Sometimes, understanding what you're going through is the first step forward.
There are times when we know something is bothering us but we may not know exactly what it is or how to deal with it.
You may feel emotionally overwhelmed, worried, low, confused, lonely, stuck in a relationship or simply unlike yourself. At such times, having a space to talk, reflect and understand what is happening can help.
I offer psychological support to help you understand your concerns, explore your emotions and develop healthier ways of coping.
Online & in-person · Pune
Meet The Mood BuddyExplore the emotional awareness app
You don't always need a diagnosis or a specific problem to seek psychological support.
Sometimes there is a clear concern. At other times, you may simply know that something doesn't feel right.
I offer support for concerns related to:
Hello, I'm Gayatri.
I am Gayatri Prakash Vaidya, a Clinical Psychologist based in Pune. I support people in understanding themselves, working through emotional challenges and building a healthier relationship with their thoughts, feelings and experiences.
I believe every person has a story worth understanding. My approach brings together empathetic listening, an open mind and thoughtful exploration, with space for you to feel heard and express yourself. Together, we can look at your experiences from different perspectives and find ways of responding that work for you.
A little space to understand how you feel.
The Mood Buddy is a quiet companion for moments when you’re on your own and could use some support. It helps you put words to what you feel, understand it a little better and find a small way forward.
For adults aged 18 and over. Android testing is in progress.
Emotions aren’t just felt.
They can be understood.
You don't need to know exactly what kind of help you need.
Tell me briefly what you are experiencing and we can begin by understanding whether psychological support may be appropriate for you.
Send an EnquiryUnderstanding the person before the problem.
I am Gayatri Prakash Vaidya, a Clinical Psychologist based in Pune. I support people in understanding themselves, working through emotional challenges and building a healthier relationship with their thoughts, feelings and experiences.
Every person has a unique story. I believe meaningful therapeutic work begins with understanding you as a person, including the experiences, relationships and concerns that have shaped your life.
A space to feel heard and understood.
Through empathetic listening and an open, non-judgmental approach, I aim to create a supportive space where you can express yourself at your own pace. We can take time to explore what you are experiencing, without the pressure to have everything figured out.
I believe a shift in perspective can open up new possibilities. Looking at your experiences from different viewpoints can help you recognise emotional patterns, understand yourself more clearly and discover healthier ways of responding to life's challenges.
My approach is compassionate, collaborative and tailored to your needs. Together, we can work towards easing emotional and psychological distress, strengthening your ways of coping and building resilience and emotional wellbeing.
Therapy also makes room for discovering your strengths, deepening your understanding of yourself and exploring what meaningful change could look like for you.
My journey in psychology extends beyond individual counselling.
Social work with adolescents
It began with meaningful social work through Stree Mukti Sanghatana's Jidnyasa programme, where I worked with adolescents for over three years, addressing their emotional, developmental and everyday concerns through counselling and awareness activities.
The Mood Buddy
This experience, along with my counselling practice, strengthened my belief that psychological understanding should be accessible beyond counselling sessions. It led me to mental-health product development, including The Mood Buddy — a practical tool designed to help people identify, understand and respond to their emotions.
Swaroopbodh Foundation
I work with Swaroopbodh Foundation as the Department Head of Krutarth – Care with Compassion, one of the Foundation's departments dedicated to the care and wellbeing of senior citizens.
As a Founder Member of Krutarth, I have been actively involved in shaping and developing the initiative from its early stages. In my role as Department Head, I contribute to planning and coordinating programs and services that focus on the emotional, psychological and overall wellbeing of older adults.
Through Krutarth, my work extends beyond individual psychological support into community-based care, with a strong emphasis on dignity, compassion, emotional wellbeing and meaningful support in later life.
Different paths. One purpose.
Whether through counselling, emotional-awareness tools or community initiatives, my purpose remains the same:
To make psychological understanding and emotional support more accessible, practical and meaningful.
Training & credentials
M.A. in Clinical Psychology
Indira Gandhi National Open University
Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy
Professional diploma training
REBT & CBT orientation
Additional learning in grief counselling, children and adolescents, anxiety and other areas of psychological wellbeing
Community & helpline work
Psychological helpline support, workshops, mental-health awareness initiatives and community-based work
You don't need to wait until things become overwhelming.
People seek psychological support for many different reasons. Sometimes there is a clear problem. Sometimes there is a difficult phase of life. And sometimes there is simply a feeling that something needs attention.
Here are some areas where you may consider reaching out.
