Hi, I’m Pranoti (“Paro”) Kulkarni — a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and the person you’ll actually meet when you walk into Disha (or pull up a chair online!). I’ve always been fascinated by people — the ways we cope, the little quirks that make us human, and the stories we carry.Seeing someone discover clarity and strength in their own story is what makes this work so meaningful to me

Disha was born out of a simple idea: what if therapy could feel a little less intimidating, a little more like a conversation with someone who actually gets it? A space where you can be messy, unsure, human, and still walk away feeling lighter (and maybe even smiling). That’s the kind of place I wanted to create — one that feels safe, curious, and just a touch playful.

My therapeutic style is warm, collaborative, and flexible. I work from a client-centred, strength-based lens, drawing from approaches such as Internal Family Systems (IFS), DBT, polyvagal-informed care, mindfulness practices, and Gottman-informed strategies for relationships. What this means in practice is that sessions are tailored to you — sometimes focused on insight and reflection, sometimes on practical skills, sometimes on slowing things down and listening to what your nervous system is asking for.

I bring a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and affirming perspective into every session. Culture, identity, family systems, and lived experiences shape how we move through the world, and I hold space for these conversations with humility and care. I am committed to creating an LGBTQ+ affirming space and have experience working with neurodivergent individuals, where differences are respected rather than pathologized.

My educational journey includes a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a Master’s in Counselling Psychology, and a Postgraduate qualification in Autism and Behaviour Science. Alongside formal training, my passion lies in fostering meaningful connections, supporting emotional safety, and contributing to communities that value compassion and understanding.

When you sit down with me, you’ll quickly realize therapy isn’t all heavy feelings and note-taking (though we do some of that too!). I like to mix in a little creativity, mindfulness, and practical tools — sometimes with skills sheets, sometimes mandala colouring, and almost always with a warm cup of tea or chai in hand. Therapy at Disha is about meeting you where you are and finding ways to make growth feel possible, approachable, and maybe even a little fun.