Creative therapy for those grew up too soon and are ready to unlearn living in survival mode.
Adults who grew up too soon often carry what I describe as the ‘invisble backpack’…here’s a quick guide I’ve put together to acknowledge this implicit load.
Hi! I’m Neha.
(Pronounced ‘Nay-ha’)
My journey to becoming a therapist began through dance. If I had to describe this journey in one sentence, it would be: I am a hip-hop dancer turned salsa dancer turned creative arts therapist. I love to admire mountains, eat biryani and cuddle with my dog. I am a textbook ambivert and somehow, am always catching up on my texts!
I myself have found deep healing and catharsis through movement and became intrigued by its transformative power. Because of this, I place great value on the lived experiences of my clients and deeply believe that they are the best experts on themselves. I have a deep focus on knowledge sharing and believe that with the right tools and support systems, people can thrive!
My private practice was birthed from my desire to offer professional, collaborative, and ethical mental health support that mirrored both tools and support for individuals who feel strained by trying to “do it all.” Over the past decade, I have cultivated a global practice grounded in embodied therapeutic processes and a deep commitment to accessibility, ethics, and cultural sensitivity.
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I am a qualified mental health therapist who embraces both - lived experience and the evidence-based science of embodied cognition - to support my clients towards mental ease.
I am also an educator & researcher with a focus on bridging the gap between clinical practice, research, and social engagement through the creative arts.
My clinical experience spans diverse contexts - supporting older adults with severe and persistent mental illness and incarcerated adults in New York, children from low-income backgrounds in the Dominican Republic, Tibetan refugees in Nepal, and adolescents experiencing affluent neglect in India.
I believe that wellness is often the result of aligned collaboration, and can’t be achieved single-handedly. My work experiences have led me to create a style of support I call embodied conversations, which have proven to be effective in supporting clients through a range of experiences.
You can read more about my experience here: https://www.nehachristopher.com/dr-neha-christopher
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You can read more about my philosophy and approach here: https://www.nehachristopher.com/embodied-conversations
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Dr Neha Christopher, Ph.D., B.C.-DMT, A.Th.R., M.Sc.
Doctorate of Philosophy (Mental Health and Creative Arts Therapy) University of Melbourne, Australia
Registered Creative Arts Therapist (ANZACATA # 64526890)
Board Certified Dance/Movement Therapist (ADTA #1313)
Founding Board and current Professional Member, Indian Association of Dance Movement Therapy (IADMT #PM0008).
Masters of Science, Pratt Institute, USA
Many of my clients are the first in their family to try therapy. I call them, ‘First Generation Unlearners’.
In my work, I have seen first-generation unlearners navigate a unique burden of their personal growth setting them apart from those they love. This often feels isolating and heavy, like they are holding entire responsibility of moving everyone forward.
Through embodied and compassionate work, I help clients ease that burden and create space for a life that feels sustainable & authentic.
In-Person Creative Arts Therapy Services
Brunswick & Thornbury, Naarm (Melbourne, Australia)
Images provided by Melbourne Integrated Therapies.
Sessions are offered in Brunswick and Thornbury.
Both locations are accessible by public transport, are well lit and intentionally designed to support the therapy process (see images on the left from the Brunswick location).
Sessions are predominantly private pay and are AUD 160 for 45 minute sessions* and; AUD 180 for 60 minute sessions.
Individuals registered with NDIS maybe eligible to access sessions via
A) self-managed or
B) fund managed plans
Please email me at neha@creativewellness.org.in if you have any questions about working with me as an NDIS participant.
Family Reconciliation & Mediation Program needs: Individuals at risk of being unhoused maybe able to access sessions with me, on advise of their case worker through organisations like Melbourne City Mission
*sliding scale options are available for international students/ students. The sliding scale slots are currently full.
Note: GP Mental health care plans are not accepted
Virtual Creative Therapy Services
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Tele-Therapy Sessions | Australia based clients
I offer online person-centred creative arts therapy sessions to individuals residing in Australia.
Sessions range from 45 minutes to 60 minutes
Sessions are priced between AUD 150 and AUD 180
My approach centers embodied conversations™
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Wellbeing Sessions | Across borders
I offer Person-Centred well-being sessions to individual across the globe.
Sessions range from 45 minutes to 60 minutes
Sessions are priced between AUD 130 and AUD 180
Sessions are reduced by 40% for adults residing in SAARC countries
My approach centers embodied conversations™
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Clinical Supervision & Consultations | Across borders
1:1 supervision sessions are 45 minutes long and are priced at AUD 150.
Professional consultations are 50 minutes long, are typically priced at AUD 150 and reduced by 50% for adults residing in SAARC countries
My approach centers embodied conversations™
“Over the last decade, I have developed a unique approach that propels emotional growth through unlearning called embodied conversations™
It is a space where real-life experiences meet proven, research-based therapeutic approaches”
-Neha Christopher
What are ‘Embodied Conversations’™?
Embodied Conversations is a space where real-life experiences meet proven, research-based therapeutic approaches.
Using an embodied approach in therapy means paying attention to the connection between your body, thoughts, and emotions. How we experience our bodies shapes how we perceive the world and influences how we respond to challenges (Foglia & Wilson, 2013). By tuning into the body, therapy can help calm mental overload, quiet racing thoughts, and create a sense of grounding.
Embodied Conversations draws on dance movement therapy to build emotional awareness and understanding. When you connect with your body through movement, it can help release built-up tension, shift unhelpful patterns, and create new ways of responding. This often leads to feeling less stuck and more able to problem-solve with clarity. Research shows that dance movement therapy can help reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and emotional stress (Zhang & Wei, 2024).
