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Queer-Affirmative Art Therapy in Delhi (2026): A Safe, Inclusive Space for LGBTQIA+ Healing
- info8261987
- Jul 6
- 5 min read
Quick Answer
Finding a therapist who doesn't just tolerate but genuinely affirms your identity shouldn't be a rare find. Founder Piyush Jain of Art Adventures Studio identifies as Queer and holds a Queer-affirmative and person-centred stance, having worked with individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds for over 2,500 hours, with a particular focus on LGBTQAI+ individuals, children, and women. "Spreading Queer Joy" is one of the studio's six mission pillars, supported by a team including UNESCO-CID registered therapists, offering both in-person sessions in Delhi and online sessions worldwide.
A note before we continue: This article is for general informational purposes and does not diagnose any individual. If you are exploring your identity or experiencing distress, please see the note at the end of this article.
What This Guide Covers
Why Finding an Affirming Therapist Matters More Than Ever
For many LGBTQIA+ individuals, the search for a therapist comes with an extra, exhausting step most people never have to think about: figuring out whether this particular therapist will actually understand, or whether the first few sessions will be spent explaining and defending an identity instead of doing real therapeutic work. That's exactly why "queer affirmative therapy Delhi," "LGBTQIA+ art therapy India," and "inclusive therapist Delhi" have become increasingly searched terms, as more people look specifically for spaces built around genuine understanding rather than mere tolerance.
What Queer-Affirmative Therapy Actually Means
It is important to note that Piyush identifies as Queer and holds a Queer-affirmative and person-centred stance, firmly believing in a client's right to choose the life they desire. In practice, this means therapy starts from a place of respecting and affirming a client's identity as valid, rather than treating it as a topic to be questioned, "figured out," or corrected — the therapeutic focus stays on the actual concerns a client brings, not on their identity itself as a problem to be solved.
Meet Piyush: Therapist, Artist, and Queer Advocate
I'm Piyush, and my pronouns are (he/they). I am a Trauma-Informed Expressive Art Therapist registered with UNESCO-CID France, a Clinical Hypnotherapist certified by the California Institute of Hypnotherapy, and a counselling psychologist, holding a master's degree in Applied Psychology. Piyush has learned trauma-informed approaches from Dr. Cathy Malchiodi, and is additionally an illustrator, actor, and creator — having worked at 'The Akshara National Theater' in New Delhi before realizing that psychology and expressive arts therapy were his true calling.
"One of my greatest joys is working with individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds for over 2500 HOURS, with a particular focus on LGBTQAI+ individuals, children, and women. ... I identify as Queer and hold a Queer-affirmative and person centred stance, firmly believing in your right to choose the life you desire." — Piyush Jain
The Six Pillars of Art Adventures Studio's Mission
Art Adventures Studio's mission is multifaceted, spanning six key pillars:
🏡 Creating Safe Spaces
Compassionate, trauma-informed care supporting healing, emotional well-being, and personal growth.
🤝 Community Building
Using group art therapy sessions to become a cornerstone of stronger, more connected communities.
📚 Reducing Stigma Through Psycho-Education
Making mental health education accessible to empower individuals everywhere.
🌈 Spreading Queer Joy
Celebrating LGBTQIA+ creativity, stories, and experiences through inclusive art therapy.
🎓 Training Future Psychologists
Shaping the next generation of empathetic, determined mental health professionals.
📵 Reducing Technological Stress
Advocating for mindful, balanced use of technology and AI in daily life.
Spreading Queer Joy: More Than a Slogan
We celebrate LGBTQIA+ creativity, stories, and experiences, fostering a vibrant community where self-expression knows no bounds. Through inclusive art therapy and expression, we inspire individuals to embrace their authentic selves and contribute to a more joyful, accepting world. This framing matters — affirmative therapy isn't only about avoiding harm, it's actively oriented toward celebration and joy, not just tolerance or the absence of judgment.
Why Trauma-Informed Care Matters for Marginalized Communities
Creating Safe Spaces is explicitly named as a mission pillar: as compassionate healers, the studio strives to create safe and nurturing spaces while providing trauma-informed care, supporting individuals on their healing journey. For many LGBTQIA+ individuals, past experiences with family, institutions, or even previous therapists may carry real trauma — making a trauma-informed approach, rather than a purely clinical or detached one, especially relevant.
The Three Values Behind Every Session
🕊️ Tranquility
A serene sanctuary where clients can unwind and engage in therapeutic experiences that promote inner calm and balance.
🤝 Trust
Confidentiality, respect, and empathy held in high regard, so clients feel secure sharing their deepest emotions and vulnerabilities.
🧭 Adventure
Encouraging clients to venture into unexplored emotional territory, step outside comfort zones, and uncover their true potential.
Who Else the Studio Specializes in Supporting
Alongside LGBTQAI+ individuals, Piyush finds fulfillment in helping children and parents build stronger bonds, explore their unique relationships, understand trans-generational trauma, improve communication, and develop effective coping mechanisms. There is also dedicated focus on supporting busy professionals who struggle to find a healthy work-life balance, using Expressive Arts Therapy, Mindfulness, and Progressive Relaxation techniques tailored to their specific needs.
Why breadth of specialization matters: A studio built around genuine inclusivity often serves overlapping communities well — someone who is queer and also a busy working professional, or a parent navigating trans-generational trauma, doesn't need to compartmentalize different parts of their identity across different providers.
Meet the Rest of the Team
Nimrat Randhawa
Expressive Art Therapist | Clinical Hypnotherapist
MA in Applied Psychology and a master hypnotist certification from the California Hypnosis Institute, USA. Experience in career counseling and counseling for drug dependence, currently training toward full expressive arts therapist certification.
Pallavi Deswal
Expressive Art Therapist
Registered Expressive Art Therapist with UNESCO-CID France, MA in Applied Psychology, with over 850 hours of group expressive art therapy experience. Offers offline sessions in Delhi and Noida, and online sessions in English and Hindi.
How to Start: The Complimentary Chat
To determine if we are a good fit, feel free to reach out via email or phone for a complimentary 15-minute chat, followed by scheduling an introductory session. In-person counseling is offered in Delhi, India, alongside online sessions via Zoom for clients worldwide — meaning distance isn't necessarily a barrier to finding an affirming therapeutic fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does queer-affirmative therapy mean at Art Adventures Studio?
Founder Piyush Jain identifies as Queer and holds a Queer-affirmative, person-centred stance, affirming a client's identity rather than questioning it.
Who does Art Adventures Studio specialize in working with?
LGBTQAI+ individuals, children, and women, over 2,500+ hours, alongside busy professionals struggling with work-life balance.
What is "Spreading Queer Joy" as part of the mission?
One of six mission pillars: celebrating LGBTQIA+ creativity and experiences, using inclusive art therapy to inspire authentic self-expression.
What are Art Adventures Studio's core values?
Tranquility, Trust, and Adventure.
Who else is on the therapy team?
Nimrat Randhawa (Expressive Art Therapist, Clinical Hypnotherapist) and Pallavi Deswal (registered Expressive Art Therapist, UNESCO-CID France).
Is trauma-informed care part of the approach?
Yes, Piyush trained in trauma-informed approaches from Dr. Cathy Malchiodi, and it's a core mission pillar.
Are sessions available for people outside Delhi?
Yes, online sessions via Zoom are available for clients worldwide, alongside in-person sessions in Delhi.
You Deserve a Space That Sees All of You
Queer-affirmative, trauma-informed art therapy — start with a complimentary 15-minute chat.
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