Kavya Kashyap
Clinical Psychologist & Psychotherapist
- Clients in 5+ countries
- RCI-licensed
Hi, I'm Kavya. I came into this field through clinical training that taught me diagnosis, pathology, and the language of what is wrong with people. What I found myself doing over time was moving in the opposite direction, not away from clinical rigour, but toward something that held it differently. I became more interested in humanising what people carry than in labelling it. That shift is at the centre of everything I do today.
One thing I have come to understand deeply is that whatever a client walks in with, it always has roots. Something that happened, something they were exposed to, something that shaped them before they had the language to make sense of it. Therapy, for me, is about going back to those roots, not to excavate them clinically, but to repair what needs repairing, gently and with the person fully in view.
Although I am trained in multiple modalities ranging from EMDR, Transactional Analysis EFT etc. I still narrow down to what I can actually use, what I can bring into a room with a real person and have real impact for my client. I do not believe in applying frameworks mechanically. I believe in knowing someone well enough to meet them where they are.
I work with people who are carrying complex histories, and I know how to hold that without flinching. I also know the difference between being compassionate and being passive. When something needs to be named, I name it. When a client needs to be challenged, I do that too. And if something lands badly, I stay with it. That is part of the work, not an interruption of it.
5050+ 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.
8+ years of in-depth, practical training in psychotherapy post masters
- 8+ years (and ongoing) of advanced training in Transactional Analysis from International Transactional Analysis Association (ITAA)
- 2+ years of Integral Somatic Psychology training from Prafulta – Centre for Psychological Wellness (multi-level training)
- Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Level 1 & Level 2 training from EMDR India
- Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) training from EFT India
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) training from Psychwire, with facilitation and clinical application in DBT groups and sessions
- Compassionate Inquiry training from the Compassionate Inquiry Institute, Canada
- Polyvagal Therapy training from Embodying Lab & PESI, UK
- Trauma-Informed Therapy Training from Trauma Research Foundation (TRF) and the National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioural Medicine (NICABM)
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) training from SafeTherapy & PESI, UK
Educational Qualifications
- B.A English Literature, Journalism & Psychology from National College, Bangalore
- M.Sc Psychology from Montfort College, Bangalore
- M.Phil Clinical Psychology from National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro-sciences (NIMHANS)
✨ Kavya is an RCI licensed clinical psychologist trained at NIMHANS, India's most prestigious institution for mental health, and has spent the years since building one of the most comprehensive training portfolios you'll find in a therapist. From processing trauma through EMDR and IFS, to regulating the nervous system through somatic and polyvagal work, to the structured rigour of DBT, she has invested deeply and deliberately in being able to meet clients at every layer of their experience.
I’ve been privileged to work with a wide range of clients, from senior leaders, professionals navigating high-pressure roles, to clients simply navigating through mid-life crisis, or coming in with more clinical concerns, living across countries, having a variety of concerns. My approach is holistic and trauma-informed, meeting the client exactly where they are.
You are in the right place if you are not primarily seeking support for psychosis.
Approaches I Use
- Transactional Analysis (TA)
- Somatic Experiencing (SE)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Internal Family Systems (IFS)
- Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Psychodynamic Therapy
Kavya works at the intersection of mind, body, and relationship, drawing on a wide range of approaches to help you understand your patterns, process what you're carrying, and rebuild a sense of safety within yourself. She adapts the work to you, rather than fitting you into a fixed method.
What sessions with me feel like
Sessions begin with where you are right now, what has it been like since we last spoke, and what you would like to pick up today. That thread from the previous session is always there, even if you arrive with something completely new. The first session is structured around understanding your goals, where you see yourself after this work, and what changes you are actually looking for. Clients often tell me nobody had asked them these questions in quite this way before.
As we move deeper I pay close attention to what is happening beyond what is being said. If I notice something in how you are sitting, a shift in expression, something your body is doing, I will ask your permission before naming it. Nothing gets examined before you are ready. When a session carries a lot of intensity I do not push through it. I pause, tell you, we need a moment to ground ourselves. That settling, when it happens together, tends to open more than anything that came before it.
Every four to five sessions I check in formally on what is working, what is not, and what needs to change. Sessions close with five minutes to capture what happened, what you are taking back, what felt important, and whether anything feels unfinished. That last question matters because whatever is pending will be there waiting when you return.
