THAT SAFE SPACE
ABOUT TEAM SAFE SPACE
Team Safe Space is a queer affirmative, trauma-informed group of therapists led by Mili. We have a transdiagnostic approach to mental health issues and healing. We adopt a holistic approach to dealing with the socio-emotional issues of a person. Having a systemic lens while addressing these issues is something we collectively believe is the need of the hour.
OUR THERAPISTS
MILI M DAS Principal Consultant
Mili is a Counselling Psychologist from Trivandrum who has been providing counseling and psychotherapy since 2011. She has been helping people to deal with emotional distress and teaching them important psychological skills for a meaningful life. She is a trained ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) practitioner. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) teaches mindfulness skills to help individuals live and behave in ways consistent with personal values while developing psychological flexibility.
Mili provides relationship counseling as well as premarital counseling focusing on interpersonal communication and effective resolution of marital conflicts. She also deals with body image issues and has been helping people to deal with restrained eating and emotional eating, and embrace their bodies by promoting body positivity. She has been passionate about learning the influence of early eating habits and the formation of patterns in developing eating disorders and affecting one’s emotional well-being.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Psychology – University of Kerala
Trained in ACT as a Brief Intervention- Psychwire
Trained in Fundamentals of ACT- Praxis CET
Trained in Trauma Focused ACT- Contextual Consulting
Trained Couple Therapist (Clinical Foundations in Gottman Method Couples Therapy- Level 2 )
Attachment style based Therapy
SPECIALIZATION
Postpartum Counselling, Couple Therapy, Premarital Counseling, Trauma-informed Counseling, Body image Interventions, Holistic approach to health and healing, Mindfulness based interventions
AKASH MOHAN
Associate Consultant
Akash Mohan (he/him) is a practicing counseling psychologist, a trained Queer Affirmative Counseling practitioner, and a trained Trauma-Informed Mental Health Professional, deeply committed to transforming mental well-being. His practice offers a wide range of counseling services, including support for mood, anxiety, adjustment, and stress-related concerns, fostering healthy relationship well-being, embracing diverse relationship dynamics, consensual non-monogamous affirmative interventions, Queer Affirmative Counseling, and addressing issues related to sexuality and sexual concerns, among others.
Akash’s practice challenges traditional mental health paradigms that reduce individuals to mere symptoms and diagnoses. He is dedicated to creating an alternative narrative through a trauma-informed, narrative-oriented, social justice, and strength-based approach to therapy.
In this model, therapy is a collaborative, non-linear, relational, safe, and respectful journey where the client assumes the role of an expert, while Akash functions as a co-author and facilitator. Akash believes that effective mental health practice must encompass the experiences of adverse childhood experiences, relationship experiences, trauma, marginalization, and oppression faced by individuals.
Drawing from a postmodern narrative-oriented approach, Akash combines various therapeutic modalities to comprehensively address systemic and social/structural factors impacting mental health. This includes a deep exploration of intersections involving gender, sexuality, caste, disability, and various other forms of oppression, as well as potential experiences of psychological trauma or relational/attachment challenges.
Akash’s clientele spans from late adolescence to late adulthood, representing diverse sexualities and genders from around the world. His inclusive and empathetic approach ensures that individuals of all backgrounds can find a safe space for growth and healing.
EDUCATION
- Master’s Degree in Applied Psychology with a specialization in Clinical and Counseling Practice, School of Human Ecology, Tata Institute of Social Sciences in Mumbai, 2019 to 2021.
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology, School of Behavioral Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University in Kerala, 2016 to 2019.
- Certification in Trauma-Informed Care, School of Human Ecology, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, in 2022.
- Certification in Queer Affirmative Counseling Practice, Mariwala Health Initiative, Mumbai, April/May Cohort of 2021.
- Specialized training in Sexuality and Sexual Counseling, Alternative Stories, Bangalore in 2020.
- Trauma-Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, instructed by Dr. Russ Harris through Psychwire, in 2023.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Beginners, instructed by Dr. Russ Harris through Psychwire, in 2023.
- Consensual Non-Monogamy Level 1: Clinical Skills and Interventions course, led by Martha Kauppi at the Institute of Relational Intimacy in 2023.
SPECIALIZATION
Akash Mohan’s is a online and offline counseling practices are rooted in a deep commitment to transforming mental well-being. His practice encompasses a wide range of counseling services, addressing mood, anxiety, adjustment, and stress-related concerns, as well as fostering healthy relationships and embracing diverse dynamics, including consensual non-monogamous affirmative interventions. Akash is a trained Queer Affirmative Counseling practitioner and a Trauma-Informed Mental Health Professional, challenging traditional mental health paradigms. His approach is rooted in trauma-informed, narrative-oriented, social justice, and strength-based therapy, where the client plays an active role as an expert in their own journey. Akash believes in addressing systemic and social factors impacting mental health, including exploring intersections involving gender, sexuality, caste, disability, and various forms of oppression. His inclusive and empathetic approach ensures that individuals of all backgrounds find a safe space for growth and healing. Akash’s extensive educational qualifications and commitment to continuous learning further enhance his ability to provide comprehensive mental health support to a diverse clientele.
