Dr Tani Khara
Grief and Trauma Therapist

"I work as a trauma therapist and academic researcher, focusing on how human–animal relationships shape mental wellbeing"

About Me

I’m a grief and trauma therapist, passionate about supporting people navigate loss, adversity and life’s hardest transitions.

Alongside my therapy work, I conduct academic research and publish on human–animal relationships and their impact on mental wellbeing.

Within the therapy room with my clients, I aim to create a space of compassion and emotional safety, where clients can gently unpack and release the weight of anxiety, stress, grief, depression or trauma.

Because no two people are the same, I blend structured therapeutic frameworks with more fluid approaches.

For certain clients, I may use more structured modalities such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT).

In other instances, I draw on more exploratory approaches such as Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and Narrative Therapy (NT).

I also incorporate spiritual and existential perspectives into client sessions, where relevant.

My approach is grounded in presence and respect, allowing room for deep exploration, healing and meaningful change.

Many of the clients I work with are women in the workforce, from all walks of life, navigating the complex challenges that arise personally and professionally.

A significant part of my work also involves supporting clients who work in animal care and protection i.e., veterinary professionals, charity & shelter workers and animal advocates. These are people who carry immense compassion - and, at times, equally immense emotional burdens.

I bring warmth and care - and I aim to create an inviting, safe space for exploration, healing and growth.

Understanding Trauma Therapy

A trauma therapist is trained to help people process and heal from distressing life experiences. In practice, this means creating a safe, supportive space where the impact of trauma on thoughts, emotions, and the body can be understood, worked through, and gradually transformed into resilience and growth.

Qualifications

Degree:

PhD (University of Technology Sydney)
Masters in Counselling & Psychotherapy (Monash University) - Currently completing.

Academic Research

I research and publish in the domain of psychosocial issues mental health and human-animal interactions as part of University of Technology Sydney.

Expertise and Interests

Areas of Specialty

Grief, Loss & Bereavement - Including death-related grief, anticipatory grief, ambiguous loss, and mourning tied to identity shifts or major transitions.
Trauma - Including complex trauma, developmental trauma, attachment wounds, and experiences of violence or violation.
Stress & Anxiety - Chronic worry, generalised anxiety, panic, and the pressures of high-responsibility roles.
Depression - Encompassing persistent low mood, emotional numbness, and feelings of hopelessness or disconnection.
Workplace Issues - Such as burnout, chronic stress, workplace bullying, low motivation, and navigating complex team dynamics or leadership roles.
Existential Concerns & Life Meaning - Including end-of-life reflection, spiritual crises, and the search for purpose, belonging, or direction.