Neuroscientist of the Mind, Coach at the Core | Purpose-driven mindset Coach | NLP Practitioner | Researcher & Lecturer | Founder of The Courage Quest | PhD in Cognitive & Behavioural Neuroscience

"If you don't go after what you want, you'll never have it. If you don't ask, the answer is always no. If you don't step forward, you're always in the same place." – Nora Roberts
This quote isn’t just on my wall—it’s in every brave step I’ve taken. From leaving home to pursue a life built on science, service, and soul work, it’s been my anchor through fear, growth, and becoming.

Who I am:
I’m Dr. Srinidhi Desikan—a Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscientist, Lab Manager, Lecturer, NLP Master practitioner, and Life & Mindset Coach. My path bridges many worlds: the rigour of academia, the depth of the human psyche, and the quiet (yet loud) transformations that happen when someone remembers who they are.

What I do:
- I manage the VU Behavioral Lab, where I’ve built systems and community across faculties to support research in human behavior.
- I guide students through their academic and personal journey of discovery.
- I coach individuals—often those navigating identity, fear, and transition—through a non-profit, pay-it-forward practice that centers on growth over transaction.
- I write, speak, teach, and listen. And I hold space for people, even (and especially) when they don’t know what they need yet.

How I do it:
With both precision and depth. I bring together neuroscience, psychology, NLP, and lived wisdom.
My approach is raw and reflective—I go beneath the surface, gently but directly. We get honest. We get clear. We shift from “Why me?” to “Why not me?”

Why I do it:
Because too many people live beneath their truth. Because I’ve been there. Because I’ve watched science transform systems and life—and seen presence transform people.
And because I believe that courage, when met with the right support, creates lives that feel like home.

✨ Curious to work with me—on research, coaching, or something in-between? Just send a message.

Dr. Srinidhi Desikan

Aman Lil Afia Clinic

-Provide individual therapy using evidence-based modalities such as ACT and CBT.
-Actively contribute to school guidance initiatives, focusing on inclusion and developing plans for special needs.
-Support and collaborate with the schools’ inclusion teams to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for Students of Determination.
-Dedicate efforts to promoting mental health, growth, and resilience across diverse settings.

Licensed Psychologist

Lexicon Reading Center

-Administer and interpret standardized assessment tests.
-Participate in writing comprehensive psychological assessment which guides the development of appropriate remedial interventions and access arrangements.
-Participate in planning the needed accommodations for students who are diagnosed with DSM-V Learning Disabilities, leaning difficulties, attention difficulties (ADHD) and identification of support needs and other psychological issues (anxiety, trauma, etc.)

Assessment Specialist

Al Mawakeb School - Al Barsha

-Develop and oversee the implementation of the school's Special education needs (SEN) strategy and policy
-Lead a team of counselors to ensure the implementation of the SEN strategy and organize weekly meetings for consultations and follow up.
-Participate in writing comprehensive psychological assessment which guides the development of appropriate remedial interventions and access arrangements.
-Manage a caseload of special education students and ensure the implementation of the Individualized Educational Plans (IEP) in inclusive, self-contained, and pull-out settings
-Make referrals and liaise with professionals outside of the school

Head of Inclusion/ SenCo

St. George hospital 

-Conduct therapy sessions at the Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology under supervision
-Apply Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) techniques and participate in continuing education classes for increased learning in different therapeutic modalities such as DBT and ACT.
-Assess, formulate, and diagnose a patient’s needs, abilities or behavior using a variety of methods, including psychometric tests, interviews, and direct observation of behavior
-Record patients’ medical histories and maintain thorough medical records.
-Organize and attend monthly meetings, and present workshops, conferences, and training seminars.

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

American University of Beirut

Graduate Student Assistant

Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Inclusion Specialist

🔹Psychologist and Licensed Professional:

- Adolescent and adult psychologist licensed in both UAE and Lebanon.
- Member of the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Lebanese Psychological Association (LPA).

🔹Educational Background:

- Holds a MA in Clinical Psychology from the American University of Beirut.
- Conducted a study on the influence of psychological flexibility on post-traumatic growth and stress in Lebanon.

🔹Therapeutic Approaches:

- Trained in applying Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
- Certified in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
- Integrates strategies from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and mindfulness-based techniques in both online and face-to-face therapy sessions.

🔹Diverse Clientele and Settings:

- Worked with clients in various settings, including refugee camps, psychiatric units, and educational institutions.
- Addresses a range of disorders and challenges, such as trauma, mood and anxiety, personality and neurodevelopmental disorders, as well as self-esteem, relationship, and career problems.

🔹Author/writer:

- Writes weekly articles on overcoming anxiety and processing trauma on the blog, Kind Mind by Dana. 

🔹Professional values and perspective:

- Goal-oriented therapist, dedicated to helping clients process feelings, enhance psychological flexibility, challenge maladaptive beliefs, and reframe thoughts for a value-based life.
-As a licensed psychologist and trauma-informed therapist, I am dedicated to sharing that trauma is real and healing is possible.
    
🔹Assessment and Special Needs Expert:

- Experienced Assessment and Special Needs Specialist collaborating with school counselors and educators.
- Focuses on developing individualized plans prioritizing mental health and ensuring inclusion.

🔹What’s next?
    
- If you or someone you know is seeking a trauma-informed approach to therapy, I'm here to provide compassionate support.
- Check out my blog (KindMind by Dana) for in-depth articles where we will delve into these topics and explore practical ways to navigate through.
- Send me a message if you'd like to chat, or share your thoughts!

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