Chaithanya Vannarath
Psychotherapist
- Referred by a therapist
- Clients in 7+ countries
Hi! I'm Chaithanya. A large part of my work today is with NRI clients, and over the years I've worked with individuals and families across more than 7+ countries. Living and working across cultures brings its own challenges, identity shifts, distance from family, pressure to perform, and a quiet sense of dislocation that often goes unseen. Having supported NRIs over a long period of time, I bring sensitivity to these layers and a lived understanding of what it means to hold multiple worlds at once.
My journey into therapy began later in my career, after years in law and the corporate world, including senior roles that demanded ambition, cognitive rigor, and constant performance. I have lived that driven life myself, completing both a law degree and an MBA, and working in high-responsibility environments. These experiences deeply shape my work today. I understand the inner worlds of people who are ambitious, analytical, and highly driven, and I work especially well with senior leaders and professionals who are used to operating from their thinking mind but feel emotionally stretched, stuck, or exhausted underneath.
I am trained across multiple therapeutic approaches, including Transactional Analysis, psychodrama, motivational interviewing, and addiction management, and I remain deeply invested in ongoing learning as the field continues to evolve. Being trained in more than one approach allows me to tailor my work to what each client truly needs, rather than viewing their struggles through a single lens. No two people come into therapy with the same story, and I believe therapy works best when it is flexible, responsive, and grounded in the client's context.
At the heart of my work is a simple intention: to offer a steady, non-judgmental space where you can pause, feel heard, and make sense of your life with clarity, compassion, and movement forward.
7000+ hours of work in therapy
I didn't stop learning after my masters, I have been continuously investing in practical case-based training, client work, and my own personal therapy.
We show therapy sessions so you can better understand a therapist's real-world experience.
Two therapists may both have five years in practice, yet one might have completed 500 sessions while another has completed 3,000. This depends on whether they practice part-time or full-time and how consistently they see clients. Session counts make that difference visible.
Just as you would not trust a surgeon who has only read about the human body but never operated, therapy cannot be mastered through textbooks alone. While many master's programs in India are heavily theory-driven, practical training develops the real skill of therapy - learning how to ask the right question, when to hold silence, when to challenge, and how to respond in complex emotional moments.
Therapists are human, and they carry their own histories. When a client's experiences resemble their own, old patterns can get activated.
For example, if a therapist grew up with a highly critical parent and a client shares a similar experience, that old pattern can get activated. They may unconsciously over-identify, rescue, or react instead of staying objective. Personal therapy helps therapists recognise their own triggers and patterns so they can respond thoughtfully and continue to hold a non-judgemental space. Nobody is born non judgemental, it takes a lot of personal work to get there.
6+ years of in-depth, practical training in psychotherapy post masters
- 6+ years of advanced training in Transactional Analysis from International Transactional Analysis Association (ITAA)
- 1+ year Gestalt Therapy from Wellspring
- 1+ year Family Therapy from internationally accredited The PARC and Bower Place, Australia
- 1+ year Mentalisation Based Treatment from The PARC and Anna Freud Foundation under internationally known trainer Anthony Bateman
- Couples Therapy (TA) under Rosalind Sharples, internationally certified trainer by ITAA
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy from The Gottman Institute, USA
- Basics of Addiction Management from NIMHANS
- Motivational Interviewing from NIMHANS
Educational Qualifications
- M.A. Clinical Psychology, IGNOU
- B.A. LLB, Mangalore University
- MBA (HR and Marketing), Kannur University
✨ Chaithanya's training is shaped by extensive learning from multiple internationally reputed institutes and advanced training, reflecting a strong and deeply committed therapeutic foundation. This breadth of global exposure allows her to work with emotional and relational patterns with depth, maturity, and a nuanced understanding that supports meaningful change.
I've been privileged to work with clients ranging from corporate professionals, to people in leading roles, from young mothers to clients battling addiction and to people experiencing existential crisis, covering a wide variety of issues.
You are in the right place if you are not primarily seeking relief from sexual disorders or psychosis.
Approaches I Use
- Transactional Analysis (TA)
- Gestalt Therapy
- Psychodrama
- Addiction Management
- Motivational Interviewing
✨ Chaithanya draws from multiple therapeutic approaches so the work can adapt to what you need, rather than forcing you into one method. This allows you to shift between insight, emotional processing, and practical change as different moments call for different kinds of support.
