Maria Shantharaj
Senior Consultant Psychologist
M.Phil, M.Sc, B.A
6 years of experience
If you’ve been feeling like you’re constantly trying to hold things together while everything inside feels messy or too much - I want you to know you’re not alone. Many people I meet share feeling exhausted, misunderstood, or unsure of why life suddenly feels so heavy. Therapy can be a space to pause, take a breath, and begin to make sense of what feels confusing or painful.
In our time together, I hope to offer a space that feels calm, grounding, and safe - a place where you can slow down, be yourself, and explore your experiences without pressure or judgment. My approach is collaborative, trauma-informed, and emotion-focused. I often draw from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help you notice and shift unhelpful thought patterns; Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) to build emotional balance and acceptance; and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to support you in reconnecting with your values and creating a life that feels meaningful, even amidst uncertainty.
Together, we’ll move gently through your stories and patterns, making room for understanding, compassion, and change - always at a pace that feels right for you. You don’t need to have the perfect words or know where to begin; we can figure that out together.
Outside of work, I find comfort in spending time with my dog, listening to music, or slowing down with a cup of chai and a familiar show - small rituals that remind me of the importance of rest, warmth, and gentleness in our everyday lives.
Concerns I can help with
I feel like I’m losing myself in my relationship and don’t know how to find my footing again.My mind doesn’t stop running, and it’s affecting my sleep, work, and peace.I constantly feel anxious, overwhelmed, or on edge—even when nothing is ‘wrong.I’ve been feeling low, empty, or disconnected from myself and the things I used to enjoy.I want healthier, more fulfilling relationships—but I don’t know how to get there.I want to work on myself, grow, and build healthier habits—but I don’t know where to start.I just want to feel balanced, grounded, and okay again.I’m finding it difficult to adjust to big changes happening in my life.My relationships feel strained and I don’t know how to communicate or connect better.
I offer therapy for
Anxiety disorders
Relationship skills
Stress management
Anger management
Loneliness
Negative thinking
Overthinking
Self improvement
General well-being
Work-related concerns
Life transitions
Academic concerns
Communication skills
I Specialise in
1
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
2
Trauma-Informed Therapy
3
Mindfulness
4
SFBT
5
Supportive Therapy
6
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages I speak
English
Tamil
I can help you with
Emotional Regulation
Stress Management
Sleep Hygiene
My Affiliations
Senior Consultant Psychologist at Amaha from Nov 2025 to present
FAQs
Why did you choose to become a therapist?
I chose to become a therapist because I’ve always been drawn to understanding what shapes our inner worlds - the stories, emotions, and experiences that often go unspoken. I’ve seen how powerful it can be to have someone truly listen, without judgment or agenda, and how that simple act can begin to restore safety and self-trust. Being a therapist allows me to hold that space for others, a space where people can feel seen, heard, and supported as they make sense of what feels difficult or confusing.
What type of session would you like?
Session Duration
Check available slots
No slots available
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.