Smrithi Sriram (she/her)

Who am I?

I am a psychotherapist working with children, young people and families. I am drawn to this work because I believe children communicate through their relationships, behavior, and emotions long before they have the words to explain what is happening for them internally. I aim to bring a steady, reflective presence to therapy and prioritize relational safety as the foundation for meaningful change.

My practice is grounded in attachment-informed and trauma-responsive approaches. I hold in mind the child or young person, their developmental stage, their nervous system, and the wider system they are part of.

Age Range I Can Support:

I work with infants, children, adolescents, and young adults up to 24 years of age. I also provide parent sessions, family work, and system work with community organizations like doctors, schools, Oranga Tamariki, etc., where indicated.

Some Areas I Can Support With:

• Anxiety

• Bullying

• Grief and loss

• Behavioral challenges that may feel confusing or hard to manage

• Attachment disruptions and relational strain

• Trauma and the impact of adverse experiences

• Neurodiversity including differences in sensory processing, attention, and social communication

• Complex developmental or systemic stressors

• Families navigating separation, school difficulties, identity development, and multi-agency involvement

How I Work and What Working With Me Looks Like?

I begin by taking time to understand the child or young person world and their life experiences. This includes carefully listening to caregivers, exploring their developmental history, and building a shared understanding of what may be contributing to their current challenges. I do not rush this stage, as safety and trust are central to the work.

With children and young people, sessions are tailored to their age and needs. This may include play, creative expression, reflective conversations, and gentle exploration of emotional experiences. I focus on helping children develop emotional language, strengthen regulation skills, and make sense of their internal world in ways that feel manageable.

I work collaboratively with parents and caregivers throughout the process. I offer space to reflect on patterns, strengthen attuned responses, and support connection within the family. When appropriate, I also liaise with schools or other professionals to promote consistency across systems.

Working with me is not only about reducing symptoms. It is about building resilience, strengthening attachments, and supporting sustainable change within the child’s/young person’s wider system of care.