Emotional Difficulties
When emotions feel difficult to understand, express or manage — or when you find yourself reacting in ways you don't fully understand.
Stress & Worry
When your mind feels constantly occupied, you find it difficult to relax or everyday responsibilities begin to feel overwhelming.
Low Mood & Loneliness
When you feel low, disconnected, discouraged, emotionally tired or alone — even when people are around you.
Relationships
When communication, expectations, conflicts, emotional distance, break-ups or changing relationships begin to affect your emotional wellbeing.
Self-esteem & Confidence
When self-doubt, insecurity, comparison or negative thoughts about yourself influence your choices, relationships or everyday life.
Grief, Loss & Life Changes
Support while coping with loss, separation, changing roles, major transitions or situations that are difficult to accept or adjust to.
Adolescents
Support around emotional changes, stress, relationships, studies, self-esteem, growing-up concerns and difficulties communicating with parents. My earlier work as a school counsellor involved individual and group counselling with adolescents around many of these developmental concerns.
Parents
A space for parents to understand concerns related to their child or adolescent and explore more effective ways of communicating and responding.
Senior Citizens
Support around loneliness, grief, changing relationships, adjustment, emotional needs and changes associated with later stages of life. My earlier mental-health helpline work included supporting older adults experiencing loneliness, alongside people dealing with stress, anxiety and emotional difficulties.
Still not sure where your concern fits? It doesn't have to fit into a category.
Sometimes people know exactly what is troubling them. Sometimes they only know: "I haven't been feeling like myself." Either can be a starting point.
Send an EnquiryFrequently Asked Questions
A few common questions people ask before starting counselling.
What if I feel disturbed after the first session?
Yes, sometimes it happens. If you feel disturbed after the first session, take it as part of the healing process.
How do I know whether to consult a counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist?
The choice depends on the nature of the concern and the support needed. A counsellor can help with difficult emotions, relationships and life situations. A clinical psychologist provides psychological assessment and therapy, including when difficulties keep returning or affect everyday life. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who assesses mental health conditions and can prescribe medication when needed.
Their roles can overlap and they may work together. If you are unsure where to begin, a qualified mental health professional can help you understand which support is suitable.
If I am taking counselling sessions, do I still need psychiatric medication?
Not necessarily, but in some cases, counselling sessions (talk therapy) need to be combined with medication prescribed by a psychiatrist. This depends on the nature and severity of the problem or condition. When needed, both work together to support recovery and mental well-being.
What is the guarantee that what I share, including my secrets, stays safe?
Confidentiality is mandatory in the counselling profession. It is the counsellor's responsibility and ethical duty to maintain confidentiality about matters discussed by the client.
How do I know if my mental health is not stable?
When you find it difficult to maintain balance between thoughts, emotions and behaviour in a specific disturbing situation or event.
What is the right time to visit a counsellor?
Check the intensity, frequency and duration of emotional disturbance in a specific disturbing situation or event.
Will I get solutions to my problems?
No, a counsellor never gives direct solutions to clients. A counsellor helps the client find their own solutions by providing therapeutic and professional support and guidance.
Sometimes, reaching out is the first conversation.
If you are considering psychological support, you can send me a brief enquiry. You don't need to explain everything in your first message. Just tell me enough to help me understand what you are looking for.
Thank you.
Your email app should now be open with your enquiry ready to send. If it didn't open, you can email directly at [email protected].
Location
Pune, Maharashtra
Sessions
Online & in-person
Languages
English, मराठी, हिंदी
How your information is handled
This website does not collect or store any personal information on a server. The enquiry form on the Contact page opens your own email application with your responses filled in — nothing is transmitted or saved anywhere until you choose to send that email yourself.
The only information kept is a light/dark display preference, saved locally in your own browser. It is never shared or transmitted anywhere.
If you write to me by email, phone or through this site, I will use the information you share only to respond to your enquiry and, if you choose to go ahead, to provide psychological support to you. I will not share your information with anyone else without your consent, except where required by law.
Please avoid sharing detailed medical records or highly sensitive personal information through the initial enquiry form.
Please read before reaching out
Please note that this therapy service is for emotional and psychological wellbeing and does not provide legal advice or intervention.
If you are currently involved in any legal matters (such as police cases, court proceedings, custody issues, etc.), disclosure is mandatory. The therapist holds the right to refuse or discontinue therapy in cases involving unresolved legal complications or where the therapeutic boundaries may be compromised.
Thank you..!