Vaishnavi Mellacheruvu
I’m a psychologist who works with people navigating anxiety, overthinking self-esteem, loneliness, relationship and family difficulties and body-image. My clients often struggle with overwhelming emotions and find themselves repeating unhealthy behavior while staying lost when it comes to the way forward. My work is collaborative in its nature as I believe that there is a relationship between thoughts, emotions, behavior, and life experience.
What I believe therapy is for.
I believe therapy represents a space where one can just pause, reflect, and grasp their current situation and the patterns that govern their thinking, feeling, and behaving. Change is not necessarily related to becoming someone different; indeed, it may consist of just learning to perceive oneself and one’s experiences differently. I believe that real change occurs if one can trace back the origin of their mindsets, feelings, and behaviours, identify their obstacles, and try something new instead. I see therapy as a collaborative process in which you continue to be the primary expert on your life, while I help you learn more about your experiences, consider new ideas, and pursue changes that are important to you.
What therapy feels like with me.
My sessions feel warm with some structure; however, there is always time for the serious and funny sides of the topics being discussed. We’ll look at what’s been happening in your life, find out what thoughts and feelings made their appearance frequently, and see what makes you feel stuck. I am actively involved, meaning that we can reflect, solve some difficult situations, do some homework or practice between the sessions together. When something becomes hard, we do not hurry over it but explore it bit by bit..
The first session.
The first session with me is mostly about getting to know each other and understanding what therapy might look like for you. I’ll ask a few questions to understand what has been bothering you lately and get to know you better. You don’t have to come prepared - just bring yourself, exactly as you are, and leave the rest to me.
Whether we are a good match.
Who I work best with
I work best with people who:
- Have so much going on in your mind that it resembles having 37 tabs opened, making it hard to determine which one to close.
- Tend to overthink, worry, and feel upset because of negative thoughts.
- Feel lonely and detached from people when you are surrounded by them.
- Struggle with how you see or feel about your body, appearance, or self-image.
- Are navigating complicated family or relationship dynamics that leave you feeling stuck.
- Might feel lost during the transition phase and need some guidance concerning what to do next.
- Strive to recognize the behavior patterns and learn how to behave yourself in a different way.
Where I may not be the best fit
If you are facing a mental health issue, at risk of hurting yourself or someone else, or require high levels of care, then I may not be the best choice to help you. In those cases it is better to reach out to a psychiatrist or emergency service that can support you. If I find that you need another type of help, I will inform you and help you look for it.
The things people bring me.
Primary areas of focus
- Relationships
- Self-esteem
- Body image
Secondary areas of focus
- Family relationships and boundaries
- Anxiety
- Life transitions
- “I can’t stop overthinking everything.”
- “My family dynamics are affecting me more than I’d like.”
- “I can’t seem to move on from my past relationship”
- “I don’t feel good about my body or how I look.”
- “I’m constantly worried about failing or not being good enough.”
- “I feel lonely and disconnected from the people around me.”
- “I find it hard to concentrate on work lately”
The shape of the work.
Modalities I use
Integrative Approach
Session style
Collaborative and client-centered are the two things that describe my session style. I have a flexible approach in my sessions, based on the needs of my clients. I always listen actively to my clients and try to reflect on what they say. If needed, I sometimes provide clients with strategies and tasks to do until the next session, while encouraging my clients to go at their pace.
Longer work
Longterm, we develop trust with one another, working through concerns at a comfortable pace and looking at deeper issues that may be affecting you. We assess progress regularly and adapt our approach to meet your needs. Once you are ready to end therapy,we will try to ensure that the ending feels thoughtful and supportive.
What I actually have experience with.
Working with LGBTQIA+ clients
I provide an LGBTQIA+ affirmative, inclusive, and non-judgmental space. I have experience working with LGBTQIA+ clients on concerns related to family and partner relationships, identity, and anxiety.
Couples and relational work
Individual work only
Training, registration and practicalities.
| Qualifications | M.Sc.in Applied Psychology( Specialization in Clinical) from Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Bengaluru Campus, 2026 BA in Psychology and Economics from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, 2024 |
|---|---|
| Registration | Not applicable |
| Certifications and further training | Not applicable |
| Years of experience | Not applicable |
| Supervision | I work within regular supervision. |
| Languages | English, Hindi, Telugu |
| Online or in person | I currently work online. It becomes easy for people to connect and maintain consistency. |
| Availability and fees | Session availability from Monday to Saturday ( 10 am-12 pm, 4 pm-8 pm). Online sessions are available for clients across India and internationally, subject to time zone compatibility. Session length: 50 minutes. Fee: ₹750 I also offer a sliding-scale option, where you can pay what you’re comfortable with. Feel free to reach out to me via call or text anytime if you’d like to discuss it.. |
What sits behind how I practise.
What I value in the work
I believe in being curious and observant. So I like to keep asking questions till we both understand what exactly is the issue.
Learning as a collaborative process.
Never to assume anything from before
Books that shaped how I work
- Why has nobody told me this before by Julie Smith
- Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb: A reminder of the human side of therapy and the importance of empathy.
Research, writing and talks
My research interests mostly focus on Developmental, Social and Health Psychology. I am also in the process of publishing my thesis titled- “Exploring the influence of Emotional regulation, Generativity and Quality of Close Friendships on the well being of Middle Aged Men and Women”
Answered in my words.
If you are in immediate danger or worried you might act on thoughts of harming yourself, please contact Tele-MANAS (14416 or 1-800-89-14416, available 24×7 across India) or your local emergency services.
