Individual therapy, psychological assessments, and parent-child support grounded in evidence-based practice — with particular depth in child development and screen time.
Turiya Psychological Services offers thoughtful, evidence-based psychological care for individuals, families, children and organisations.
Founded by Clinical Psychologist Dr. Sandhya Shivakumar, Turiya takes an individualised and holistic approach to mental health, recognising that no two people, families or journeys are the same.
Through psychological assessments, therapy, wellbeing programs, and professional and community initiatives, we aim to make psychological care more accessible, relevant and meaningful.
I believe therapy is not a one-size-fits-all process. My approach is eclectic and individualised, drawing from evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and behavioural management strategies, depending on the individual's needs, context, and presenting concerns.
Together, we identify meaningful, value-based goals and develop a tailored treatment plan that evolves with the therapeutic journey. As a clinical psychologist, I see assessment and therapy as closely interconnected — our understanding of an individual informs the therapeutic process, while the therapeutic journey may, in turn, deepen our understanding of their needs.
I take a holistic and culturally responsive approach, recognising that wellbeing is shaped by much more than symptoms alone. Where appropriate, I may recommend complementary or adjunct forms of support as part of a broader care plan. Sometimes, less is more; therapy does not always need to follow a predetermined path, and its direction can change as the individual's needs and priorities evolve.
Ultimately, you remain at the centre of the process. Your values, experiences, goals, and choices guide the work. My role is to provide the psychological expertise, perspective, and support to help you navigate that journey.
"Therapy works best as a collaboration — I bring the training, you bring the expertise on your own life."
I'm Dr. Sandhya Shivakumar, a passionate Clinical Psychologist who has always been enthusiastic and curious about people and their ways.
My academic journey in psychology started at 16 years of age. As a high school girl, I knew in my heart that this was my calling. Having been in this field for well over a decade, I've had the opportunity to work with individuals across all age groups.
Modern ways of life and the evolving digital environment in our households led me to pursue my doctoral research in the area of children's screen usage and its relationship with their behavioural problems and maternal factors. My aim was to understand how screen time was influenced by contextual factors and the ecosystem children live in.
My journey as a clinical practitioner has included conducting psychological assessments for adults and children, and carrying out therapeutic treatments for children, adolescents, and adults. I work with issues related to anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, adjustment concerns, relationship difficulties, behavioural problems, and scholastic difficulties. I also have a particular interest in the parent-child relationship, parenting skill development, and the ways in which our increasingly digital lives impact the psychological development of children.
Over the years, my work has expanded beyond individual clinical practice to include research, parent education, student training, and mental health programmes for schools and organisations. I believe psychological well-being is not simply about addressing difficulties when they arise — it is also about building awareness, developing skills, strengthening relationships, and creating environments in which people can thrive.
This belief led me to establish Turiya Psychological Services, a space that brings together clinical psychology, psychological education, research, training, and well-being initiatives.
At the heart of my work is a simple approach: evidence-based psychology, delivered with warmth, understanding, and respect for the individual.
Whether you are seeking professional support for yourself, looking to understand your child better, developing skills as a student or professional, or exploring psychological well-being within your organisation or school, my aim is to make psychological knowledge practical, meaningful, and accessible.
Each area of work draws on the same evidence-based foundation, adapted to what you or your family need most right now.
One-on-one sessions for anxiety, low mood, life transitions, self-esteem, and everyday stress.
Behavioural, personality, IQ, developmental, and neuropsychiatric assessments. Structured evaluation in one-on-one or group format for adults and children.
Facilitated group sessions offering shared support and structured therapeutic work.
Goal-oriented, one-on-one coaching to build clarity, skills, and momentum in your personal or professional life.
Focused sessions to strengthen the parent-child bond and work through relationship challenges.
Guidance on introducing and managing screens for young children, grounded in doctoral research on the topic.
A closer look at the training, research, and speaking engagements behind the practice.
Send a note about what you're looking for, and you'll hear back to set up a first session.
If yours isn't here, it's easiest to just ask directly through the contact form above.
The first session is mostly about understanding what's brought you in and your history. There's no pressure to have it all figured out — it's a conversation, not an assessment. The focus also remains on establishing rapport and getting comfortable getting to know the client.
Both are available. This can be discussed when you reach out.
This varies a lot by person and by what you're working through. Some questions are addressed in a handful of sessions; others benefit from ongoing, longer-term work. This is usually clearer after the first one or two sessions.
Yes, confidentiality, respect, non-judgement and maintenance of ethical and moral standards remain the core of the therapeutic relationship.
Both, depending on the situation. Younger children are often best supported by working with the parent directly; older children and teens may be seen individually. This is decided together based on age and the specific concern.
Use the contact form above, or email directly — you'll hear back to schedule an initial session within a couple of days.
No. You can book a consultation directly. If a referral or evaluation by another professional is recommended, this will be discussed during the consultation.
Individual consultations are approximately 45 minutes.
Yes. Student-focused services include clinical and research-oriented guidance, academic support, and customised learning programs.
That's completely fine. You can book an initial consultation to discuss your concerns and determine what type of support would be most appropriate.
The consultation fee is applicable for the first session, and for following sessions if the client continues with therapeutic services. Charges for psychological assessments are applicable separately and may vary depending on the client's presenting complaints.
This website and contact form are not monitored for emergencies. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, please contact local emergency services or a crisis helpline right away.
A few reflections shared by people she's worked with.
When I reached out to Dr. Sandhya, I was at the brink of completely crashing out. I couldn't escape my unhealthy sleep cycle, which in turn affected my eating habits and caused me to grow weaker every day. I'm an artist, and this drastically affected my creativity. Once I started therapy, it was slow but consistent progress. Sandhya helped me understand how the human brain and body function, and guided me with exercises to unlearn certain habits that prevented me from making healthy choices in my life. Long after my sessions were done, whenever I get lost in spiralling thoughts, I go back to the exercises she taught me, and they guide me back on track. I am truly grateful I could have her as my therapist. I highly recommend Sandhya to all my family and friends whenever they need proper mental health guidance.
I really loved each and every session with Dr. Sandhya. She has a structured and friendly approach that helped me practically manage my issues. What I liked most is that she doesn't make you entirely dependent on her for managing your issues. Instead, her therapeutic approach guides, encourages, and enables you to be more self-reliant, and this has given me so much confidence in overcoming my problems. I am truly grateful to her for the support she has provided throughout the sessions.
I've been in therapy with Dr. Sandhya for two years, and it has been an extremely rewarding experience. I was apprehensive about therapy at first, but she made sure I felt comfortable throughout the process. She always went the extra mile for me. I now know how to navigate my emotions better, and I thank her for that. 🤗