What sessions with me feel like
When you come into session with me, we may start with the bigger goals you hold, like feeling lighter, finding clarity, or working through something difficult, but I also focus on how you're doing in the present moment. Some sessions may be about releasing what's been building up, others about gently exploring patterns or emotions that are harder to name.
I work collaboratively, staying patient with your pace while also reflecting back what may go unseen. From time to time, we pause to notice what has shifted and what still needs care, so therapy always stays meaningful for you.
At its core, my approach is client-led, respectful, and grounded in the belief that this space is yours to bring your whole self and be met with care and curiosity.
Session Basics
Languages
Fluent in English & Malayalam;
Understands Hindi & Kannada
Location
Bengaluru, India
Mode
Online only
Duration
50 minutes
Available for
Individual Therapy, Couples Therapy & Family Therapy
Rescheduling/Cancellation Policy
48-hour notice required
Outside therapy
Outside therapy, I enjoy a little bit of everything, baking, photography, painting, but what I treasure most are the times I get to spend with my old friends from school and college. Being with them always takes me back, reminding me of who I was and how far I've come, and those memories keep me grounded.
What clients say
"I had initially sought Chaitanya's help for my teenage children, but she intuitively recognised that I, as a single mother, needed support too. Over a year, she gave me a safe, nonjudgmental space where I felt truly heard. Her empathy and guidance helped me grow as a person and as a parent. I will always be grateful for her compassion and care."
Female, Early 30s
"I came to Chaithanya disempowered and hopeless after disappointing experiences with other therapists. Her safe presence, gentle guidance, and focus on feelings helped me discover self-empathy, process childhood experiences, and build resilience. With her support, I replaced anger with empathy, navigated stress calmly, and felt truly empowered for the first time."
"In two years of therapy with Chaithanya, I've built self-respect, healthier boundaries, and resilience. Unlike quick-fix approaches I'd experienced before, she patiently listened and helped me create long-term tools for growth. Her dedication and insight have been transformative, guiding me towards deeper self-discovery and the confidence to face life's challenges."
Female, Early 30s, Doctor
I've been referred to Mindbun by therapist Chaitali Shetty and approved for practice by my trainer, Haseena Abdulla (TSTA), ITAA recognised TA trainer.
Therapists know what good therapy feels like. That's why this referral is stronger, and why you can trust it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What approaches do you work with?
I work with Transactional Analysis, Gestalt Therapy, Psychodrama, Addiction Management, and Motivational Interviewing, adapting the approach based on your context and goals.
What languages do you offer sessions in?
I offer sessions in English and Malayalam. I also understand Hindi and Kannada.
What type of people may not be the right fit for you?
I may not be the right fit if you are primarily seeking support for sexual disorders or psychosis.
Do you have experience working with clients outside India? Which countries?
Yes. I work extensively with NRI clients and have supported individuals and families across 7+ countries, including the UK, US, Ireland, Denmark, UAE, and Australia.
Are your sessions more structured or exploratory?
My sessions are primarily client-led and exploratory, while also integrating structure when clarity, direction, or goal-focused work is needed.
Will I get exercises or reflection work between sessions?
Sometimes. I may suggest reflections or practical tools when helpful, but only if they feel supportive and relevant to your process.
What if I disagree with you?
I genuinely welcome disagreement in our work together. If something I say doesn't sit right with you, I encourage you to share it openly. Therapy is a collaborative space, and your voice matters deeply here. Often, moments of disagreement lead to powerful insights, about patterns, boundaries, needs, or past experiences. Exploring these moments together can become an important part of your therapeutic growth and help us build a more honest, trusting relationship.
What if it doesn't feel like it's working after a few sessions?
Let's talk about it openly. Therapy is a collaborative process, and it's important that you feel safe sharing if something doesn't feel right. Sometimes, naming what isn't working can lead to meaningful shifts in the work itself. You are always free to pause, take a break, or explore a different therapist if that feels better for you. We can have that conversation together first, or you can also reach out to the Mindbun team for support in finding a better fit. Your comfort and growth matter more than pushing through something silently.