Nisha Fernandes-Seshadri PsyD

I came to focus on the mind-body connection during my internship at a local hospital. I participated in Psychological Consultation on the medical floors, Psychiatric Emergency Services and inpatient treatment. I learned how powerful the mind is and how it can (un)consciously impact the body in many ways. Even for chronic health and mental health conditions, I was witness and helper with bringing relief to individuals. Sometimes the relief came about in unexpected but beautiful ways.

This is a near and dear area of focus for me as I've worked with grief/loss professionally and personally. Thus, I have been both a participant and helper which I think makes me unique with my perspective and ability to empathasize. I am an existentialist in that I believe this topic is inevitable in life but helps us re-evaluate whether we are living the lives we want for ourselves. If not, it brings about an opportunity to change our lives and delve into gratitude.

I come from a humanistic-existential perspective with anxiety as well. I believe that anxiety is a part of life at some point, and can be helpful with bringing about action or change. However, debilitating and severe anxiety is not. I am here to help with any type of anxiety you may be experiencing (whether overwhelming or situational). I work from a bottom-up and top-down approach - I explore potential causes for the anxiety with you, as well as treat the anxiety by teaching coping strategies.

Research shows that mindfulness reduces stress, ruminations, emotional reactivity, and improves focus/concentration, relationship satisfaction and broadens thinking (APA 2012). I have found to be personally and professionally helpful. Mindfulness helps with ensuring that you stay present in your life and make informed decisions. If you are open to it, I will suggest exercises to try and/or lead your through some in session.

If you are feeling anxiety/depressed, my goal is to help you return to your normal (or a new, healthier normal). This often requires learning skills to regulate/feel better, manage anxiety/panic and improve sleep. We will explore which coping strategies work best for you given your own unique personality and lifestyle.

I use a psychodynamic lens to treatment which just means that I keep in mind your background, upbringing, culture, relationships, etc, when I work with you. Sometimes people come to therapy to help get unstuck from unhealthy patterns that they find themselves in with partners or other loved ones. This approach helps me work with you as a whole person full of experiences from the past, present and future wishes.

During my internship at a local hospital, I came to recognize the mind-body connection. I participated in 3 rotations: Psychological Consultation on the medical floors, Psychiatric Emergency Services and inpatient. I learned how powerful the mind is and how it can (un)consciously impact the body in numerous ways. Even for chronic health and mental health conditions, I was witness and helper with bringing relief to individuals. Sometimes the relief came about in beautiful but unexpected ways.