MARIA ROSE
Associate Consultant
Maria Rose (She/Their) is a compassionate and skilled mental health therapist based in Kochi, Kerala. Since 2019, Maria has helped individuals explore their inner strengths and foster personal growth, creating a safe space for clients to navigate life’s challenges. Her approach is holistic and welcoming, blending evidence-based practices with a deep respect for each person’s unique story.
Maria uses a holistic, integrative approach to therapy, tailoring techniques to each client’s unique needs. Her process often starts from a “bottom-up” approach. Engaging the body’s natural healing systems through polyvagal theory, sensorimotor, trauma-focused, mindfulness, and expressive arts therapies.
Maria also brings a queer-affirmative and sex-positive lens, creating an inclusive, supportive environment. For clients seeking a top-down approach, she incorporates Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to address thoughts and behaviors directly, making therapy adaptable and profoundly effective.
Her work focuses on adolescents and adults who struggle with issues like emotional distress, low self-esteem, complex relationships, and trauma. Known for her empathetic, process-oriented style, she empowers clients to build resilience and find clarity in their lives. Her dedication to self-discovery and growth shapes every session, helping clients build the tools they need to thrive.
Outside therapy, Maria has a deep appreciation for art, culture, history, and the environment. She believes therapy is more than healing, it is a path to a greater connection with oneself and the world. This broad perspective enriches her work, allowing her to guide clients toward a life that feels grounded, meaningful, and whole.
EDUCATION
- MSc. Psychology June from Sampurna Montfort College, Bangalore
- B.A. English, Journalism, and Psychology from St. Joseph’s College, Bangalore
- Complex Trauma Certification Training Level 1 & 2 (CCTP/CCTP-II)
- Course with Janina Fisher(Online Course), PESI UK- 2024
- COVID-19: Psychological First Aid, UK Health Security Agency- 2024
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills at Work, University of Leeds and Institute of Coding- 2024
- QPR Suicide Prevention Gate Keeper Program, QPR INSTITUTE- 2023
- MCKS Basic Pranic Healing Course, World Pranic Healing Foundation- 2021
- Healing with the arts, University of Florida- 2020
SPECIALIZATION
Counselling and therapy, Integrative approach, Trauma-focused Therapy,
Sensorimotor psychotherapy, mindfulness therapy, Expressive art therapy, Queer affirmative approach, Sex-positive approach, Eclectic therapy, Holistic healing, Existential Approach, Dialectic Behavioural Therapy, Psycho-social risk assessment, Crisis intervention and management, emotional distress & dysregulation, depression, anxiety, self-harm, inter-personal conflicts, communication skills, substance abuse, grief and loss, abuse and complex-trauma
PRIYANKA PRAKASAN
Associate Consultant
Priyanka Prakasan(She/her) is a skilled counseling psychologist and psychotherapist from Kerala. She has a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology, specializing in psychotherapy and counseling (2017 – 2019). Priyanka has worked with a diverse group of people facing a myriad of emotional challenges. She has worked in institutions like Sukapuram Hospital, GEMS, Adyar Cancer Institute, and an NGO since 2019.
Priyanka has a unique approach. She sees her client’s symptoms as a manifestation of deeper struggles. Before starting her virtual private practice, she had the privilege of receiving supervision in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy.
Priyanka follows an inclusive approach. She works with an anti-oppressive, feminist & queer-affirmative therapeutic outlook. Her practice is immersed in understanding and appreciating the richness of one’s psychosocial and political context.
Her practice is grounded in psychodynamic and person-centered approaches. They help her understand her clients’ inner worlds and desires. Priyanka provides a judgment-free space for clients to express themselves.
She adds art and mindfulness to therapy. They help clients express their feelings in new ways. Besides psychotherapeutic work, you can see her pursue performing arts.
Priyanka has a unique approach. She sees her client’s symptoms as a manifestation of deeper struggles. Before starting her virtual private practice, she had the privilege of receiving supervision in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy.
EDUCATION
- Master of Science in Counselling Psychology – Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development , Chennai (2017 – 2019)
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology – Providence Women’s College, University of Calicut (2014 – 2017)
- Trained in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy – PARC Academy , Bangalore
- Certification in Acceptance and commitment therapy ( Level-1 ) – Dr. Russ Harris , Psychwire
- Transactional Analysis – TA 101 , TA Study Circle (MADRAS)
- Supervision in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
SPECIALIZATION
Priyanka’s area of work & specialization lies in trauma, grief, anxiety,body-image issues , depression, attachment patterns, and personality vulnerabilities. Her expertise in the area comes from my supervision training , her work with all the clients and her personal therapy.
