Sharmila Kaduskar M.A. UKCP Reg.

My name is Sharmila. I am a fully qualified counsellor and Integrative Transpersonal psychotherapist. But I didn’t start here. Although this work is part of a wonderful, creative and fulfilling phase of my life, I have also worked as a qualitative researcher for the University of Oxford and a civil servant liaising between government ministers, national organisations and front line staff on a range of issues from public health to social care and primary care. It was during this time that I found my passion: mental health. I spent 7 years working as a civil servant to support government ministers to: improve England’s mental health services including the IAPT service (The NHS flagship programme for mild to moderate conditions); understand how vulnerable people can better get the mental health support they need, and set up a bespoke service to treat people with severe trauma. At the same time I was managing my private practice; working with individuals healing from anxiety, trauma, depression and a loss of joy.

I often wonder how each opportunity led to the next, they seem so different and yet they are all linked by my curiosity in peoples' experiences, an interest in health, by which I really mean my interest in ‘thriving’ - to live our best life wholeheartedly, and a passion to share what I've learned.

Like many, I have been ‘seeking’; exploring the antidote to early wounding and this has taken me to many places and uncovered many interests including aspects of Indian philosophy, a love of horses and a reiki practice. There are many more. And, whilst your journey and mine will inevitably be different, it would be a privilege to accompany you on yours, shining a light in dark places and walking with you along this part of your path. Our work may be deep and our journey difficult at times, but there will also be joy and healing and potential.

I look forward to hearing from you.