Dr Lakshman (Lucky) Ganatra - Clinical Psychologist
I am Dr Lakshman Ganatra, director of Evolving Families and a Clinical Psychologist. You can call me Lucky though as I am a person first, and a psychologist second. People call me Lucky because it was actually meant to be my name and to be honest it sounds more fun. I am originally from Bournemouth (a town in the south of England) but have lived in the midlands for 6 years now.
I have over 10 years of experience working within the NHS, private and charitable sectors. Through my training and work, I have psychologically supported children and young people, adults, older adults as well as families. Years of training has given me the skills and confidence in supporting you to address emotional difficulties and reach your goals to live life in accordance with your values. Throughout this time, I have learnt a lot, but most importantly I have learnt to build a genuine connection in order to overcome barriers and difficulties. I am passionate about developing a strong mind-body link and supporting you to make a meaningful change.
Beyond the comprehensive training in mental health, I have a specialist interest in trauma, identity, cultural issues, shame and child and family issues, with particular expertise in childhood trauma and children in care. I integrate different approaches of psychological thinking to find the right fit for you and always take the view that you are an expert on you and I can bring lots of different knowledge of psychology to help you.
My Experience and Qualifications
I completed my undergraduate honours degree in Psychology degree at the University of the West of England (2010), during which time I gained experience in a number of areas including mental health support and schools. I went on to complete a Masters in Foundations of Clinical Psychology at Bournemouth University (2011) where I also worked in the charitable sector with Barnardo’s and wrote my masters thesis on attachments in non-traditional families.
Before my doctorate, I gained experience in the NHS in various services including Adult Mental Health, CAMHS and Chronic Pain Service as an Assistant Psychologist. I also volunteered with the local council to support learning and development around culture and religion.
I completed my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Coventry University and the University of Warwick (2017) with specialist placements in paediatrics and weight management. For my doctoral thesis, I explored Religion, Mental Health and Suicide for professionals and public. Following my training, I worked in the NHS in Older Adult services in the Black Country, before moving on to working in private specialist Children’s care services in Birmingham and the Black Country. Alongside my own practice, I now work with LifePsychol who provide specialist expert services in relation to parenting, children and families.
I have gone on to further train in Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) stages 1-3 (adults) which is a specialist trauma-focussed therapy and Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP), which is a specialist attachment focussed and developmental trauma focussed therapy.
I am registered as a practitioner psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), PYL35186 and also hold membership with EMDR Association UK & Ireland, G0309.
