Dr Aman Kwatra, Counselling Psychologist., Ps.S.I
“Every flower that blossoms in the garden, will one day come to wither. Know this, but fall in love with the flowers nonetheless. For to miss falling in love with the flowers, is to miss living life itself. ”
A Journey of Lifelong Learning
My path has been one of curiosity and dedication, weaving together diverse fields of study to deepen my understanding of the human experience. My academic journey in psychology began with an MSc in Psychology from the University of St Andrews in 2016, a pivotal step that led me to pursue a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology at Trinity College Dublin, completed in 2020. During my time at Trinity, I was honored to receive the Allen Burke Memorial Prize for Best Counselling Psychology Dissertation.
In 2024, I further enriched my understanding of human grief and healing by earning a Post-Graduate Diploma in Bereavement and Loss from the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland in collaboration with the Irish Hospice Foundation.
Beyond psychology, my academic pursuits reflect a deep fascination with the interconnectedness of the world. I hold an MSc in International Relations from the University of Bristol and an MA in Post-War Recovery Studies from the University of York. My undergraduate studies include a Bachelor’s Degree (Hons) in Classical Studies from The Open University (UK), where I delved deeper into the ancient wisdom of mythologies, and a Bachelor’s in Mass Media from the University of Mumbai, exploring the art of communication.
A Multidimensional Approach to Healing
My therapeutic work is informed by extensive training in evidence-based psychological modalities, each offering a unique lens for understanding and supporting the complexities of the human condition:
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy: Exploring the roots of emotional challenges in the subconscious.
Emotion-Focused Therapy: Honoring and working through the power of emotions to foster healing.
Existentialist Psychotherapy: Engaging with life’s ultimate questions to find meaning and purpose.
Mythotherapy: Using myths, archetypes, and personal narratives to help individuals transform their inner stories, aligning their lives with deeper truths and universal patterns of meaning.
Interpersonal Neurobiology: Understanding the mind’s interconnectedness with relationships and the body.
Somatic-Based Therapy: Connecting with the body’s wisdom to process trauma and restore balance.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: Identifying and transforming unhelpful patterns of thought and behavior.
Ecotherapy: Reconnecting individuals with nature to promote mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being through the restorative power of the natural world.
These approaches are not rigid methods but tools I adapt to meet the unique needs of each individual I work with. They form the foundation of a therapeutic practice that is as dynamic and multifaceted as the human beings it seeks to serve.
A Tapestry of Professional Experience
My journey as a Counselling Psychologist has been shaped by rich and diverse experiences in a variety of clinical settings, each offering unique insights into the complexities of the human condition. I have had the privilege of working with individuals across the lifespan, providing compassionate care and support in the following contexts:
HSE Primary Care Psychology (Adults) – Ballymun, Dublin.
Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) – Grangegorman, Ballymun, and Blakestown, Dublin.
St. Michael’s House – Coolock, Dublin, supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Irish Prison Service – Portlaoise, working within the complexities of forensic psychology.
Spectrum.Life – Dublin, focusing on workplace mental health and well-being.
In addition to my clinical practice, I have shared my passion for understanding the human psyche through teaching. I have lectured at Trinity College Dublin, City Colleges in Ireland, and K.C. College in Mumbai, where I engaged with students on topics that bridge the gap between psychology, philosophy, and the human experience.
As a published author, I continue to explore and contribute to the fields of mental health and human development. My work focuses on supporting individuals impacted by:
Bereavement, grief and profound loss.
Chronic anxiety and depression.
Trauma from adverse childhood experiences.
Violations of body and emotional integrity (e.g., sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse and/or neglect), and resolving deep-rooted shame.
Beyond the realm of healing, I am drawn to guiding those seeking transformation—clients striving for self-discovery, self-actualization, and self-transcendence. Together, we explore not only the wounds of the past but the boundless potential of the present, creating a path forward illuminated by resilience, meaning, and growth.
Publications
Transforming Emotional Pain: An Emotion-Focused Workbook.
Based on the principles of Emotion-Focused Therapy, and developed by clinicians and researchers, this client-focused workbook is designed to supplement psychotherapy and can also serve as a self-help book. It helps readers learn how to regulate feelings that are unpleasant and transform painful feelings, so that they can fulfil their needs and feel more connected and empowered in their lives. Providing a step-by-step sequential guide to exploring, embracing, and transforming emotions, the various chapters guide the reader to help overcome emotional avoidance, with sections on: transforming the emotional self-interrupter; transforming the inner self-worrier; transforming the self-critic; and healing from emotional injury.
Published Sept 2022 by Routledge.
Reviews
'This much-awaited book is the first of its kind, and unlike any other in the self-help genre. Rich practical exercises, based on sound science, explore an insightful vision of this workbook can usher people through the steps of transforming their feelings.' - Antonio Pascual-Leone, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology, University of Windsor, Canada
'For readers eager to opening doors to a deeper understanding of themselves and our most challenging, yet most transformational experiences: our emotions. A wonderful resource to better know what you feel and what you need to understand your pain and how to change it.' - Carla Cunha, Ph.D.,Associate Professor at University of Maia – ISMAI, Portugal, coordinator of the Erasmus+ project EmpoweringEFT@EU, involving five European countries
Memberships, Accreditations and Specialist Trainings
