Ms. Sharanya Venkataraman
Sharanya is a Licensed Psychologist based in Dubai with over seven years of experience in culturally sensitive and evidence-based mental health care. She holds Master’s degrees in Developmental Psychopathology from the UK and Clinical Psychology from the US, bringing a global perspective shaped by living in four countries and practicing in three.
Specializing in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Sharanya provides therapy for adolescents and adults at Monarch Health Centers. Her practice integrates third-wave treatments with culturally responsive care to address challenges such as depression, anxiety, personality disorders, trauma, and substance use. She also works with clients facing workplace stress, relationship difficulties, and minority stress, tailoring interventions to unique needs.
Collaboration is central to Sharanya’s approach. She works closely with families and caregivers, creating supportive environments for sustainable growth. Beyond therapy, she leads parent and family groups and conducts neurodevelopmental and psychoeducational assessments to guide treatment and planning.
Sharanya is deeply committed to mental health advocacy and education. She is a member of the MENATA conference scientific committee, ensuring the quality of submissions and workshops. As a workshop facilitator, she addresses topics such as stress management, intergenerational trauma, and leadership development, with a focus on fostering emotional intelligence and resilience.
In every role, Sharanya strives to empower individuals, families, and communities to overcome challenges and build meaningful, values-driven lives. Whether in therapy, assessments, or public outreach, she aims to break barriers, create connections, and inspire positive change.
Beyond the Past: Parenting with Awareness and Compassion
Parenting practices are deeply influenced by intergenerational trauma, personal experiences, and cultural norms. For mental health professionals working with caregivers, it is crucial to integrate a trauma-informed framework to support families in fostering secure, nurturing environments. This workshop, *Beyond the Past: Parenting with Awareness and Compassion,* equips clinicians with practical tools and insights to address the complexities of parenting in the context of trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) (Felitti et al., 1998).
Grounded in Polyvagal Theory (Porges, 2004) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) principles (Linehan, 2015), this session focuses on how neurobiological responses to trauma influence both parenting behaviors and child development. Participants will explore the importance of neuroception—the ability to detect safety and threat—and its role in shaping relational dynamics.
Interactive components will include experiential exercises in self-regulation and co-regulation, highlighting the connection between caregiver emotional states and child well-being. Professionals will learn to guide parents in implementing emotion regulation techniques, mindfulness strategies, and DBT-based interventions to model adaptive coping for their children.
The workshop also provides an in-depth exploration of parenting styles (Baumrind, 1991), emphasizing authoritative approaches that balance emotional warmth with structure. Role-play scenarios and reflective activities will enable clinicians to practice applying these principles in therapeutic contexts, helping caregivers move beyond reactive patterns to more intentional, compassionate parenting.
By addressing intergenerational trauma and integrating evidence-based strategies, this workshop offers mental health professionals a comprehensive framework to support families in achieving sustainable change. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how to empower caregivers to break cycles of trauma, nurture resilience, and build meaningful, secure relationships with their children.
References
- Baumrind, D. (1991). The influence of parenting style on adolescent competence and substance use. The Journal of Early Adolescence, 11(1), 56-95.
- Felitti, V. J., Anda, R. F., Nordenberg, D., Williamson, D. F., Spitz, A. M., Edwards, V., & Marks, J. S. (1998). Relationship of childhood abuse and household dysfunction to many of the leading causes of death in adults. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 14(4), 245-258.
- Linehan, M. M. (2015). DBT skills training manual (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
- Porges, S. W. (2004). Neuroception: A subconscious system for detecting threats and safety. Zero to Three, 24(5), 19-24.