Core Team
John, Janna, Sarah, Max, Mikel
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Dr. Parul Tank
President
Dr Parul Tank is a consultant psychiatrist and therapist. She works from her centres in Ghatkopar and Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) in Mumbai. Her centre NIMAI Healthcare is run in liaison with psychologists who are experts in children, adults and old age mental health. She is a consultant at Fortis Hospital (Mulund), Asian Heart Institute (Bandra Kurla Complex). She is the Honorary Head of Department at the Seth VC Gandhi and MA Vora Municipal General Hospital
(Rajawadi Hospital, Ghatkopar). She is a visiting psychotherapist for corporate houses in Mumbai. She is a designated teacher for the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Mumbai and is also an examiner for their examinations. Parul is the official psychiatrist and therapist for the United States Consulate, Mumbai and the American School of Bombay (Mumbai).
She is also a Diplomat of the National Board of Examinations (DNBE), New Delhi.
Besides general adult psychiatry, Dr Parul Tank has a special interest in posttraumatic stress disorders and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy, children with psychological problems, and de-addiction. She trains mental health professionals in India and abroad in EMDR therapy. She is a popular speaker and has been invited on a number of occasions by professional peer bodies, hospitals, government organizations (Police, Fire brigade, Airport Authority of India), schools, NGOs and corporate houses to speak on scientific and social issues related to psychological and emotional health. She writes in Indian newspapers and magazines. The highlight of her media forays have been as an expert on psychological health for Gumraah, a television program on Channel V, based on adolescents and the crises of growing up.
Her team at NIMAI works with a number of other schools as a visiting therapist in Mumbai. She is a designated teacher for the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Mumbai and is also an examiner for their examinations. She is the official psychiatrist and therapist for the United States Consulate, Mumbai and the American School of Bombay (Mumbai). She has worked with a number of other schools as a visiting therapist in Mumbai.
Dr Parul Tank graduated (MBBS) from Seth GS Medical College and King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, Mumbai with an excellent academic record. She pursued post graduation in psychological medicine at the same institute. She received the degree (MD) and diploma (DPM) qualifications with gold medals. She trained and worked as a Consultant over a period of three years for the National Health Service (NHS), United Kingdom.
She has continued updating herself with the latest developments in psychological medicine and psychological therapy.
Dr. Dushyant Bhadlikar
President Elect
Dr Dushyant M Bhadlikar is a psychiatrist, having done his graduation and post-graduation from Seth GSMC – Mumbai. He did his Level Two in 2001. He was a part of a team of volunteers that had worked in Bhuj following the earthquake.
He is an EMDR ASIA approved trainer.
Dr. Deepak Gupta
Secretary
Dr. Deepak Gupta, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, MD, DNB, DCAP (London, UK), is one of the well known child & adolescent psychiatrists in India. He specializes in dealing with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, emotional behavioral difficulties, trauma, school refusal and other mental health challenges in children, adolescents and young people.
He is deeply committed to working with families with a child on the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) across India, Asia and UK. He is associated with Sir Ganga Ram Hospital (SGRH), since 2004 and is the founder and director of Centre for Child and Adolescent Well Being (CCAW), New Delhi that was established in 2005. At CCAW, he has a team of specialized professionals; Special Educators, Occupational Therapist, Speech and Language Therapist and Psychologists who have been catering to the needs of the society in the field of child & adolescence mental health for over a decade under his guidance and supervision. Dr. Deepak is also a mental health consultant at the Udayan Care, NGO, New Delhi.
Dr. Deepak truly believes that every child has the potential to grow despite the limitations when provided with the right nurturance and care.
Dr. Usha Verma Srivastava
Treasurer
Dr. Usha Verma Srivastava (Ph.D), is a trained therapist in EMDR ( London, U K) and trainer in Training. She is a Consultant clinical Psychologist at Surya Multispecialty Hospital, Mahmoorganj, Varanasi, Career Guidance & counseling Cell , BHU, Jagriti :Guidance and counseling Center, AMPG college, Chetganj, Varanasi, Samvedna: Centre for Neuropsychological Rehabilitation & Mental Well Being, Kabirchaura, Varanasi and Assistant professor at Arya Mahila P G College , affiliated to BHU.
She is a Member of G. V. Meditech Ethics Committee, Varanasi since 2011, Life Member of EMDR Association, Life Member of Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists (IACP). She has won Gold medal from Purvanchal University for post graduation, Amit Bhattacharya Bursary from EMDR Association UK & Ireland for EMDR training at EMDR Institute, London ,2005 and was also awarded International fellowship in Neuropsychology from UK, 2018.
