Athya Ashraf, a distinguished Psychologist at Ummeed Deaddiction and Rehabilitation Centre in Bangalore, is known for her comprehensive and compassionate approach to mental health care. Her academic journey began with a triple major undergraduate degree in Psychology, Sociology, and Literature from Jyoti Nivas College (Autonomous), followed by a Postgraduation in Psychology (Clinical) from Jain University. This rigorous education has equipped her with a deep understanding of human behavior and mental health, allowing her to approach her profession with both depth and empathy.

Athya’s expertise is further enriched by practical experience gained through internships at Ishanya India Foundation, Sagar Hospitals, and Nightingales Medical Trust. At Ishanya India Foundation, she worked extensively with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Down Syndrome, and Intellectual Disabilities. This role provided her with valuable insights into neurodivergent populations, where she collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to design educational programs that fostered social and cognitive development.

Her tenure at Sagar Hospitals allowed her to deepen her understanding of psychiatric disorders, including Major Depressive Disorder and Schizophrenia, through observation and patient interaction in outpatient therapy sessions. This experience equipped her with a robust foundation in the biopsychosocial approach, integrating medication management with therapeutic interventions.

At Nightingales Medical Trust, Athya focused on elderly patients in the dementia care unit. She administered cognitive assessments, such as the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination 3 (ACE-III) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and developed personalized care plans. Her person-centered approach aimed at enhancing quality of life through sensory and cognitive stimulation, demonstrating her commitment to maintaining dignity and emotional well-being in geriatric care.

Athya is also a certified Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) practitioner, which complements her skills in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Gestalt Therapy. This certification underscores her ability to apply practical and goal-oriented interventions, ensuring that therapy sessions are tailored to meet individual client needs.

At Ummeed, Athya plays a crucial role in guiding individuals through the complexities of addiction. Her experience with addiction treatment enables her to offer personalized care that addresses both the addiction and the underlying emotional and psychological issues. Her dedication to helping clients regain control of their lives and achieve lasting recovery is marked by her blend of clinical expertise and compassionate support.

Athya’s approach to mental health care is deeply rooted in a holistic understanding of human psychology, integrating mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Her commitment to ongoing professional development and adherence to evidence-based practices drive her continuous efforts to improve therapeutic interventions. Through her work, Athya empowers individuals to rediscover hope, resilience, and strength on their journey to recovery and well-being.