Uma

Ms Uma Balachandran

Art Therapist

Verified

“An art therapist and counseling psychologist doing private practice in Chennai for the last 7 years. Have worked with adolescents and adults with anxiety, depression and self esteem issues.”

About Me

I help adolescents and adults in Chennai navigate anxiety, depression, and self-esteem challenges. As an art therapist and Counseling psychologist, I offer a unique space to explore complex feelings through creative expression. This approach is especially helpful when words alone feel insufficient, building confidence and clarity. My four years in private practice have shown me the power of this gentle process.

Approach

Years in Chennai taught me to let making guide the talk. I offer sessions in Tamil and English, in person or online, in a calm room where clay, paint and quiet prompts sit beside reflective conversation. Sessions move between short creative tasks, gentle mindfulness and focused talking, with simple practices to try between meetings that build body-awareness, mood regulation and steady self-worth. This way often fits people who find talking alone feels tight and prefer learning through doing and noticing small shifts.
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Basic Information

In-person & Online

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Services

Services Offered:

  • Art Therapy

    A form of therapy that uses visual art-making (drawing, painting, sculpture) as a means of expression and emotional processing.

    Learn more about Art Therapy
  • Advocacy

    Services that help individuals navigate healthcare, education, or social systems to ensure their mental health needs are recognised and met.

    Learn more about Advocacy
  • Counseling

    A form of talk therapy providing a safe, confidential space to explore feelings, thoughts, and behaviours with a trained professional.

    Learn more about Counseling
  • Group Therapy

    Therapy conducted with a small group of people who share similar concerns, using peer interaction and diverse perspectives as part of the healing process.

    Learn more about Group Therapy
  • Mindfulness

    The practice of paying deliberate attention to the present moment without judgement, used to reduce stress and increase awareness of automatic reactions.

    Learn more about Mindfulness
  • Pain Management

    Psychological approaches to chronic pain that address the emotional, cognitive, and behavioural dimensions of living with persistent pain.

Works With:

  • Adolescents
  • Adults
  • Couples

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

  • Life Transitions

    Major life changes, such as relocation, retirement, parenthood, or career shifts, that disrupt routine and require psychological adjustment.

    Learn more about Life Transitions
  • Anxiety

    Persistent worry, nervousness, or fear that is disproportionate to the situation and interferes with daily functioning.

    Learn more about Anxiety
  • Body Image

    How a person perceives, thinks, and feels about their physical appearance. When persistently negative, it can drive distress, avoidance, and disordered eating.

    Learn more about Body Image
  • Chronic Illness

    A long-term health condition (e.g., diabetes, autoimmune disease, chronic pain) that persists over time and affects physical, emotional, and social well-being.

    Learn more about Chronic Illness
  • Mood Disorder

    A category of mental health conditions, including depression and bipolar disorder, in which a person's emotional state is significantly and persistently disrupted.

    Learn more about Mood Disorder
  • Relationship Counseling

    Counselling for couples or partners focused on improving communication, rebuilding trust, and strengthening emotional connection.

  • Self-Care

    Deliberate actions taken to maintain or improve one's own mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

    Learn more about Self-Care
  • Self-Esteem

    A person's overall sense of their own worth and value. When chronically low, it can drive self-doubt, avoidance, and difficulty in relationships.

    Learn more about Self-Esteem

Professional Title:

  • Art Therapist

    A therapist who uses drawing, painting, and other art forms to help clients express and process emotions. No artistic ability needed.

Credentials

Registrations

Indian Academy of Professional Supervisors

Psychologist

Qualifications

University of Madras

Canadian International Institute for Art Therapy

Service Areas

Online and In-Person from India

In-person & Online

Chennai, Tamil Nadu

India

Chennai, India