Rev. Chilton George Fernandez
Joint Treasurer
Fr.Chilton George Fernandez, Catholic Priest from the Diocese of Cochin, Kerala has Masters in Clinical Psychology and Psychology of Community from Salesian Pontifical University, ROME. He is certified in Marriage and Family, Multi- Systemic Therapy from Connecticut State University, USA. He is a psychotherapist in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), India and facilitator for advanced formation. He is an experienced Clinician in treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) especially in addressing Developmental Trauma.
He has also worked on group protocols for Early Mental Health Interventions, for Man- Made and Natural Disasters especially during 2018 flood victims. His areas of clinical experience are in Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia for pain management and relief presently engaged in founding an institute for Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders. He owns a Teaching experience Certificate in Counseling Psychology (CCP) and Diploma in Counseling Psychology (DCP) under State Resource Centre, (SRC) Kerala Ernakulam and Alappuzha Districts.
Presently, He is the Director of ASHRAY, Kochi.
Dr Sushma Mehrotra
Chair, Training
Dr. Sushma Mehrotra (MA, M.Phil, PhD in Clinical Psychology) has been the founder president of EMDR association of Asia (2010-2017). She is also an International trainer for EMDR and a board member of Trauma Recovery/Humanitarian Assistance Program (HAP), USA, Global Initiative of Stress and Trauma (GIST-T), The Global Working Group of Trauma Recovery/EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Program and The EMDR Global Alliance and Initiative Change Collaborative (ICCo).
Currently she is Chair of Training, Standards & Accreditation Committee of EMDR Asia. She is a well-established international Asian trainer for EMDR training and is Founder President of EMDR India (2013-2017). She is invited to Philippines, Sri Lanka, Uganda, Afghanistan, Indonesia, China and Bangladesh to train mental health professionals for EMDR, besides training EMDR therapy in India.
She is practicing as an independent Clinical Psychologist currently and has her own private practice.
Dr. Mrinalini Purandare
Chair, Research & Co-Chair, Training
Dr. Mrinalini Purandare is the current Hon. President of EMDR Association, India. She holds M.Phil and Ph.D. degrees in Psychology. She is recipient of Gold Medal at B.A. (1977). She received Shardaben Diwan award for highest marks in Social Sciences (1995).
Dr. Purandare has more than three decades of teaching experience at graduate and post graduate level programs. She is former Head and Professor of Department of psychology at SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai, India.
She is recognized guide for Doctoral students, and continues to be associated with institutes of higher education such as TISS, St. Xavier’s College and SNDT Women’s University.
Dr. Purandare is Editor of the Journal “Bombay Psychologist”. She is on the panel of reviewers of an international journal in the field of psychology.
Dr. Purandare in the past has held positions of leadership such as Hon. President of Bombay Psychological Association, Hon. Secretary of EMDR Asia and Hon. Secretary of Marathi Manas Shastra Parishad.
Dr. Purandare is associated with Mumbai High Court’s, mental health initiative “Let’s Talk”. This is a unique initiative of Mumbai High Court, where the project is implemented through multi university collaboration with High Court Mumbai.
Dr. Purandare is associated with EMDR Association since it’s inception. She was involved in training, intervention and advocacy of EMDR in India. Through her efforts EMDR was introduced in University curriculum of Post-Graduate program in Psychology. She participated in large scale trauma intervention after disasters in various parts of India. She continues to work towards reaching out to unreached through EMDR.
Mr. Chintan Naik
Chair, Communication & Documentation
Chintan Naik, a practicing clinical psychologist, academically and professionally trained by the finest professionals of mental health, has been working for last 10 years in private and government set ups in India. He has deep insight into human psychology with keen interest in personality, emotional and cognitive underpinnings of behaviour.
He has been working chiefly in the areas of psycho-diagnostics, psychological assessment, and psychotherapy. He has extensive experience of working with individuals with anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, emotional disturbance, and other psychiatric issues. He also has keen interest and experience working with children/adolescents who are presenting with symptoms of ADHD, Learning disorders, childhood and adolescence adjustment issues, identity issue, etc. He specializes in intervention for psychological trauma and psychosocial challenges. He works with individuals and groups on several platforms of clinical set ups, intervention & research programs, NGOs, educational institutes, social groups and corporates. He has conducted and participated in a series of psychosocial intervention programmes and workshops. He has a good knack of identifying intra-personal and inter-personal dynamics within the individual and group to intervene appropriately achieving desirable change. He is a team worker and has a smiling pleasant and energetic personality that keeps the process moving towards achievement of a positive common goal.
