EMBRACE · LISTEN · MATTER
A quiet place to grow.
Here, you’ll be embraced as you are, listened to without judgement, and reminded that you matter. Confidential therapy for navigating life and its various turning points, in person in Bangalore or online, wherever you are.
Trained Psychologist · Trauma-Informed · Secure Online Payment
About Me
Hi, I’m Shubhika, the founder of Elm Wellbeing & Therapy.
I started Elm because I believe everyone deserves a space where they’re embraced as they are, truly listened to, and reminded that they matter.
Over the past 6 years, I’ve seen how much can change when people feel safe enough to tell their story, and I wanted to build a practice where that safety comes first.
Most recently, as a Wellbeing Specialist at Infosys, I designed mental health and crisis-support programmes for over 3,25,000 employees, helping make care accessible at a scale few practitioners get to work at. Before that, I supported over 40,000 students and staff as a Psychological Counsellor at Symbiosis International University, and I began my journey at Pause for Perspective in Hyderabad, working closely with neurodivergent and queer clients.
Alongside all of this, I’ve run my own private practice since 2022, working with anxiety, depression, workplace stress, relationships and grief.
My approach is collaborative and non-judgemental, drawing on CBT, ACT, client-centred and narrative therapy, always through a trauma-informed and queer-affirmative lens. I hold an M.Sc. in Counselling Psychology from Christ University, Bengaluru.
Outside the therapy room, you’ll find me in a park admiring the skyline, or working on my next cooking adventure.
To know more about my work,
"Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen."
Brené Brown
Why Elm?
For centuries, elm trees grew where people gathered. They shaded village squares and quiet streets, and under them people stopped to rest, share their worries, and feel a little less alone.
Elms are known for their deep roots. Storms bend them, but those roots hold them steady. Even when a hard season cuts them down, they grow back from those same roots.
Therapy can work the same way. Whatever you’re carrying, you don’t have to carry it alone, and you have more strength within you than you may feel right now. Elm is here to be that shade: a calm, steady place to pause, be heard, and grow again in your own time.
And if you’ve read Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library, you’ll know another Elm. Mrs Elm, the kind librarian, stays beside Nora as she explores the lives she could have lived, gently guiding her until she sees the value in the life she already has. She doesn’t hand Nora the answers; she helps her find them herself. That’s the kind of presence we hope to be for you.
The name also holds the three things every session is built on:
What Clients Share
Therapy has been a life-changing experience for me. It has opened up windows that I didn't know existed. I have learnt to look at myself from multidimensional lenses and understand my own needs, aspirations and flaws better. With Shubhika, I have learnt to accept myself for who I am and find love in places I never thought I could.
Anonymous, 27
Although I've tried talking to a therapist before, I never felt heard until I spoke to Shubhika. She's a wonderful therapist and has been able to help me with my anxiety and with difficult circumstances. She is critical and rational, yet gentle at the same time. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her.
Anonymous, 22
Shubhika really listened and empathised with my story and struggle. She helped in connecting the dots in my story. She provides a safe space for the session. I feel lucky that I met the right therapist in a relatively short time period.
Anonymous, 33
Embrace · Listen · Matter
In Crisis?
Elm is not an emergency service. If you are in immediate danger, call 112, or Tele-MANAS on 14416 (24×7, free).