Priya Anandan: A Voice for the Voiceless, A Guide for the Lost

In the bustling heart of Chennai, where life moves fast and pressures run deep, Priya Anandan, 47, has carved out a quiet but powerful sanctuary—where healing begins with listening, and transformation starts with trust.

As the founder of three remarkable initiatives—Breathe’n Counselling & Wellbeing, Shine On Child Development Center, and Shine On Special School for Intellectually Challenged Children—Priya is a certified clinical psychologist, parenting expert, special educator, and advocate. But above all, she is a compassionate listener and a tireless guide for those walking through some of life’s most complex emotional terrains.

Her journey, layered with purpose and resilience, is an inspiration to many—professionals and parents alike.

A Dream Rekindled

Psychology was never just a career choice for Priya—it was a calling. Drawn early to the study of human behavior and the science behind emotions, she harbored a deep desire to make a difference in people’s lives.

However, her path initially led her into the legal field. While practicing law, a case brought her into contact with several psychologists. That experience reawakened her early passion. “The spark returned,” she says. “I remembered how much I wanted to be in a profession that could change lives from the inside out.”

That realization led her to pursue postgraduate education in psychology, adding multiple certifications to her name, including in clinical therapy, parenting guidance, and special education. And in 2013, Breathe’n Counselling & Wellbeing was born—a safe space where people could open up, unburden themselves, and begin their journey toward mental and emotional recovery.

More Than a Therapist—A Human Bridge

In over nine years of counselling, Priya has supported over 1,500 clients, each with unique needs, struggles, and stories. Her therapeutic approach is deeply personal—she tailors her technique to each individual, combining methodologies like CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), ACT, DBT, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy.

“I don’t tell people what to do,” Priya explains. “Change is hard. My job is to ask the right questions, be patient, and guide them at their pace. Therapy is not about control—it’s about collaboration.”

She treats a wide spectrum of mental health issues—ranging from depression, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD to postnatal challenges, emotional regulation difficulties, addictions, and even trauma linked to health conditions like cancer.

What sets Priya apart is her deep-rooted empathy and human-first philosophy. Her clients often find not just healing, but hope.

A School Where Every Child Shines

If Breathe’n is where minds are mended, Shine On Special School is where hearts are touched. Priya’s work with children who are intellectually challenged is a cornerstone of her mission.

“At Shine On, we believe every child is different—not less,” she says. “We’re not just teaching—we’re learning, growing, and celebrating every small victory together.”

Each day, Priya and her team witness what many would call miracles. Children who once remained silent begin to express. Those who struggled to connect begin to bond. She recalls one powerful moment: “There was a boy who hadn’t spoken for months. We patiently sang his name, told him stories, waited. One day during art class, he softly tapped me and said, ‘Miss Priya.’ That was his first word. Not perfect. But it was his. And it was beautiful.”

Moments like these, she says, make the long days, emotional weight, and the fight for inclusivity worth every ounce of effort.

Therapy Beyond Business

True to her belief that mental healthcare should be accessible, Priya offers free first consultations, often spending over an hour just helping people feel heard. “How can I charge someone just for opening up?” she asks. “Sometimes, they just need to feel seen. That’s not something you put a price on.”

She provides local in-person sessions at her Vandalur therapy room and offers online therapy for clients from Chennai to Puducherry. Every first interaction includes a free 15-minute consultation—a chance for potential clients to understand the process, clear doubts, and see if therapy is right for them.

Her sessions are flexible, structured around the needs and goals of each client, with a 90-minute initial assessment to set the foundation.

Above all, confidentiality and emotional safety are her core values. “People come to therapy in their most vulnerable state,” she says. “It’s a privilege to be trusted with that.”

A Vision Grounded in Empathy

Today, Priya’s work is touching not just individuals, but families, schools, and entire communities. Her centers serve as beacons of emotional wellness, special education, and early intervention.

Whether she’s helping a trauma survivor build resilience, a parent understand their child better, or a special needs student take their first step toward independence—Priya’s commitment is unwavering.

She believes that therapists, like artists, use their tools with care and intuition. “Every session is like a chess game,” she reflects. “It’s intense, it’s strategic, and it’s human. I give it my all.”

Final Word

In a world increasingly aware of mental health yet still battling stigma and neglect, Priya Anandan is more than a psychologist—she’s a changemaker. Through Breathe’n Counselling, Shine On Development Center, and Shine On Special School, she is not only healing minds—she is reshaping mindsets.

For many, she is the first voice of comfort. For others, the last hope. For all, she is the reminder that even the softest voices can echo the loudest transformations.