SAMASHRAYA's story
The name Samashraya comes from the Sanskrit samāśraya, evoking the idea of refuge, support, and a place to lean upon. We all carry things that are not always visible; experiences, emotions, questions, relationships, expectations, and parts of ourselves we may not always know what to do with. At times, life can leave us feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, uncertain, or simply tired from holding things together. Samashraya is a space to bring some of that into the open, gently and without judgement, without the expectation of having everything figured out.
Here, therapy is an invitation to slow down and turn towards your experiences with curiosity and compassion. It is a space to notice what you are feeling, understand the patterns and experiences that shape you, and make room for different ways of seeing and being. The process is collaborative and unfolds at your own pace, allowing space for both what feels difficult and what may be waiting to be understood.
A space to be as you are, to understand what you carry, and to discover your own way forward.
ABOUT ME
I am Lakshmi Ayyagari, a Counselling Psychologist and Psychotherapist holding a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology alongside a decade of practice. My professional ethos is centered on cultivating a nurturing, secure, and empathetic space where your personal path can be explored with sincerity and at a speed that aligns with your specific needs.
I offer support to individuals navigating the challenges of anxiety, mental fatigue, major life shifts, and intricate emotional struggles. My therapy style is rooted in a collaborative and deeply human perspective, prioritizing your individual narrative over impersonal clinical structures or rigid frameworks.
I maintain the perspective that therapy should not be viewed as a mission to fix yourself or uncover a set of absolute solutions. Rather, I see it as a purposeful pause to honor what you carry while developing a more compassionate bond with your internal world. I bring a sense of profound curiosity to every session, ensuring our therapeutic alliance remains authentic and tailored to your growth.
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Therapy may support you with
Anxiety & Overthinking
- Managing persistent worry
- Challenging thought patterns
- Tools for regulation
Burnout & Exhaustion
- Recovering from stress
- Work pressure impact
- Rebuilding resilience
Relationship Concerns
- Improving communication
- Understanding patterns
- Healthier boundaries
Grief & Trauma
- Managing transitions
- Past experiences
- Emotional safety
Self-Esteem & Confidence
- Challenging self-doubt
- Inherent strengths
- Self-compassion
Life Transitions
- Navigating change
- Core values & goals
- Building confidence
My Approach
Understanding Patterns
We explore the recurring thoughts and experiences that keep certain cycles in place, helping you identify the stories shaping your present.
Emotional Space
Instead of judging difficult feelings, we become curious about what they may be communicating, creating a safe space for self-exploration.
Body Awareness
We gently pay attention to physical sensations and nervous-system responses, exploring how your body holds the experiences you carry.
Practical Tools
Insight is important, but so is having something useful to carry into everyday life. We identify tools and small changes that support your goals.
Therapeutic Modalities I Use
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
Identifying and challenging the thought patterns that contribute to distress and emotional exhaustion.
Narrative Therapy
Separating you from the problems you carry, exploring the stories that shape your current experiences.
Acceptance & Commitment
Creating space for difficult emotions while focusing on living a life that aligns with your core values.
Somatic Approach
Recognizing the connection between the mind and body, and exploring nervous-system responses.
Solution Focused
Focusing on your existing strengths and identifying practical, actionable steps towards your goals.
Our Core Values
Compassion
Integrity
Growth
Courage
Impact
The Process
A collaborative space designed to help you understand yourself with curiosity rather than judgment.
01
Discovery Call
We begin with a brief, no-pressure conversation to understand your concerns and whether my approach feels suitable for you.
02
First Session
Our first session provides a deeper understanding of your experiences and what you hope to receive from therapy.
03
Identify Goals
We collaboratively identify important patterns and priorities to guide our work together.
04
Collaborative Work
Our sessions may include emotional exploration, practical strategies, and body-based awareness.
05
Review & Reflect
We periodically reflect on progress, what still feels difficult, and how we can support you moving forward.
Common Questions
What happens during the free discovery call?
The discovery call is a brief introductory conversation. You can share a little about what is bringing you to therapy, ask questions about my approach, and understand how sessions may work. It also gives us an opportunity to consider whether we might be a suitable fit.
Do I need to know exactly what I want to work on?
No. Many people begin therapy with a general sense of feeling stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, or unhappy without knowing precisely why. Part of our work can involve understanding what feels difficult and identifying what you would like to become different.
What happens in the first therapy session?
The first session usually focuses on understanding what brings you to therapy, how your concerns are affecting your life, and what you hope might change. I may ask about your emotional wellbeing, relationships, experiences, coping patterns, and current support systems.
How frequently will we meet?
Many clients begin with weekly sessions because regularity can help create trust, continuity, and momentum. The frequency may vary depending on your needs, availability, goals, and stage of therapy. We can decide this together.
Is everything I share confidential?
Your privacy is an important part of therapy. What you share is treated as confidential, except in specific circumstances involving a serious risk of harm or situations where disclosure may be legally required. The boundaries and limits of confidentiality will be explained clearly before we begin working together.
You don’t have to have everything figured out before coming to therapy.
Therapy with me is not about rushing you towards a solution or telling you how you should feel. It is a collaborative space where you can pause, feel deeply heard, and explore your experiences with curiosity rather than judgment.