Session Basics
Languages
Fluent in English, Hindi, Kannada, & Telugu
Location
Bengaluru, India
Mode
Online only
Duration
60 minutes
Available for
Individual Therapy & Couples Therapy
Rescheduling/Cancellation Policy
24-hour notice required
Outside therapy
I paint, because sitting with colors and letting whatever I feel come out on the canvas is one of the few things that genuinely quiets my mind. I also do pencil sketching when I want something more precise. At home, I have plants that I tend to, slowly growing a beautiful quiet green spot. And I love to cook, mostly trying to make the dishes my mother taught me but make them slightly my own. These are the things that fill me back up between sessions.
What clients say
"I began therapy with Kavya to work on my perfectionism, which had been affecting my relationships and daily life. What stood out most was her honesty and accountability. When she missed something, she openly acknowledged it and brought it back into the session. That level of authenticity made me trust the process. Kavya’s gentle, human approach helped me feel seen, respected, and emotionally safe. Through therapy, I learned that relationships can repair and grow through difficulties."
Male, 27, Assistant Manager
"With Kavya, I found what I was looking for in therapy. Someone to not judge me, someone to hear me out and validate me and someone who would respect me and not push me to do what they wanted. She is nice. I like her."
Male, 28, Data Analyst
"I started therapy carrying deep childhood trauma, constant panic attacks, and sleepless nights. In the beginning, I was so anxious that I trembled during sessions. Kavya’s gentle and trauma-informed approach helped me feel safe enough to continue. She never rushed the process or pushed me beyond what I could handle. Her warmth, patience, and authenticity created a space where healing slowly became possible. For the first time, I felt I didn’t have to face my trauma alone."
Female, 33, Financial Analyst
"I was initially very skeptical about therapy, but working with Kavya completely changed my perspective. Through our sessions, I developed deeper self-awareness, confidence, and the ability to process grief in a healthier way. She brings compassion, commitment, and clarity to every conversation, helping me navigate emotional challenges and understand myself better. My experience with her has been so impactful that I now strongly believe in the value of therapy."
Male, 34, Veterinary Doctor
"When I first began therapy, I didn't know what to expect. The healing process felt unfamiliar and intimidating. Kavya made the journey easier with her supportive and reassuring presence. Our sessions helped me work through unresolved issues while also building confidence and emotional resilience. She has a thoughtful way of guiding clients through difficult emotions and personal growth. My positive experience with her has made me recommend therapy to many people in my life."
Female, 34, PhD Scholar-Biotech
"I've been working with Kavya since May 2023, and she has been a steady and supportive presence during a difficult phase of my life. She helped me set healthier boundaries, manage anxiety, and reduce people-pleasing patterns. Kavya also gently calls out self-sabotaging behaviours while encouraging honest reflection. Our sessions feel like a safe, open space where I can speak freely and receive thoughtful, transparent guidance. I've grown significantly through this work with her."
Female, 32, Marketing Manager
"It's been almost a year since I've had therapy with Ms. Kavya. I feel comfortable and it's easy to talk with her. I feel a bit more organised. I feel like I can do something with my life and I feel like I can depend on her when I feel lost."
Female, 24, Makeup Artist
"Therapy with Kavya has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. Over the past three to four years, I've gone from being completely overwhelmed by my depression, anxiety, and trauma to understanding them and having the tools to manage them. Kavya creates a compassionate, non-judgmental space while also offering practical guidance and perspective, helping me feel heard and gently guided toward healthier ways of living."
Female, 30, HR Consultant
"Working with Kavya helped me process past trauma and build healthier coping strategies for anxiety and stress. She creates a safe, non-judgmental space where difficult emotions can be explored openly. Her guidance helped me gain clarity about the root causes of my struggles and develop practical tools to handle them. Therapy with her brought perspective, emotional understanding, and meaningful personal growth."
Female, 29, Software Tester
I've been referred to Mindbun by therapist Bhumi.
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 in an integrative way, drawing from Transactional Analysis, Somatic Experiencing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and EMDR. These approaches allow us to explore patterns, process trauma safely, and support both emotional insight and nervous system regulation.
What languages do you offer sessions in?
I offer sessions in English, Hindi, Kannada, and Telugu.
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 psychosis, as these concerns often require more specialised or multidisciplinary care.
Are you a RCI-licensed psychologist?
Yes. I am registered with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). My registration number is A100684, and you can verify it here.
Do you have experience working with clients outside India? Which countries?
Yes. I have worked with clients internationally through online therapy, including individuals from the USA, UAE, Germany, and Albania, in addition to India.
Are your sessions more structured or exploratory?
My sessions are primarily exploratory and relational, while still holding gentle structure. I adapt the process to your needs, sometimes focusing on reflective conversation and insight, and at other times incorporating grounding or body-based work.
Will I get exercises or reflection work between sessions?
No, but depending on what supports your process, I may suggest grounding practices, reflections, or emotional regulation tools between sessions.
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.