Ms. Aruna Chakravorty
Executive Committe Member
Dr. Mayur Muthe
Executive Committe Member
Dr. Mayur Muthe (MBBS, MD) is a renowned psychiatrist practicing since last 10 years in Jalgaon. He graduated (MBBS) from MGM Medical College, Mumbai with an excellent academic record. He pursued post-graduation in psychiatry (MD psychiatry) from B J Government Medical College, Pune, following which he obtained a ‘Fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry’ from the prestigious ‘Institute of Mental Health and Woodbridge hospital’, Singapore.
He is currently working as honorary professor of psychiatry and Head of the Department of Psychiatry at Dr Ulhas Patil Medical College and Hospital, Jalgaon. He is a designated teacher for the postgraduate students in psychiatry. He is working in collaboration with various NGOs like Rotary Club, ‘Asha Foundation’, in creating awareness about mental health, parenting, and reducing the stigma associated with mental illness. He has been invited as a speaker by various organizations working in the field of mental health. He has extensive experience in working with children and adults with various psychological issues. He has his own clinic at Muthe Hospital, Jalgaon.
Ms. Karishma Shah Savla
Executive Committe Member
Karishma Shah Savla is a psychotherapist in private practice based in Mumbai, India. She has a Master’s in Counselling Psychology after doing a two-year certificate course in Psychoanalytic Observational Studies based on the Tavistock model from PTRC, Mumbai. She has received specialised training in Assessment & Treatment of Traumatised Children and Adolescents from ISSTD, USA.
Currently Karishma works with children, adolescents & adults in her private practice. She has been trained in EMDR therapy & has been using it along with somatic modalities and play therapy for the last thirteen years with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, traumatic stress disorders & dissociative disorders. She is a Facilitator-in-training as well as a Trainer-in-training with EMDR Asia.
She has worked as a school counsellor for a period of five years, working with children in groups & individual sessions, parents, teachers for classroom management & conduct parenting skills workshop.
Karishma is passionate about her work especially with children & traumatized individuals.She believes she has been lucky to have found mentors in India & abroad during the nascent stage of trauma training who helped her learn and guide towards appropriate training and development. She would now like to pay it forward by helping emerging mental health professionals gain expertise in the field of trauma and dissociation.
Dr. Nithya H M
Executive Committe Member
Dr. Nithya H.M. is a highly qualified and experienced Clinical Psychologist with a distinguished career in both clinical practice and academia. She currently works as an Assistant Professor and Clinical Psychologist at Chengalpattu Medical College Hospital, where she conducts assessments, provides therapy (individual and group), and teaches.
Dr. Nithya has extensive experience in various settings, including private practice, NGOs, and hospitals. She has been trained in EMDR therapy and has been extensively using it. She is a Facilitator-in-training as well as a Trainer-in-training with EMDR Asia. She has worked with a wide range of clients, from children with special needs to adults with neuropsychiatric conditions. She is also actively involved in research and has published several papers in respected journals.
Ms. Kruti Shah
Executive Committe Member
Ms. Kruti Shah is a practicing psychologist & psychotherapist with 13 years of experience. She has Masters in Counselling Psychology and works with individuals enduring psychological & interpersonal trauma, attachment difficulties & other mental health conditions.
Her professional journey till now involves setting up a counselling centre at a renowned school with a team of psychologist & remedial educators. She has worked in alliance with occupational therapists, special educators & other paraprofessionals for treating kids with autism, ADHD & down syndrome. She has coached teachers & parents to help them observe early signs of behavioral & emotional difficulties in children & design intervention in the classroom & at home.
She is a trained Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) therapist and has been using EMDR as her therapy approach to treat her clients along with other therapeutic interventions suitable to the client’s needs.
She believes being a therapist is more than just a profession. She experiences it as an interpersonal exchange with another human being, allowing to build a relationship founded on compassion & connection.
Dr. Syam K Ravindran
Executive Committe Member
Syam K Ravindran is a registered clinical psychologist with extensive experience in the higher education sector spanning over a decade. He commenced his career as a faculty member at the Department of Psychiatry, KMC, Mangalore campus in 2012, where he served until 2017. Following his tenure at KMC, Mangalore, he transitioned to supervising MPhil clinical psychology trainees at the Department of Clinical Psychology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education from 2017 to 2022.
Throughout his career, Syam has honed his expertise in various therapeutic modalities and interventions, including Trauma-informed psychological interventions. His specialization lies in working with emerging adults.
Presently, Syam is associated with CONNECT & RESTORE, a virtual platform dedicated to providing clinical skills training and supervision for mental health professionals. Within this capacity, he actively conducts workshops and training sessions on Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-informed psychological interventions, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
He is Consultant & Trainer in Training of the EMDR India training team and is involved in conducting EMDR basic training for mental health professionals in India. He is a professional life member of the Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists (IACP), Clinical Psychology Society of India (CPSI) and EMDR Association, India.