Children First ExpertDr Shelja Sen
MA, M.A, M.Phil,
30 years of experience
I offer mental health care for individuals aged 8–25.
I have over 30 years of experience in child and youth mental health. I am a narrative family therapist, clinical psychologist, writer, and co-founder of Children First. I am also a TED speaker and columnist for The Indian Express, I am passionate about bringing conversations around mental health into the mainstream. I have authored three critically acclaimed books, "All You Need is Love", "Imagine", and "Reclaim Your Life", which explore themes of parenting, education, mental health, strengthening relationships, and resilience.
In addition to my clinical work, I serve as the Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Narrative Therapy & Community Work. I contribute as a Clinical Tutor at the University of Melbourne and as an International faculty member at the Dulwich Centre Foundation in Adelaide, Australia. I am also a faculty member in the Diploma in Narrative Therapy & Community Work co-facilitated by Children First and Dulwich Centre.
My work is centered on honoring the unique skills, expertise, and lived experiences of children, young people and their families and helping them reclaim their stories and move forward towards preferred and meaningful lives. I am committed to building culturally aligned ethical practices, community strengthening weaving in the intersectionality lens, and innovations in mental health. I am a campaigner for tree-hugging, playfulness, laughter, and togetherness. I believe that the way we talk to our children becomes their inner voice and the way we talk about them becomes their life story.
Concerns I can help with
I am struggling with friendships and social relationshipsThere is a lot of overthinking, and I find it hard to relax around peopleI am noticing changes in my child's mood and behaviorI am looking for guidance on how to help my child build a stronger sense of identity and confidenceI want to understand how to support my child's growth and resilienceI worry about my child's emotional well-beingMy child is facing difficulties in school and learning, and I am looking for strategies to helpI need support in understanding ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, or other neurodevelopmental differencesMy child is experiencing behavioral challenges, and I need guidance on how to support themI want to create a more supportive and understanding environment for my child at homeI need support to navigate challengesMy family is struggling with communication and relationships
I offer therapy for
Anxiety & Panic Attacks
Low Mood & Mood Swings
Self-Harm or Suicidal Thoughts
Sudden Changes in Behaviour
Social Withdrawal & Isolation
Difficulty Concentrating & Staying Focused
ADHD & Inattention
Academic Struggles
Autism & Social Communication Challenges
Bullying & Peer Difficulties
Relationship Struggles
Difficulty Opening Up & Expressing Emotions
Confusion About Identity
Gender & Sexuality Concerns
Separation Anxiety
Social Anxiety
Sleep Disturbances & Nightmares
Body Discomfort & Unexplained Physical Complaints
High Screen Use
Get started with an information session
What does it mean?
The information session is the first interaction with a psychologist to understand the concerns and plan the best support.
Whom will you meet?
Psychologists, Narrative Practitioners
Duration: 1 hour
What will happen?
Discussion on concerns, history & strengths
Next Steps: Collaborative discussion for a care plan with therapy or further assessments
I am Trained in
1
Narrative Therapy
2
Solution Focused Brief Therapy
3
Expressive Arts Based Therapy
4
Family Therapy
5
Parent Work
6
Social Skills Training
Languages I speak
English
Hindi
My Affiliations
Child & Adolescent Psychologist & Narrative Family Therapist, Writer, TED Speaker, Trainer, Co-Founder Children First, Editor-in-Chief - International Journal of Narrative Therapy & Community Work at Children First from May 2006 to present
For those in need of more intensive care and daily support, our Mental Health Hospital is now open in Bangalore.
If you or someone you know is experiencing at-risk behaviors or safety concerns, or any other life-threatening extreme-case issues or critical mental health situation, contact a helpline or go to the nearest hospital or extreme-case support room. Having a close family member or friend with you for support can be invaluable during this time.
For extreme-case mental health support, please call the national Tele MANAS helpline at 1-800-891-4416.
If you or someone you know is experiencing at-risk behaviors or safety concerns, or any other life-threatening extreme-case issues or critical mental health situation, contact a helpline or go to the nearest hospital or extreme-case support room. Having a close family member or friend with you for support can be invaluable during this time.
For extreme-case mental health support, please call the national Tele MANAS helpline at 1-800-891-4416.