Gautham Krishnan (he/him)

We aren't taught how to navigate relationships, most of us learn that by observing the relationships that we grow up with. Since the previous generation wasn't given many tools on navigating conflict in healthy ways, respecting one's own and others boundaries, and being vulnerable and accountable, we end up learning to defend ourselves or fight in ways that leads to more hurt and disconnect. I like to highlight this context and find ways to change how the client approaches relationships.

Trauma is not the event itself but our experience of it, how it shapes our beliefs and feelings of safety and connection. Before exploration of trauma, comes the importance of building a relationship with the client where they can feel safe in their environment and have that trust in it to be able to regulate themselves and process difficult experiences. It's important for the client to be able to create those relationships or connections outside of therapy for long term change.

We aren't given many opportunities to explore the gender or sexuality spectrum or understand the various norms and societal expectations that are pushed onto us. This creates a disconnect and binds up from being able to truly explore our feelings and how we perceive ourselves. I want to create a space where the client feels comfortable and safe to be able to explore themselves and build that connection within to feel seen by themselves.

We learn to navigate relationships by observing the relationships surrounding us while growing up. The previous generation weren't given many tools to navigate conflict in healthy ways, to process their own emotions and be vulnerable, to respect one's own and others boundaries and to work towards building safety within connections. I like to highlight this context within my work and find ways to help the client work towards building those healthy relationships.

Trauma is not the event itself but one's experience of it, how it shapes our beliefs and views on safety and connection. Before even processing the traumatic experience, it's important to build a relationship with the client where they feel seen, safe and have the trust in their ability to regulate themselves. For long term recovery, it's important for the client to have access to healthy, safe spaces and connections, where they can experience the joy that can come from relationships.