Ayesha Bajaj

M.A. Clinical Psychology

Suicide Sensitive

(She/Her)

This led me to study psychology and train with Samaritans Mumbai, a suicide prevention hotline. Through their rigorous program, I learned concepts like empathy, active listening, and emotional presence—skills I had instinctively leaned on for years. I witnessed how deep, compassionate listening could ease pain and even help prevent suicide.

During my academic training, I was drawn to humanistic and existential schools of thought, where I first encountered the idea of unconditional positive regard. These frameworks helped me root my values in acceptance, curiosity, and compassion. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I immersed myself in further learning. I was deeply influenced by the work of Dr. Gabor Maté and Esther Perel. From Dr. Maté, I learned about the connections between trauma, physical illness, and emotional repression. Esther Perel expanded my understanding of relational and erotic intelligence. These voices, along with many others, affirmed my belief in the importance of connection, empathy, and holistic healing.

I’ve spent the past eight years working in the mental health field—supporting crisis hotlines, running support groups for trans and queer folks, and training communities in psychological safety. I took time to slowly build my practice, not just in skill but in integrity—clarifying the kind of therapist I want to be and the kind of space I want to hold.

Psychotherapy with Ayesha is the result of that journey. This space welcomes everyone—especially those who are curious, those living at the margins, and those who simply want room to breathe, reflect, and be deeply heard.

I’ve been drawn to human emotions and stories for as long as I can remember. Growing up in a boarding school, I found myself intuitively practicing empathy—tuning in closely to what others were feeling, often before they said a word. My curiosity about people expanded into academics. In biology class, I wasn’t just interested in anatomy—I wondered what made us behave the way we do. What were the connections between our minds, our nervous systems, and our bodies?