BPSYCH, PGDPP, MEDP (MAPS)

Anushka is our Founder & Principal Psychologist. With a speciality in cultural family dynamics, trauma, anxiety, depression, and more, Anushka provides expert support for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Whether it's managing mood disorders, marital issues, or exploring cultural identity as a Third Culture Kid, she offers a safe space for self-discovery and growth. From stress and burnout to neurodiversity, Anushka is here to help you thrive. Join her on the journey to prioritise your mental health and wellbeing, because every step forward is a step toward a brighter tomorrow.

BSc, MC

Sayaka Sayeed is a compassionate counsellor and program manager at Umeed Psychology, dedicated to providing inclusive and affirming mental health care. She specializes in supporting LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, and culturally diverse individuals, creating a safe space for healing and self-discovery. With a client-centred approach, she integrates CBT, ACT, and Schema Therapy to help individuals navigate identity, anxiety, ADHD/ASD, and trauma with understanding and empowerment.

BSc, MC

Natasha Lama is a registered psychotherapist with a Master’s in Counselling who works with adolescents, adults, and couples. She brings a warm, humorous, and collaborative style to therapy, creating safe, non-judgmental spaces for clients to share their stories. Raised in a Malaysian-Indian community, Natasha has a deep appreciation for cultural intricacies and is committed to sex-positivity and community-based values. She draws on CBT, mindfulness, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Schema Therapy to provide a person-centred and culturally responsive approach.

Meet Kaynat, our dynamic admin who’s the heartbeat of our team! With a knack for organization that would make Marie Kondo proud, she seamlessly juggles schedules, manages crises, and keeps everything running smoothly. Kaynat's infectious energy and can-do attitude inspire us all to bring our A-game every day. When she’s not conquering administrative mountains, you might find her exploring new cuisines, diving into a captivating book, or planning her next adventure. With Kaynat at the helm, there's never a dull moment in the office!

Sharvesh is a postgraduate counselling student with international experience in counselling, education, and social justice advocacy across Singapore, Canada, Sri Lanka, and Australia. Their work is grounded in a commitment to intersectionality, anti-oppressive frameworks, and culturally responsive care, with a focus on supporting marginalised and underserved communities.

With particular interests in sex and intimacy, race-based traumatic stress, and queer-affirming care, Sharvesh’s therapeutic approach is humanistic and person-centred, integrating narrative therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and emotionally focused therapy (EFT).

Growing up Tamil, queer, and neurodiverse in Singapore, Sharvesh has a nuanced understanding of how culture and multiple marginalised intersecting identities can shape and compound mental health challenges. Hence, their belief that mental health care should be tailored, inclusive, empowering, and rooted in respect and dignity. 

They hold a Bachelor of Arts in Guidance and Counselling, as well as a Master of Arts in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies. They are currently completing a Master of Counselling in Naarm, Melbourne. 

Poorni is one of our thoughtful and passionate facilitators at Umeed Psychology. With a background in psychology and counselling and a deep commitment to community wellbeing, she brings warmth, insight, and a grounding presence to every group she leads. Poorni is especially passionate about creating safe, culturally sensitive spaces for reflection, connection, and growth. When she’s not facilitating, you’ll likely find her enjoying a good book, exploring creative outlets, or spending quality time with loved ones.

Deshna is the vibrant and compassionate facilitator of our QueerSpace group at Umeed Psychology. As a proud mental health advocate, Deshna is deeply passionate about creating affirming, inclusive spaces where LGBTQIA+ folks from diverse cultural backgrounds can feel seen, safe, and celebrated. With a background in counselling and a love for community care, she brings both warmth and lived experience to her facilitation. When she's not holding space for others, you’ll likely find her engaging in creative activities, curating playlists, or sharing a laugh over a cup of chai.

 Anirudh, also known as Ani, is a Neurodivergent and Queer South Indian Person. They Facilitate the Queer Space group at Umeed Psychology. After living in Australia for almost a decade, Ani has become deeply aware of the colonial legacies that impact both their homeland and the communities

With a background in Psychology and Social Work, Ani is passionate about addressing the systemic barriers that people with intersecting identities face.

When not focused on their professional work, Ani enjoys channeling their energy into powerlifting, long walks, watching movies, and reading.

Shiromie is a passionate provisional psychologist who is dedicated to providing a safe space for individuals to explore their emotions and experiences. She has an interest in supporting individuals impacted by trauma and those who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Using client-centred approaches, Shiromie intends to support individuals on their mental health journey with compassion, understanding, and a hint of humour.

Naveen is one of the passionate facilitators at Umeed Psychology. With a background in Psychology, Naveen is committed to creating spaces for community to congregate and thrive in. His work is underpinned by the belief that the return to village and communal spaces are essential for our wellbeing on a holistic level. Growing up in Melbourne as a South-Indian Tamil man, he is particularly passionate towards working with POC and South Asian youth and working in Men’s spaces.