Dr. Sheetal A. Lakhani has a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), B engaluru, and an M.Phil. from the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS), University of Delhi. Having seen over 1,000 clients through her training and practice, she has extensive experience as a licensed clinical psychologist. She has worked in private practice and at the Indian Naval Hospital Ship Asvini, Mumbai. She is also currently a fellow in Adult Psychoanalysis at the Washington Baltimore Center for Psychoanalysis. She integrates various models such as psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, mentalization-based therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness, and others in her practice of therapy. Integrating the scientist-practitioner model, she uses evidence-based research to enhance therapeutic interventions. Sheetal values a socio-culturally sensitive, queer-affirmative, and non-judgmental approach in her practice, fostering a supportive environment for her clients' well-being.

With two semesters of teaching experience at Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Sheetal is deeply committed to innovative pedagogies in clinical psychology, both inside and outside the classroom. She has taught courses such as psychotherapy and gender diversity. Using inquiry-based learning and practical methods like case studies and role plays, she fosters critical thinking and pragmatic applications. She integrates her rich clinical experience into her teaching, helping students think like psychologists. Additionally, she is empaneled as a counselor for Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU).

She believes that research is integral to the scientist-practitioner model of clinical psychology. She has published four scientific papers and presented at various conferences, corporate settings, and universities. She co-investigated a funded project in the armed forces and, in 2022, received a travel grant from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR, Government of India) and the Society of Psychotherapy Research to present her work in Rome, Italy. Additionally, she also mentors students interested in conducting research.

Dr. Lakhani's dedication extends beyond academia, as she advocates for mental health awareness through community outreach, workshops, podcasts, NGO volunteering, and media contributions. She also conducts workshops for corporate organizations and universities. Committed to staying updated with developments in the field, she is a member of the Society for Psychotherapy Research (Europe chapter), the Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists, and the National Academy of Psychology, India.

Professional Education

Teaching Courses

• Psychopathology
• Theories of personality
• Psychological therapies (Previously)
• Gender, diversity, and society (Previously)

Research Interests

• Relational and interpersonal processes (attachment, mentalization)
• Personality and personality disorders
• Prevention and promotion of mental health
• Culturally sensitive psychotherapy and cross-cultural psychology
• Youth mental health
• Women's mental health & LGBTQIA+ affirmative psychotherapy

Selected Publications

• Lakhani, S., Sharma, V., & Desai, N. (2022). Qualitative content analysis of cultural formulations of clients suffering from conversion disorder in North India. Indian Journal of Psychiatry.
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• Lakhani, S., Bhola, P., & Mehta, U. M. (2021). The conceptualization and assessment of social cognition in personality and common mental disorders. Asian Journal of Psychiatry.
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• Grover, N., Lakhani, S., & Emran, A. (2021). Reflective practice in action: An account of psychotherapists’ experiences in group-work training. Reflective Practice.
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• Lakhani, S. & Sakatkar, S. (2016). Correlational Study of Life Satisfaction, Caregiving Self-Efficacy and Burden of Caregiving in the Primary Caregivers of Chronic Schizophrenia Patients in Pune. The International Journal of Indian Psychology.
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• Lakhani, S., Grover, N., Dhiman, V. (2024). Beyond Boundaries and Slippery Slopes: A Case for the Therapeutic Benefits of Gift-Giving in Psychotherapy. Cureus 16(10): e71354. doi:10.7759/cureus.71354
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Research Projects Undertaken

Co-investigator and clinical psychologist in an AFMRC-funded project titled “Efficacy of intensive, group-based coping skill training in military personnel with stress-related psychiatric disorders.”