Ritika Gaikwad Counselor in Pune for Growth & Healing

Ritika Gaikwad Counselor in Pune

Ritika Gaikwad Counselor in Pune

When it comes to choosing the right counselor in Pune, it’s not just about qualifications — it’s about finding someone who genuinely listens, understands, and walks beside you on your journey toward healing.
Ritika Gaikwad, a compassionate and dedicated counselor in Pune, exemplifies this blend of professional expertise and heartfelt empathy. With a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and a strong foundation built through her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Ritika has devoted her career to supporting individuals in achieving emotional wellness, self-awareness, and personal growth.

Armed with a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Nowrosjee Wadia College (2023) and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Abeda Inamdar College (2021), Ritika brings both strong academic knowledge and hands-on experience to her therapeutic work. Her educational journey also includes SSC from St. Anne’s High School (2016) and HSC from St. Mira’s College (2018), marking a consistent pursuit of excellence in the field of psychology.

Driven by her passion for supporting people through emotional challenges, Ritika has worked across school, rehabilitation, and mental health institute settings, helping children, adolescents, and adults cope with a wide range of psychological concerns.

Academic and Professional Journey

Ritika’s professional experience spans several well-known organizations in Pune, where she developed diverse expertise in counseling, psychological assessment, and intervention planning.

• April 2024 – Present | Psychologist
  Working as a professional counselor providing therapy, psychological evaluations, and personalized well-being plans for clients dealing with anxiety, depression, and adjustment issues.

• July 2023 – February 2024 | The Lexicon School, Hadapsar — School Counsellor

  • Provided individual and group counseling for students facing academic, emotional, and behavioral concerns.

  • Supported Children with Special Needs (CWSN) by facilitating exam accommodations, psychological referrals, and inclusive learning strategies.

  • Conducted crisis and stress management interventions, assisting students with exam-related anxiety and panic attacks.

  • Collaborated with teachers and parents to enhance student well-being and create a supportive school environment.

• August 2022 – September 2022 | Nityanand Rehabilitation Centre — Jr. Psychologist

  • Conducted patient assessments, therapy sessions, and case documentation for individuals dealing with addiction and psychiatric conditions.

  • Facilitated group therapy and recreational therapy sessions focused on social, emotional, and cognitive rehabilitation.

  • Completed 10 detailed case histories, 1 MMSE, 1 MSE, 2 group therapies, and 2 recreational therapies as part of supervised clinical training.

• August 2019 – May 2023 | Living with Metta – Manah Centre for Mental Well-Being — Internship

  • Participated in a community mental health project that offered free therapy sessions to individuals unable to afford paid counseling.

  • Worked under the supervision of Ms. Nida Shaikh (Founder and Director, Manah) to provide empathetic, low-cost therapy to clients across varied age groups.

• Chaitanya Institute for Mental Health — Internship
  Gained experience in psychopathology, therapeutic planning, and psychological evaluations under professional supervision.

Through these experiences, Ritika has developed strong skills in addiction counseling, student counseling, therapeutic support, psychological assessment, and crisis intervention — making her a versatile and competent psychologist in Pune.

Academic Background & Professional Journey of Ritika Gaikwad

Ritika’s academic journey in psychology began with her Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology, followed by a Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Psychology. Her educational foundation has been enriched by continuous learning through specialized certifications and training programs.

She has successfully completed an Autonomous Skill Development Course on Counselling Skills: An Integrated Approach and an Online Psychopathology Course, enhancing her understanding of mental health issues and effective therapeutic strategies. Additionally, Ritika holds certifications in:

• Basic Graphology – Department of Psychology, Abeda Inamdar Senior College
• Introduction to Psycho-Oncology, Sports Psychology, and Art Therapy – Department of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences, Fortis Healthcare Limited

These academic and professional experiences reflect Ritika’s ongoing commitment to expanding her skills and integrating holistic approaches into her counseling practice.

A Compassionate Approach to Counseling

Ritika’s counseling philosophy revolves around three core principles — empathy, awareness, and empowerment. She believes that true healing begins when individuals feel heard and understood in a safe, non-judgmental environment.

Her sessions are designed to help clients develop insight, emotional regulation, and inner strength. She follows an integrative counseling approach, combining evidence-based therapies with mindfulness and relaxation techniques to promote sustainable mental wellness.

Therapeutic Approaches and Techniques

As a trained psychologist in Pune, Ritika incorporates several research-backed methods in her therapy sessions, including:

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Helping clients identify and reframe negative thought patterns.
• Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) – Encouraging rational thinking and emotional resilience.
• Person-Centered Therapy – Providing unconditional positive regard and empathetic understanding.
• Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques – Promoting stress management, emotional balance, and present-moment awareness.

By blending these techniques, Ritika ensures that each session is uniquely designed to address the client’s needs, fostering long-term emotional healing and personal growth.

Common Mental Health Challenges Addressed

In her professional practice, Ritika works with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing a variety of psychological and emotional challenges. Some of the common areas she addresses include:

• Stress and Anxiety Management
• Depression and Low Mood
• Self-esteem and Confidence Issues
• Relationship and Family Conflicts
• Academic or Work-related Stress
• Emotional Regulation and Anger Management
• Adjustment Difficulties and Life Transitions

Her goal is to empower individuals with practical coping strategies and emotional insight to handle daily stressors and complex life situations more effectively.

Why Seek Counseling?

Many people hesitate to seek therapy, assuming it’s only for severe mental health issues. In reality, counseling services in Pune like those offered by Ritika provide a space for anyone looking to enhance emotional wellness, improve relationships, and cultivate a balanced life.

Some benefits of professional counseling include:

• Better stress management and emotional regulation
• Enhanced self-awareness and clarity of thought
• Improved communication and interpersonal skills
• Greater resilience and coping ability
• A deeper understanding of one’s thoughts, emotions, and behavior

Therapy is not just about solving problems — it’s about personal growth, emotional healing, and building a healthier mindset. Read more about counselling 

Mental Health Support in Pune

With the growing awareness around mental health support in Pune, more individuals are seeking professional guidance to lead emotionally balanced lives. Ritika’s empathetic and skillful approach makes her a trusted choice for those looking to begin their healing journey.

Whether you are struggling with anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, or simply wish to work on self-development, Ritika provides the right environment for reflection and change. Her sessions are confidential, client-centered, and focused on holistic well-being.

How to Connect with Ritika Gaikwad

If you are looking for counseling services in Pune or want to talk to a qualified psychologist near you, Ritika Gaikwad is here to help. Every session is a step toward self-understanding, clarity, and growth — a journey of healing the mind while nurturing the soul.

📞 Contact: 7057323811
📝 Book an Appointment: Fill this Google Form- https://forms.gle/3LF3986cDTBCNE5V9

Take the first step toward emotional balance and clarity. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, relationship issues, or personal challenges, Ritika provides personalized guidance to help you move forward with confidence.

✨ Your mental health matters — reach out today and begin your journey toward healing and self-growth with Ritika Gaikwad, your trusted psychologist in Pune.

You can go through following links-  

• • How Mindfulness Improves Mental Health
  • Self care