced over the years lies deeply buried and it takes a lot for them to be able to trust someone with their trauma. Over time, I help them navigate the various internal and external challenges that come up, sometimes unexpectedly.

What was your path to becoming a therapist?

After a successful initial career in the corporate sector and two masters degrees including an MBA, I took a decision to follow my heart and a long held desire to become a mental health professional. I enrolled myself in my third masters degree, started getting practical experience in the field and also enrolled in extra, specialised certifications from renowned universities in London and the US. Besides high quality education, a diverse range of practical experiences with different age groups (young, aged), profiles/context/issues and geographies (UK / Singapore / India / USA etc) has really helped me grow as a therapist over the years. Having lived in 4 countries (India, Switzerland, UK, Singapore) has also helped me grow both personally and professionally, helping me to better understand the diversity of family contexts and human situations worldwide.

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

First I'm excited that both governments (eg Singapore) and corporations are becoming more conscious of their role in driving the importance of mental health. Second, couples, families and individuals are increasingly realising the importance of seeking mental health help to deal with difficult issues they may be facing or obstacles in the way of a more balanced life. Finally, there is an increasing realisation that one must seek help early and not when it may require medicines or hospitalisation (though that may be unavoidable in some situations of course).

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

I find a lot of satisfaction in learning new and diverse techniques to help the increasing range of my clients situations. Beyond SAC Singapore, I'm also affiliated with the BACP in the UK and USATAA which allows me access to best practices in the western world as well. For example, I have attended EMDR training, Inner Child Training and Complex Trauma training with various London based schools. I also subscribe to many industry magazines to stay abreast of latest trends and am a voracious reader on my field, finishing several books per month. I am also moving ahead with a PhD in 2024 to deepen my knowledge.

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

Millions of people benefit from therapy each month worldwide, including in Singapore and other parts of Asia. Psychotherapy is a proven field for many decades now. Even if you have had a bad experience in the past with therapy, remember you can always find good chemistry with another therapist. So don't give up and deny yourself an opportunity to live a better life. For just a few hours of your time (even online), you may find yourself in a very different mental space vs currently.

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

Existential, Psychodynamic and Humanistic Psychotherapy

What should someone know about working with you?

As a start, potential clients should read the many reviews on google and on my website about my style from previous clients. I believe each situation and person is unique and customise my professional approach accordingly. I ensure the client leads and is in control of the process and outcomes, with my role being to professionally guide them along the journey. Each journey requires a committed client and regular sessions (face to face and online; often a combination) and the duration of therapy depends on the complexity of the issues. For example, family therapy and couples therapy is something I have a special interest in. This may require a few individual sessions as well as group sessions. A popular thing for some of my clients is Nature Assisted Therapy (NAT), a unique technique where I host therapeutic sessions in calm, external settings.

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

Both my parents were doctors and one of the many core values I have is client-centricity. I respect and trust the inherent agency of my clients and their ability to make positive changes in their own lives, marriages and families (with my guidance). I value professionalism and offer disciplined scheduling and fit for purpose solutions to clients. I do not sell 'packages' or products etc and allow clients to cancel future sessions if they feel there is not a good fit between us. Finally, I believe I'm honest and this shapes my approach to therapy as well. I am frank in my feedback to clients and what they need to do to move forward.

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