Gurmanprit Kaur

About Me as a Human…

When I am not in therapy-land, you can find me:

When I’m not in therapy land, I’m usually in the boxing ring, either leading a session or getting a workout in myself, or out exploring a nature trail with my favourite playlist or some calming waterfall sounds in my ears. I absolutely love traveling and make it a point to explore new cities and countries whenever I get the chance. Evenings are often reserved for movie nights with friends and family, nothing fancy, just good food, good company, and lots of laughter.

On quieter days, I lean into my creative side by doing art and craft, spending time meditating, and enjoying the peace that comes with slowing down.

For Self-Care:

Self-care, for me, is about staying connected to myself. I make time to pause, reflect, and reset, whether that means stepping outside for fresh air, unwinding with music, sitting quietly in meditation, or simply playing with colours to express whatever I’m feeling. Taking care of myself isn’t optional, it’s essential, because only when I feel grounded and restored can I truly show up for others with presence and care.

For Fun:

I love discovering new places, whether it’s a hidden trail nearby or a city across the world. Travel fuels my curiosity and keeps life feeling fresh. I also enjoy spending time with friends and family, especially during relaxed get-togethers filled with laughter and good food.

For Growth:

I’m always curious and open to learning. Whether it’s exploring different cultures to better understand and connect with people, diving into new topics that expand my perspective, or studying therapeutic approaches to support my clients more effectively, I believe growth is a lifelong journey. Learning helps me stay grounded, build deeper empathy, and continue evolving both personally and professionally.

Something unique about me is:

I am a National Level Boxing Medalist and also a Boxing and Fitness Coach. My experience in the sports world taught me that physical and mental fitness go hand in hand. The discipline, resilience, and focus I developed through years of training now influence the way I support clients in therapy. Along with that strength, I bring deep empathy and understanding into my work, creating a space where clients feel supported, seen, and empowered to grow.

What are your academic credentials?

I hold a Master’s in Applied Psychology, and later pursued a Master of Science in Counselling and Family Therapy with a specialization in Child and Youth Counselling to expand my knowledge and strengthen my ability to support individuals across different age groups and backgrounds.

Before I Was in the Mental Health Field…

I was working in:

While pursuing my Master of Science in Counselling and Family Therapy, I was also working with the Government of India in the sports sector. I served as an Athlete Relations Manager and Counsellor, supporting the mental and emotional development of elite athletes. I worked closely with Olympic and World Champions, managing their participation in major events such as the Olympics, Asian Games, and World Championships. This experience gave me a unique perspective on resilience, performance, and the role of mental well-being in high-pressure environments.

The most impactful thing about my experience here was:

being able to support elite athletes not just in their performance but in their mental and emotional well-being. Working in such a high-pressure environment taught me how crucial mental health is, even for the strongest individuals. It showed me the power of listening, empathy, and consistent support, which continues to shape my approach as a therapist today.

Three Things I’m Currently Obsessed With and Why:

1. Learning about different therapeutic approaches – I love understanding new perspectives and tools that can help me support clients more effectively.
2. Inspiring individuals to reach their goals – I’m passionate about guiding youth and adults to believe in their potential and take meaningful steps toward the life they want to create.
3. Playing with colours through art and craft – It’s my creative outlet and a gentle reminder that healing and expression can take many forms.

Books & Podcasts

The Most Helpful Book I’ve Read Is:

"Life is What You Make It" by Preeti Shenoy.
Biggest Takeaway: that with the right support and self-belief, it’s possible to overcome even the toughest mental health challenges. The book reminded me never to give up, and showed the strength that comes from vulnerability, empathy, and emotional resilience.

The Most Interesting Book I’ve Read Is:

"The Body Keeps the Score: How Physical Movement Heals Trauma" by Bessel van der Kolk
Why: It explained how practices like boxing and movement can support emotional regulation and healing. It resonated with my belief that true well-being comes from addressing both the body and the mind together.

Specialty & Specific Interest Areas

Client Populations:

I specialize in working with children, youth, and adults. I support clients through challenges related to anxiety, stress, emotional regulation, life transitions, and family or relationship concerns. My approach focuses on building resilience, self-awareness, and emotional well-being across all stages of life.

Clinical Concerns:

I specialize in supporting individuals experiencing anxiety, low self-esteem, emotional regulation difficulties, performance-related stress, and challenges related to cultural identity and adjustment.

Non-Clinical Concerns:

I specialize in working with individuals on building confidence, motivation, goal-setting, and performance enhancement. I also have a special interest in supporting personal growth, identity exploration, and adjustment to life transitions such as immigration, career shifts, and academic stress.

Expertise & Additional Areas of Study

I have the following additional courses, workshops, and training:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Focused on evidence-based strategies to support clients dealing with anxiety, depression, and unhelpful thought patterns.
• Sport Psychology: Trained in understanding the mental aspects of performance, motivation, and resilience, particularly useful when working with athletes and high-performing individuals.
• Crisis Intervention: Gained practical skills to support individuals in high-stress or traumatic situations, ensuring emotional safety and short-term coping strategies.
• Art-Based Therapy Approaches: Explored creative therapeutic techniques that use visual art as a tool for self-expression, emotional release, and healing, particularly effective with children and adolescents.

I have expertise and experience working with:

• Children, youth, and adults experiencing anxiety, low self-esteem, emotional regulation difficulties, and life transitions..
• Athletes and high performers dealing with performance pressure, motivation challenges, and mental blocks, using both therapeutic and sport psychology principles.
• Families and individuals from diverse backgrounds, including newcomers, navigating cultural adjustment, relationship dynamics, and parent-child conflict.

Experience in fitness and mental performance coaching, combining physical training with mental health strategies to enhance overall well-being and resilience.

Some of the Clinical Orientations, Methods, and Theories I Integrate with ShiftGrit’s Core Method:

1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): To help clients recognize and shift unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours.
2. Strength-Based and Solution-Focused Approaches: To empower clients by focusing on their abilities, resources, and future goals.
3. Mindfulness and Emotion Regulation Techniques: To support self-awareness, reduce reactivity, and build emotional resilience.
4. Art and Movement-Based Strategies: To offer creative, body-informed pathways for expression and healing, particularly effective with youth and clients who prefer non-verbal methods.

People Like Working with Me Because…

I bring a calm, empathetic, and non-judgmental presence into the room. I genuinely listen, meet people where they are, and create a space where they feel safe, supported, and understood. My background in both mental health and performance coaching helps me blend structure with compassion, making clients feel both empowered and cared for.

Free form

Beyond the therapy room, I am someone who thrives on growth, structure, and purpose. I am passionate about bridging the gap between mental and physical health, and I deeply value helping others develop self-awareness, confidence, and clarity. Whether clients are navigating life transitions, burnout, or identity struggles, I aim to bring a grounded and real-world perspective. My journey from athlete to therapist has shaped a strong understanding of resilience, discipline, and healing. I am committed to making therapy approachable, results-oriented, and genuinely transformative for every individual I work with.