Individual psychotherapy for complex trauma and dissociation
For longstanding patterns involving emotions, coping, sense of self and relationships.
Earlier experiences can continue to shape the present.
The effects of trauma are not always obvious or easy to put into words. You may notice them in how you experience emotions, respond to stress, cope, relate to others or understand yourself.
- Emotions that feel overwhelming, hard to manage or difficult to access
- Feeling disconnected from yourself or unsure of who you are
- Being constantly on alert, shutting down or reacting as though danger is still present
- Ways of coping that once helped but now create difficulties of their own
- Difficulties with trust, closeness, boundaries or repeated patterns in relationships
- Shame, harsh self-criticism or a persistent feeling of not being good enough
How I approach the work
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Seeing the wider picture
Earlier experiences matter, but they are only one part of the picture. Therapy also considers your present relationships and responsibilities, the ways you have learned to cope, your strengths and sources of support, and the realities of your life now.
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Working at a manageable pace
Trauma therapy does not require you to disclose everything at once or repeatedly relive painful experiences.
Depending on what is needed, therapy may focus on present patterns, managing distress or strengthening stability.
Work with traumatic memories begins only when there is sufficient trust, preparation and readiness.
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Drawing on different therapeutic approaches
Therapy may draw on Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), parts work and attachment perspectives. These can support work with distressing memories and patterns involving safety, trust and closeness.
They are used selectively, according to your needs and readiness, rather than as a fixed package.
Across the work, the aim is to support greater safety, self-understanding and choice in how you respond to yourself, your relationships and your life.
About Dr Hvovi Bhagwagar
Dr Hvovi Bhagwagar is a psychologist and psychotherapist whose work centres on complex trauma and dissociation.
In clinical practice since 1999, she founded Manashni in 2005. Manashni is now based in Powai, Mumbai.
Her doctoral research examined secondary traumatic stress among psychotherapists in India, reflecting a longstanding interest in how trauma work affects therapists and the support systems they need.
Qualifications
- PhD in Social Sciences
- MA in Clinical Psychology
Awards and Recognition
- David Caul Graduate Research Award, International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation, 2026
- President’s Award, International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation, 2026
Registration and selected affiliations
What to know before you enquire.
- Who I work with
- Adults
- Format
- Individual psychotherapy
- Session length
- 60 minutes
- Location
- In person in Powai, Mumbai, and online
The enquiry process
Submitting an enquiry is a first step and does not confirm an appointment.
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Complete the enquiry form
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Your enquiry is reviewed personally
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You receive the next steps
Before you enquire
Do I need to know what to say or tell my whole story?
Not at all. Many people begin therapy feeling unsure about where to start. You do not need to arrive with a clear story or explanation, or tell everything at once. We can begin with what feels most present, confusing or difficult and work from there.
What can I expect during the first few sessions?
The initial sessions focus on understanding what brings you to therapy, how your concerns are affecting your life, relevant parts of your history, your present supports and what you hope for from therapy. We gradually develop a shared understanding and consider what may be most helpful.
Will work with traumatic memories begin immediately?
Not necessarily. Early sessions may focus on understanding present patterns, building trust, finding ways to manage distress and strengthening stability. Work with specific traumatic memories is considered only when there is sufficient preparation and readiness.
How long will therapy take?
There is no fixed timeline. Some people seek help with a focused concern and may benefit from shorter-term work. Longstanding difficulties or complex trauma may require longer-term therapy. The focus and progress of therapy are reviewed together over time.
How do I know whether this therapy may be right for me?
The enquiry form gives you space to briefly describe what brings you to therapy. I review each enquiry personally to consider whether your concerns fall within my area of work and whether I have suitable availability. If an initial appointment is offered, it gives us an opportunity to consider the fit further.
Is therapy confidential?
Confidentiality is one of the foundations of therapy. What you share during sessions remains private within legally and ethically defined limits. These limits are explained before therapy begins and can also be discussed during a session.
Considering therapy at Manashni?
You can begin with a brief enquiry. I review each enquiry personally.