Education and Experience

Dr Shradha Billawa is a Counselling Psychologist, with over 8 years of experience of working in mental health. She has had the privilege of supporting adolescents and adults in the UK, and more recently in the UAE too.

Dr Shradha completed her Doctorate in Counselling Psychology at the University of East London, a Post Graduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapies (CBT) at the University of Surrey, a Masters in Cognitive Neuroscience (MSc) and a Bachelor’s of Science (BSC) in Psychology. Throughout her career, she has gained extensive experience of working within the UK National Health Service (NHS), public sector organisations (e.g., charities) and private practice. She is registered with the Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai, and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) in the UK, and also holds memberships with the Black, African and Asian Therapy Network (BAATN) and British Psychological Society (BPS).

Dr Shradha is skilled in supporting individuals navigating the complex relationship between mental and physical health. She has worked extensively with individuals living with long-term and enduring physical health conditions, helping them manage the emotional and psychological challenges associated with chronic and life-altering diagnoses. She also has specialised knowledge and experience of providing compassionate and informed support for individuals and couples experiencing psychosexual difficulties (e.g., sexual dysfunction). Within all of her work, she uses a holistic approach to address the psychological, emotional, and relational factors that impact well-being, and believes it is important to place emphasis on the mind-body connection. She hopes this will support clients to build greater self-awareness and feel more empowered to navigate their personal journeys with resilience, connection, and an improved sense of holistic health.

Dr Shradha’s work also extends to supporting adolescents and young adults within academic spaces. She is passionate about helping young people navigate the unique challenges of academic, social, and emotional development, equipping them with the tools to build resilience, confidence, and a strong foundation for their future.

Dr Shradha believes it is important for individuals to be able to access support with whom they feel respected, comfortable and safe in the presence of. She aims to offer a collaborative, safe, empathic and non-judgemental space for you to express yourself freely, and share your story. As a British, Hindu, South Asian woman, Shradha has lived experience of navigating the intricacies of holding multiple identities, and expectations. This experience has led her to practice in ways which are responsive and respectful towards people’s multiple identities and various needs.

Dr Shradha is able to support clients experiencing a wide range of difficulties, including:

• Anxiety Related Conditions (e.g., social anxiety, phobias, OCD, generalized anxiety, health anxiety).
• Depression
• Grief and loss
• Mood Disorders.
• Living with Chronic Health Conditions.
• Exam Stress and student mental health
• Relational issues
• Stress Management
• Issues related to identity (racial, cultural, confidence and self-esteem, etc).
• Issues of power and social injustice
• Psychosexual difficulties

 

Dr Billawa uses a personalised approach to therapy, which is tailored to each individual’s unique needs and experiences. Some of the evidence-based models of therapy she may incorporate into the therapeutic work are:

 

• Integrative Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
• Compassion-Focused Therapy
• Narrative Therapy
• Dialectical-Behavioural Therapy
• Mindfulness Based Practice
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
• Person-Centred Therapy
• Humanistic Therapy
• Systemic Therapy

Dr Shradha is also trained in offering Autism Assessments (ADOS-2).

Languages:

• English
• Tulu